Shoplifting

[jbhbnvb]

All,
my wife yesterday was charged with stealing a few pieces of jewelry from the local (dept. store). The items in total cost less than like $60. Her court date is the first week of December.

What should my next step be?

Should I seek a criminal defense attorney?

Use a public defender?

Is there a way to not even go to court?

Will this be on her record?

Thank you.

J

 

[army judge]

All,
my wife yesterday was charged with stealing a few pieces of jewelry from the local (dept. store). The items in total cost less than like $60. Her court date is the first week of December.

What should my next step be?

Should I seek a criminal defense attorney?

Use a public defender?

Is there a way to not even go to court?

Will this be on her record?

Thank you.

J

You can support her, counsel her, help her get treatment for her "problem", her cry for help.
She should plead not guilty, she can hire an attorney (use the next fortnight to find herself one), admit to nothing, confess to nothing, same stuff we tell everyone.
You can use our search feature to read all about the standard advice we give to unfortunate shoplifters.
Yes, there could be diversion programs, those reduce her punishment. But, this'll cost hundreds of dollars and her once good name will be ruined irreparairably.

 

[shrinkmaster]

I am a retail theft consultant and answer questions like yours daily. AJ is correct she should plead not guilty and seek legal advice from a local Attorney. She should be sure to ask about plea options like ACD or Diversion. It is also advisable you remove store name from post

 

[cbg]

You don't get to choose between hiring a defense attorney or using a public defender. The public defender is who you get when you can't afford to hire an attorney.

 

[Betty3]

It is also advisable you remove store name from post

I went ahead & removed the name of store - your wife's protection.