Do I need an attorney for shoplifting charge?

Question

Im so dumb and stole some things at the mall. The total that the stolen stuff was worth was only like 150 dollars. We got busted by some secret shopper person and now I gotta appear in court. Do I need an attorney for this?

Joseph Dane · Answer

You're looking at theft charges that can land you in jail, on probation and with a theft conviction on your record indefinitely.  Yes, you absolutely need a lawyer.

John J. Carney · Answer

You have committed a crime that could get you a year in jail, three years probation, and a criminal record for life for a bunch of stuff you don't even need. You don't even realize that you need a lawyer and that if you are indigent, and I think that is likely, that the judge will appoint one for you. What you do not know can hurt you in life and you do not know a lot. I advise you to make better decisions in the future and get a good education or you are going to have a very rough life.

Michael J. Breczinski · Answer

Yes you do since that person may be able to work out a deal where you end up with no permanent criminal record. What employer wants to hire a thief?

Francis Cowhig · Answer

Depending on the amount allegedly stolen and the jurisdiction where the event occurred, shoplifting can be met with a mere citation (infraction), or charged as a misdemeanor or even a felony, with possible jail sentences of 6 months to 3 years.  It will be up to the D.A. to determine how the crime will be charged.  I suggest that you hire an attorney to help you negotiate the best deal possible.

Patrick Earl · Answer

Yes you need an attorney. One to see if the State actually has the necessary testimony/witnesses to win at trial and two, to try and keep it off your record. Get an attorney now.  If this is a WA state case and it is in Eastern WA contact me. I can help.

Cynthia Henley · Answer

You absolutely need a lawyer. Theft is a crime of moral turpitude and can ruin your life.

Jeff Yeh · Answer

Absolutely. Petty theft is a crime of moral turpitude, and if convicted you can kiss your school/career aspirations goodbye. Hire a good lawyer before you get duped into a plea you will regret for life.

Geoffrey MacLaren Yaryan · Answer

That is your decision, but I believe anyone going to court should have an   attorney.

Nathaniel Shafer · Answer

If you have no intention of fighting the charge, then maybe not. However, it might be a good idea to have an attorney look over the case to see if there is any possibility of a reduced charge or an acquittal.

Michael Kelly · Answer

When facing a criminal charge, it is in your best interest to hire an attorney.  Pursuant to Massachusetts law, the punishment for larceny, where the total value of goods does not exceed $250, is a fine of up to $300 or imprisonment for up to 1 year in a house of corrections.  This is a misdemeanor.  I would suggest calling a criminal defense attorney that will be able to discuss your options and speak to the prosecutor on your behalf.  Many times first offenders may get probation or a suspended sentence.

Eric Lumberg · Answer

it is always a better idea to have a lawyer represent you on a criminal matter.  The lawyer will discuss possible defenses and other options with you.

Steven Dodge · Answer

If you would like to keep your record clean, probably yes. Your best option is to retain your own attorney. If that is not possible, request a court appointed attorney.  What court has your case?

Dennis P. Mikko · Answer

Everybody had the right to represent themselves in court.  You do not need an attorney.  However, an attorney can explain the process to you and may be able to work with the prosecuting attorney in regards to a plea bargain or can help you in the sentencing process.  At the very least, an attorney can advise you of your rights and the process you will be going through.

Daniel J. Pingelton · Answer

You should hire counsel. You'll get a better deal from the prosecutor.

Romeo Perez · Answer

Anytime someone is charged with a crime it is very important to know your rights.  I always recommend hiring an attorney to review the evidence and discuss any defenses that you may have.  There are other civil remedies available to the shop owner that you should be aware of also.

Jared Winter · Answer

Yes, you absolutely do.  Even if you feel like you're guilty, you still deserve to be treated fairly by the prosecutor and the court.  Having an attorney is the only way to ensure you are treated fairly.  Petty thefts may not seem like a big deal, but a conviction for a simple petty theft can have particularly dire consequences for you.  It's actually one of the more serious misdemeanors.  Hiring an attorney at this point would be a wise investment.

John Brennan · Answer

Yes, as you are going to want to attempt to avoid this error being on your permanent record and following you for the rest of your life.

Andrea Rogers · Answer

Yes, you definitely need to hire an attorney to represent you. The  potential sentence in Missouri for shoplifting under $500 is up to 1  year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.  If you have no prior convictions for shoplifting, your attorney can  probably get the charge reduced to "Littering." You will have to pay a  fine and court costs but you won't have to appear in court.

Stephen Freeborn · Answer

In my opinion you should.  As I read your question, you seem to attempt to "justify" or cheapen the offense by saying he stuff was worth only like 150 dollars".  Theft is theft.  Shoplift is a gross misdemeanor punishable by a maximum of 1 year in jail and a $5,000.00 fine.  Depending upon your criminal record, the judge may or may not order jail time.  You don't say how old you are or if you are working.  Do you think an employer is going to want to keep employing you if you can't be trusted?  Do you think someone is going to want to hire someone who steals.  You have to disclose criminal convictions on job applications.  If you are planning to attend college, a criminal conviction - especially one that goes to trust... like theft / shoplift, can disqualify you from many schools.  If you are planning to apply for government loans, a criminal conviction will prevent you from doing so.  Now maybe you will realize that what you did was not a little matter.... even if it was ONLY 150 dollars.

Eric Rothstein · Answer

Yes. You are charged with a crime.

Jared Austin · Answer

It is not required that you have one and while many represent themselves on such charges, it's not a bad idea to hire one either. They can walk you through the steps and if nothing else it eases your mind by removing the stress of having to deal with it all by yourself. You may qualify for a diversion program which would keep the matter off your public record.

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Do I need an attorney for shoplifting charge?

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