How can I get my shoplifting record off if this is my first offense ever?

It sounds like you have just been charged and have not entered a plea as yet. You do not want to plead guilty to this theft charge as it could affect you further down the road. I strongly suggest you contact an attorney to discuss the case. An attorney may be able to help keep this off your record.

Hire an attorney to get the charge dismissed or amended to a lesser offense, such as "Littering." Depending on which court this is in, you might not even have to appear in court if you hire an attorney to represent you, but you will have to pay a fine and court costs.

You want to speak to an attorney right away. This case could affect your license. If you do not hire an attorney before court, you will want to enter a plea of not guilty and ask for some time to hire a lawyer.

At arraignment, you always have a right to plead not guilty or stand mute and request that the court enter a plea of not guilty on your behalf. Don't feel pressured to plead guilty. Whether to plead guilty is ultimately your choice and it needs to be voluntarily decision. ? At arraignment, the judge or magistrate should advise you of your charge, your rights, ask how you wish to plead, then set a bond. If the charge is serious enough, they ask if you wish to have a court-appointed attorney or if you wish to retain counsel. It is usually a quick process. However, if you have questions, ask. The judge may or may not be able to answer, but it's important that you understand your rights. Shoplifting is usually charged in Michigan as retail fraud, third-degree, MCL 750.356d, if the value is under $200.00. This is a misdemeanor punishable upon conviction by up to ninety-three days in jail, fines, costs, restitution, probation up to two years, or other sanctions at the court's discretion. If convicted, as a misdemeanor, it could stay on a person's record. However, certain people, especially younger alleged offenders who are interested in potentially pleading guilty may be eligible for diversionary programs such the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act which, if completed, could keep a conviction from being entered in their public record.? ? However, if a person has a prior retail fraud conviction, they could be charged with retail fraud, second degree, even if the alleged amount is under $200.00. ? Retail fraud second degree, MCL 750.356d (1), is a misdemeanor, punishable upon conviction by up to a year in jail, fines, costs, probation up to two years, restitution, or other sanctions at the court's discretion. ? As with a retail fraud third, if convicted, as a misdemeanor, it could stay on a person's record. However, certain people, especially younger alleged offenders who are interested in potentially pleading guilty may be eligible for diversionary programs such the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act which, if completed, could keep a conviction from being entered in their public record. If you need specific legal advice for your particular circumstances, I encourage you to privately consult with a lawyer. If you are charged with an offense and cannot afford to pay for your own defense, the court may appoint you an attorney payable at the public's expense. You have a right to counsel.

Shoplifting is a petty theft. First time petty theft can be a misdemeanor or an infraction. If the amount is valued at $50.00 or less the prosecution is allowed to file the case as an infraction. If filed as an infraction the penalty will be a fine of $250.00. If you are found guilty of the infraction you may answer no ruefully to the question, have you ever been convicted or arrested for a felony or misdemeanor.

Instead of worrying about getting it off your record, which could take years, you need to focus your attention on how you can avoid being convicted. Petty theft is a crime of moral turpitude, and if convicted you can kiss your career aspirations goodbye. Hire a lawyer before you get duped into a plea you will regret for life.

Most jurisdictions offer options to first offenders that will keep the matter off their public records, such as diversion. Consult with an experienced criminal defense lawyer in your area that handles retail fraud charges.