QUESTION
What do I do if I took a five dollars shirt out of a store in the mall and it’s my first offense?
Asked on Apr 23rd, 2013 on Criminal Law - New York
6 ANSWERS
If you were charged with shoplifting, then you need to hire an attorney to represent you. If you plead guilty and are convicted, the shoplifting charge will stay on your criminal record forever and can never be sealed or expunged. The conviction will keep you from getting a job, renting an apartment, getting a loan, etc.
Answered on Apr 29th, 2013 at 4:11 AM
Michael J. Breczinski
Get a lawyer. Plead NOT guilty. You lose all bargaining power if you plead guilty right off the bat.That person may be able to work out something where you end up with no criminal record. This is huge. A criminal record lasts FOREVER. What employer wants to hire a thief?
Answered on Apr 25th, 2013 at 2:38 PM
Criminal Law Attorney serving Oakland, CA
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Law Office of Jared C. Winter
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What you do is you hire a lawyer. Don't try to handle the case yourself. If you can't afford to hire a lawyer, go to your court date and ask the judge to appoint the public defender.
Answered on Apr 25th, 2013 at 1:12 AM
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 that you will regret for life.
Answered on Apr 25th, 2013 at 1:08 AM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Alhambra, CA
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Francis John Cowhig
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Hire an attorney.
Answered on Apr 25th, 2013 at 12:52 AM
Hire a lawyer or ask the court to assign one.
Answered on Apr 25th, 2013 at 12:12 AM