QUESTION
Do you perhaps know what will happen on a shoplifting case?
Asked on Mar 03rd, 2013 on Criminal Law - New Jersey
More details to this question:
I've had a tough time lately with collage, no job and a place of my own to pay for. It seems like I'm slowly going poor. Last night I attempted to take $120 or so worth of stuff. I was caught and took the items back and they gave me a court date a month from now they also said I will have to pay restitution for the items and I will be banned from the store for life. I also have to go to the jail to get pictures and fingerprinted next week. This is my First Offense. What will happen? I reside in Tennessee. I'm so nervous over this and I've never got into trouble before with the law. I really don't want to go to jail. I don't want to pay $1000 either.
6 ANSWERS
Michael J. Breczinski
Get a lawyer and then maybe something can be worked out so that you end up with no criminal conviction on your record. This is huge. A criminal record is forever. What employer wants to hire a thief?
Answered on Mar 12th, 2013 at 9:10 PM
John J. Carney
You made a poor decision as now you will have to pay a lot of money, possible have a criminal record, and hurt your reputation. Your public defender will probably get a dismissal or a plea to a violation fit is your first offense but some small town court judges are more strict and they may not approve the dismissal. You could get community service. Make sure this is the last time you commit a crime and you will be fine but you must get a good education, a job you love, and work very hard to get the skills that it takes to succeed.
Answered on Mar 08th, 2013 at 9:52 AM
Drug Charges Attorney serving Houston, TX
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Cynthia Henley
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This does not relate to Texas law. Change to your area to get answers from lawyers in your state.
Answered on Mar 06th, 2013 at 8:09 PM
Criminal Law Attorney serving Oakland, CA
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Law Office of Jared C. Winter
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Don't do anything without first consulting an attorney. It sounds like money is tight for you right now, so if you can't afford to hire a lawyer, just go to your court date and ask the judge to appoint the public defender to represent you. Public defenders are attorneys as well. You need to have an attorney review your case and advise you on the best course of action. Good luck. First time petty theft offenses are usually eligible for diversion in most jurisdictions, which means that you jump through some hoops and stay out of trouble and they dismiss the case.
Answered on Mar 06th, 2013 at 6:57 PM
Tax Attorney serving North Smithfield, RI
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The Law Offices of Mark L. Smith
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People do not go to jail for shoplifting unless you are a booster (professional shoplifter). The photo and fingerprints will be all at the jail or police station. You should have the case dismissed upon payment of restitution and some community service.
Answered on Mar 06th, 2013 at 1:34 AM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Englewood Cliffs, NJ
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Savyon Grant, Esq. & Associates
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Well you need to hire an attorney. You are facing a potential jail sentence up to 6 moths. Maybe the lawyer can plea it to a different offense.
Answered on Mar 06th, 2013 at 1:32 AM