QUESTION
Shoplifting and whether or not to plead guilty?
Asked on Jun 14th, 2013 on Expungements - Washington
More details to this question:
I was very foolish, decided to shop lift with a buddy for the first time and I got caught. We were arrested and because of our civility we were given a Theft of 3rd Degree (which I think he said was a misdemeanor and not a felony?) by the officer instead of a felony, we didnt spend time in jail (I'm 18). I have an arrangement court hearing tomorrow and am unsure what to expect and what to plead really. I believe I should have an attorney, but I dont really know. I heard of something called deferment, where for 6 months they put the case on hold, and if I'm on good behavior they will drop the case? How can I plead for this? If I plead guilty, can I still get this? Is there any advantage to pleading non-guilty now? Will I lose that deferment option? How will any of this look for when I apply to jobs? I truly appreciate any and all help I can get!
1 ANSWER
Civil Litigation Attorney serving Seattle, WA
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You should definitely not plead guilty. You should get a good lawyer and try to find a way to have it dismissed. Theft 3 is a gross misdemeanor, not a felony. Theft is a very ugly thing to have on your record, especially when you are applying for jobs.
Answered on Jun 15th, 2013 at 8:22 AM