QUESTION
What consequence will I receive for a first offense minor shoplifting charge ($20 worth of merchandise)?
Asked on Jan 13th, 2013 on Criminal Law - New Jersey
7 ANSWERS
Michael J. Breczinski
You want to plead not guilty and try to get into a program to keep it off your record. The most severe consequence is not jail or fines but having a record at all. A record stays with you FOREVER. What employer wants to hire a thief.
Answered on Jan 21st, 2013 at 11:21 PM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Alhambra, CA
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Francis John Cowhig
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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.
Answered on Jan 14th, 2013 at 11:03 PM
Thomas Edward Gates
You will likely be sentence to attend a consumer awareness class, perform community service, pay restitution, pay a fine and have no further criminal violations. You will also be required to pay a civil fine to the store. Probation is one year.
Answered on Jan 14th, 2013 at 11:02 PM
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 talked into a plea that you will surely regret for life.
Answered on Jan 14th, 2013 at 11:02 PM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Brighton, MI
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The Law Office of Steven M. Dodge, PLLC
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That very much depends on which judge is assigned to your case and which prosecutor is involved. They all have different prosecution/sentencing policies. Who is your judge?
Answered on Jan 14th, 2013 at 10:59 PM
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Every jurisdiction is different. Some do no jail and other say 5 days on a persons first. You need to get an experienced criminal defense attorney to help you.? If this is an Eastern WA state citation contact me.? I handle all types of criminal offense throughout Eastern WA state.
Answered on Jan 14th, 2013 at 10:58 PM
Bankruptcy Law Attorney serving Livingston, NJ
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Law Office of Stuart M. Nachbar, P.C.
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You will probably have to make restitution, pay a fine and get probation.
Answered on Jan 14th, 2013 at 8:38 PM