QUESTION
What should I do on my first court hearing?
Asked on Oct 25th, 2012 on Criminal Law - Michigan
More details to this question:
I was caught today stealing at a store. The police took me to the station, took my fingerprints and photo. My hearing is in a week. This is my first time convicting a crime and I'm very sorry, and I'm an international student. Please help me.
13 ANSWERS
John J. Carney
You should call my office for a referral to a lawyer in your area who can get the charge dismissed. You can get an ACD dismissal and if you are not re-arrested after 6 months the case will be sealed and you will not have a criminal record. This was a very bad decision and you must avoid getting arrested again in the future or you might get suspended from school, deported, or even get a ail sentence.
Answered on Nov 02nd, 2012 at 10:26 PM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Alhambra, CA
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Francis John Cowhig
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Your question requires an attorney consultation. It is not a simple question that can be answered on this type of forum. There are many factors that would need to be considered and evaluated. I strongly suggest that you contact an experienced criminal law attorney for a face-to-face consultation and give him/her all of the facts surrounding your case. He/she would then be in a better position to analyze your case and advise you of your options.
Answered on Oct 28th, 2012 at 1:32 AM
Plead NOT guilty. Either HIRE your own attorney (best) OR request a court-appointed one.
Answered on Oct 28th, 2012 at 1:32 AM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Orange, CA
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Law Office of Joe Dane
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Get a lawyer. That's the bottom line. You are risking a conviction for a crime of moral turpitude that can affect your immigration status, schooling, etc.
Answered on Oct 27th, 2012 at 3:09 PM
Bankruptcy Attorney serving Federal Way, WA
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Freeborn Law Offices P.S.
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Get an attorney. If you are convicted of this crime, and you are not a US citizen, it could result in your deportation. You could also do jail time. If you are receiving federal loans, you may loose those.
Answered on Oct 26th, 2012 at 5:03 PM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Fullerton, CA
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The Law Offices of John W. Bussman
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If you are an international student, any criminal conviction could affect your visa. Talk to an attorney about your options. Depending on your area, you might be eligible to have the case dismissed after you complete some counseling, community service, etc.
Answered on Oct 26th, 2012 at 5:02 PM
Theft is a crime of moral turpitude, and having it on your record will not only mean your VISA won't get renewed, you can also kiss your USA career aspirations goodbye. You better hire a lawyer to help you, or regret for life.
Answered on Oct 26th, 2012 at 5:02 PM
James Edward Smith
Get a lawyer to handle it. Otherwise, always plead not guilty unless the prosecutor is going to dismiss the case.
Answered on Oct 26th, 2012 at 5:02 PM
First, hire an attorney or get one appointed from the court. If you cannot afford an attorney, call the court and ask how to get an attorney appointed to your case. Next, make a list of any possible witnesses or evidence. Do not attempt to handle this case without an attorney. Do not speak to the prosecutor or police without your attorney being present. In the United States we have an adversarial system which means that the prosecutor's job is to convict you. Your defense attorney's job is to protect you.
Answered on Oct 26th, 2012 at 5:01 PM
You need to hire an attorney to represent you. Do not expect the prosecutor to voluntarily give you a deal. The prosecutor's job is to convict you. Your attorney can negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecutor and you might not even have to appear in court. This depends on which court this is in. My experience is in the St. Louis area courts, where shoplifting charges frequently get reduced to "Littering."
Answered on Oct 26th, 2012 at 5:01 PM
Gary Moore
You should give me a call to minimize the damage from your momentary lack of discretion.
Answered on Oct 26th, 2012 at 5:01 PM
Personal Injury Attorney serving New York, NY
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Rothstein Law PLLC
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You should hire a criminal defense attorney to represent you. A good lawyer can work this out in a way that will not give you a criminal record and will not harm you with Immigration. I am a former federal and State prosecutor and have been doing criminal defense work for over 16 years. I was named to the Super Lawyers list as one of the top attorneys in New York for 2012. No more than 5 percent of the lawyers in the state are selected by Super Lawyers.
Answered on Oct 26th, 2012 at 4:59 PM
Michael J. Breczinski
First get a lawyer. Second do not plead guilty. This is because if you do then you lose all bargaining power. It may be able to be worked out where you end up with no record. You want this since what employer wants to hire a thief?
Answered on Oct 26th, 2012 at 4:58 PM