More details to this question:
I was charged felony 5 theft by deception. They say it was around $2000 but it was a rewards program that rewarded $20 per so many points. There’s no way the amount is right but I didn’t remember account #s to get online and prove otherwise. I already talked to a detective and told the truth, but he said if I didn’t within a week, he would put a warrant for my arrest. I wait and that was not enough time to save $2000 for an attorney. What should I plead? I have a perfectly clean record, the incident was over 2 years ago.
10 ANSWERS
I tell my clients to plead not guilty at arraignment. If you cannot afford an attorney, ask for an appointed one at your arraignment.
Answered on Feb 01st, 2013 at 4:25 PM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Brighton, MI
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The Law Office of Steven M. Dodge, PLLC
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Plead not guilty at your arraignment, request a preliminary examination and get an attorney as soon as possible. Also, don't make any more statements to law enforcement.
Answered on Feb 01st, 2013 at 4:24 PM
Michael J. Breczinski
You get a lawyer and plead NOT guilty. To do anything else is to give up any and all bargaining power that you might have. Something can usually be worked out.
Answered on Jan 31st, 2013 at 10:33 PM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Fullerton, CA
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The Law Offices of John W. Bussman
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Even if you are guilty of the crime, you should plead "not guilty" at your arraignment. This will give your attorney an opportunity to review the evidence and to determine whether or not you might have defenses to the charges. Your attorney also needs time to negotiate a possible disposition with the DA. If you cannot afford an attorney, the public defender will be appointed to represent you at your arraignment. You will be given a chance to speak with your public defender before making any decisions. You should not talk to anyone other than your attorney regarding this case.
Answered on Jan 31st, 2013 at 10:32 PM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Weaverville, CA
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James H. Dippery, Jr.
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Hello, Say nothing else to anyone, especially the police. When you have your first court appearance ask for the Public Defender to be appointed. Talk to the attorney and let him/her represent your interests.
Answered on Jan 31st, 2013 at 10:31 PM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Alhambra, CA
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Francis John Cowhig
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You should plead not guilty and find a way to hire an attorney to represent you. If you absolutely cannot afford one, then ask the judge to appoint a public defender to represent you in this case.
Answered on Jan 31st, 2013 at 10:28 PM
Appellate Attorney serving Grosse Pointe Farms, MI
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Musilli Brennan Associates, PLLC
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Without details you cannot be helped, if you cannot afford to the represented at least buy an hour or two of attorney time to see what is anticipated.
Answered on Jan 31st, 2013 at 8:40 PM
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 you will regret for life, or open your mouth in open court and incriminate yourself.
Answered on Jan 31st, 2013 at 8:33 PM
Bankruptcy Law Attorney serving Livingston, NJ
Partner at
Law Office of Stuart M. Nachbar, P.C.
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Plead Not Guilty and get counsel.
Answered on Jan 31st, 2013 at 8:29 PM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Syracuse, NY
Partner at
Christopher & McQuillan, LLP
You should plead NOT GUILTY and ask for time to hire a lawyer or ask that one be assigned to you if you can't afford a lawyer.
Answered on Jan 31st, 2013 at 7:46 PM