Asked on Dec 15th, 2012 on Criminal Law - Michigan
More details to this question:
I worked at a fast food chain as a shift manager for about 4 months and was paid 7.40 which is minimum wage and I never got my raise like I was supposed to. The store is privately owned and my employer withheld 2 of my paychecks so before I quit, I stole close to about 400 bucks. I understand I was wrong but you owe me money to what am I posed to do. I'm scared.
Talk to a lawyer. If you were my client in my county, you would not go to jail and chances are if you and your family can scrape up the money, you can settle this case for restitution and have the charges dismissed. You cannot do this on your own. Ask around for a good attorney who will give you a fair price for this as it should be wrapped up at the first hearing. This advice applies unless of course, you are a repeat offender and have done this type of thing multiple times in the past. If that is the case, make plans to relocate to the county slammer for a few months. Travel light to court.
You better hire a lawyer before you make a wrong move, like open your mouth to investigators. The moment you begin talking is the moment you've sealed your own fate.
No one can tell you if you're going to jail or not, in much the same way that no doctor can tell you if you'll beat cancer or not. The best course of action you can take would be to hire a lawyer. It will help ensure you receive the best possible outcome in your case and will make you feel less scared. You need a lawyer.
You should be scared. Depending on your criminal history, if any, a jail sentence is a good possibility, although not necessarily guaranteed. I strongly suggest that you contact an experienced criminal defense attorney for a face-to-face consultation and give him/her all of the facts surrounding your situation. He/she would then be in a better position to analyze your case and advise you of your options.
Why did they withhold the paychecks? Did you complain to the government about this? Does the employer owe you at least what you stole? Get an attorney and see if the matter can be settled.
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