Court date is in four days. Immediate response is appreciated.
I was caught shoplifting from a store about two months ago. I stole a video game that was $9.99, but they said it was on clearance and "clearance only applies to paying customers" so the video game was now over $20 (which is funny because you can buy it brand new from Amazon for $10). Anyways, that meant calling the police. The police showed up, I was cuffed, arrested, taken to the station for prints and photos, given a court date and released. I received a bill from the company for $300, which I paid. Went to court, the judge said I had to come back on another day because my case needed to be reviewed or something of the sort.
My court date is in four days so I have several questions...
I've noticed most people saying to consult an attorney before doing anything and to not plead "guilty". I don't understand why. If I admitted to the crime in the office and let the cops take me and print me, isn't this proof that I was guilty? What good would pleading "not guilty" do? It will force me to take more time off work, which I cannot afford.
Second, I cannot afford a lawyer if needed and I understand they must provide one for me. How does this work? Am I in the court room with the judge and I request one and then I'm forced to come back a later date or what? Is there a desk I "sign in" at and state I need a public defender? No clue what goes on, thankfully.
Third, any idea what the punishment will be? Arizona law says a max of six months in jail and $2,500 but I am hoping I will not receive such a punishment for merely $10
I was caught shoplifting from a store about two months ago. I stole a video game that was $9.99, but they said it was on clearance and "clearance only applies to paying customers" so the video game was now over $20 (which is funny because you can buy it brand new from Amazon for $10). Anyways, that meant calling the police. The police showed up, I was cuffed, arrested, taken to the station for prints and photos, given a court date and released. I received a bill from the company for $300, which I paid. Went to court, the judge said I had to come back on another day because my case needed to be reviewed or something of the sort.
My court date is in four days so I have several questions...
I've noticed most people saying to consult an attorney before doing anything and to not plead "guilty". I don't understand why. If I admitted to the crime in the office and let the cops take me and print me, isn't this proof that I was guilty? What good would pleading "not guilty" do? It will force me to take more time off work, which I cannot afford.
Second, I cannot afford a lawyer if needed and I understand they must provide one for me. How does this work? Am I in the court room with the judge and I request one and then I'm forced to come back a later date or what? Is there a desk I "sign in" at and state I need a public defender? No clue what goes on, thankfully.
Third, any idea what the punishment will be? Arizona law says a max of six months in jail and $2,500 but I am hoping I will not receive such a punishment for merely $10
