Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft anyone with the NASP completion experience

[shura]

My court (Misdemeanor , 4th degree /shoplifting for about $50 value merchandise) is tomorrow that is New Year's Eve. I proactively volunteered and completed NASP online course without having been referred by the court. My question now is: should I plead no-contest and provide the court with the Letter of Completion? Or should I rather plead guilty and ask for the leniency, the Course completion being one such proof of my honest desire to stay away from shoplifting ever? My ultimate goal is to convince the judge lessen the punishment to a fine with no public record whatsoever. Anyone with the experience of taking the proactive steps before the hearing and how the judge may be influenced by a defendant's initiative? Thank you so much.

 

[shrinkmaster]

I am a retail theft consultant and the NASP director is an acquaintance of mine. You really need a Lawyer before facing Judge. I can tell you that you should NOT just plead guilty as this is like signing a blank check. I had a client who I advised to do as you have done. He did and Judge was so pleased he dismissed his case on the spot no probation!

 

[mightymoose]

Agree. It's good you have taken the course, but when you go to court you should not make a plea without speaking with an attorney. The court will appoint one if you can not afford your own... just ask.

 

[shura]

Thanks. But still since I don't have a lawyer to represent me tomorrow in the AP procedure, the question remains - should I plea guilty or rather make a motion to defer?

 

[Betty3]

Also agree that you need to talk to a lawyer. If you cannot afford one, ask the court if they will appoint you a public defender. The lawyer or PD will go over your options with you & answer any questions you might have. It is good that you took the NASP before going to court & "should" work in your favor.

 

[shura]

thank you so much for the response! But there is that No Contest (aka Nolo Contender) plea option. What do I gain if I go with that one?

 

[army judge]

thank you so much for the response! But there is that No Contest (aka Nolo Contender) plea option. What do I gain if I go with that one?

Plead not guilty, admit nothing, request a public defender.
Forget ANY pleas, wait.
Nola pleas are just guilty pleas wearing lipstick and sporting sweet perfume to cover the GUILTY stench.

 

[shrinkmaster]

You gain nothing because the plea does not come with a plea deal. Its possible the judge could give you ACD or the like if you did so but there is no guarantee of that. You need to talk to an Attorney or request a public defender to talk to DA about a plea deal otherwise your no contest plea really means nothing