dumbdumb88
New Member
My question involves criminal law for the state of: Michigan
Someone who is not me (SWIM for short) got caught shoplifting from Best Buy. This is Swim's first offense. The amount of the item was approximately $156. Swim was taken into a room where an Loss Prevention Supervisor held Swim. Swim confessed to taking item and pleaded for forgiveness. Loss Prevention was not in a forgiving mood and called Law Enforcement. Law Enforcement showed up and took down some notes on the stolen item and then took Swim down to the Police station. Swim was then booked (fingerprints/mug shot). Swim was baled that night. Now Swim awaits a hearing which they will be notified of by phone of mail. Swim was never read Miranda rights. Swim was very apologetic to the nice police and the police kind of acted like it was a joke. Swim has a history of depression and extremely low self esteem/memory problems. Swim has sought medical help for this in the past but currently does not take medication for said problems or under the supervision of a doctor due to a lack of insurance. Note non of this is an excuse for SWIM. Swim is unemployed and has been unemployed for 2 years.
My question is what should a lawyer cost for this kind of case? Do they need the money up front and can one make payments to the lawyer. What would be the worst that would happen to swim? Does swim have any chance of having this expunged from their record? Swim is worried about the fact that they were booked and now will not be able to find work.
Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.
Someone who is not me (SWIM for short) got caught shoplifting from Best Buy. This is Swim's first offense. The amount of the item was approximately $156. Swim was taken into a room where an Loss Prevention Supervisor held Swim. Swim confessed to taking item and pleaded for forgiveness. Loss Prevention was not in a forgiving mood and called Law Enforcement. Law Enforcement showed up and took down some notes on the stolen item and then took Swim down to the Police station. Swim was then booked (fingerprints/mug shot). Swim was baled that night. Now Swim awaits a hearing which they will be notified of by phone of mail. Swim was never read Miranda rights. Swim was very apologetic to the nice police and the police kind of acted like it was a joke. Swim has a history of depression and extremely low self esteem/memory problems. Swim has sought medical help for this in the past but currently does not take medication for said problems or under the supervision of a doctor due to a lack of insurance. Note non of this is an excuse for SWIM. Swim is unemployed and has been unemployed for 2 years.
My question is what should a lawyer cost for this kind of case? Do they need the money up front and can one make payments to the lawyer. What would be the worst that would happen to swim? Does swim have any chance of having this expunged from their record? Swim is worried about the fact that they were booked and now will not be able to find work.
Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.
