Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Can I avoid conviction easily without a lawyer? If so how? Thanks

[6retspy]

I got charged for petit theft in Florida because I thought it would be a good idea to take some electronic razor heads from a store to fix my razor to save time for studying. It was very stupid and am haunted by that day every day. I was sent to jail for one night and now I have to go to court. I want to plead guilty for doing such an immature thing. I am an Aerospace Engineering Student, Senior now with a GPA of 3.429 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. I want to plead guilty with out a conviction. Any form of diversion or fine is okay. Also I do not have a lawyer and deciding whether I should request a public defender. I have never been charged with anything before. What are my chances? Thanks in advance!

 

[mightymoose]

You do not want to plead guilty.
If you can not afford an attorney then get a public defender.
A guilty plea is your worst option.

 

[shrinkmaster]

Plead not guilty and request Public defender or hire an Attorney when you speak to this Lawyer ask about plea options. be sure to if ther eis an ACD or Diversion program and the criteria for it

 

[cbg]

Why do so many students think their GPA is relevant? It's not. The court doesn't care if you're making a 4.0; you were still stupid enough to commit a crime. You don't get a free pass or a reduced sentence because you have a high GPA. And 3.429 isn't nothing, but it's not exceptional either.

 

[shrinkmaster]

Exactly, by the way Ted Bundy the famed serial killer had a College degree!

 

[army judge]

It's all ones particular point of reference. A student thinks grades are the benchmark by which society judges him or her.
Some think its the size of a particular body part, how much skin they expose, how much money they possess, how much sex they have, how much dope I consume, how much money I can scam, how many people I can cheat; admittedly it's a rather sad world we inhabit.

Your observation is prescient, as it doesn't matter. One doesn't need hold a PhD in obviousness to understand stealing is stupid and it's wrong. But, so are many other things, that seem to attract more devotees than they do haters.

 

[cbg]

However, the OP needs to understand that if he goes before the judge and tries to use his GPA as a reason why he should be granted leniency, it's as likely as not to backfire on him. At best, it'll get him an "then you're smart enough to know better".

 

[army judge]

However, the OP needs to understand that if he goes before the judge and tries to use his GPA as a reason why he should be granted leniency, it's as likely as not to backfire on him. At best, it'll get him an "then you're smart enough to know better".

I totally agree.

The GPA is of no relevance at trial.

It can be somewhat useful to the probation agent's investigation post-conviction, and to the judge at sentencing.

Other than that, its useless before and during trial.