Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Caught shoplifting first time offender

[Dumbmove123]

I have a question about when i go to court what to plead.. I was thinking no contest, but a friend that lives in the same area seems to think I'd need to plead not guilty to enter into a diversion program. Id rather not flat out lie to the judge I admit I did something wrong and am willing to accept it. The items value about 12 dollars, I live in the state of Florida first offense. If anyone can point me in the right direction I'd be very thankful. Most if not all the information I've been reading online all seems contradicting. so I'm rather confused..

 

[shrinkmaster]

Pleading "not guilty" i snot a lie one two fronts.

Front 1. Your are innocent until proven guilty
Front 2. Its merely a way to delay things so you can arrange a plea deal like your freind suggests. Its done everyday

I agree with your friend

 

[Dumbmove123]

So, basically i should in fact plead not guilty? Will that mean its pretty much just a continuation? Id like to take care of this the first court date if possible.. Will i have to ask for the diversion program or will it be appointed to me?
Thanks again.

 

[shrinkmaster]

Ask your Attorney to talk to DA about Diversion. If a plea deal can be worked out before your first court date then yes you can get it over with in one court date

 

[Dumbmove123]

I do not have an attorney as i can not afford one(would it even be worthwhile for such a small crime?), when i called to try and reach a public defender the woman told me to ask the judge for a PD. Is there any way i can request the diversion course before court? sorry im very lost in all of this, my first time in trouble.

 

[shrinkmaster]

Many Attorneys offer free intial consultations. Get as many as you can so you can gain the knowledge you need. No I do not recommend you talk DA without an Attorney. I realize you want to over with but your inpateince could cause you probelms

 

[Dumbmove123]

Thank you Shrink for everything, but i feel like i need to ask why/or why not would a no contest plea be not a good way to go? If you would be willing to elaborate a little for me, and explain the up/down side to it, id be ever so thankful.

 

[shrinkmaster]

Its fact you want to walk into court with no deal in place and plead. Once you do that the Judge can give you whatever sentence he/she chooses. Its not that I think no contest is bad its fact you want to do so with no prior deal. Same as writing a blank check

 

[Dumbmove123]

okay thanks again, i guess ill just plead not guilty and see where it takes me.. it is what it is i guess

 

[shrinkmaster]

If your not going to hire an Attorney request public defender

 

[Dumbmove123]

Would a no contest plea waive my right for a diversion program?

 

[shrinkmaster]

You dont want to plead anything but not guilty without a deal in place