Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Caught Shoplifting, Orlando, FL

[Michaelrobb38]

I was apprehended outside of LargeShoppingCenter and taken to the LP office where they emptied my pockets and discovered 5 packs of razor blades totaling $157.

A sheriffs deputy soon came, and I had a lot of paperwork filed. After I didn't need my hands anymore to fingerprint forms, I was cuffed (but not arrested). I was then handed four forms. Statements from the LPO's, and a Trespass, and a notification that I am going to be sued by LargeShoppingCenter for "damages". The manager of LargeShoppingCenter also said that he will be pressing charges. I received a letter in the mail a couple weeks later from LargeShoppingCenter 's Law Firm seeing if I wanted to settle, and I did, by paying the $200 they requested.

The sheriff (OPD) then took me in his SUV outside of LargeShoppingCenter property and did more paperwork -- this time saying that I must appear in court on August 13th, and, if I do not, a warrant for my arrest will be issued.

My question is this: How should I prepare for August 13th? What should I plead in court? (They have a LOT of evidence.. a picture of the razor blades, and a the recent after the rang them up) And, WORST CASE SCENARIO, what will happen to me!?
Also, what is the most PROBABLE thing that will happen to me?

I am 20 years old -- and I live in Orlando, Florida -- Orange County.

I am absolutely freaking out here!
Please help

 

[thelawjournal]

You should consult a criminal defense Attorney. Ask this Lawyer if Diversion is available in your county and if you qualify? Many Attorneys offer "free" consultation talk to a smany as you can. Do this even if your plan is to seek a Public Defender. Now when you arrive in court you should either have your Attorney with you or you should plead not guilty and ask for Public Defender

 

[Michaelrobb38]

I'm looking for criminal defense Attorneys in my area online (difficult to find one, but I'm sure I'll be able to find one that will offer a free consultation) -- but, would I have to meet said Attorney in person?
And what exactly is Diversion?

My plan is to seek a public defender because ...well...the reason I did what I did was to help pay for the upcoming term of school. In other words, I am absolutely flat broke and cannot get a job because of my legs being reconstructed (but I've been denied disability since I can now walk).
So I get to court on August 13th, plead not guilty, and then ask for a Public Defender? Will I have to fill out paperwork beforehand? http://www.ninthcircuit.org/ If you to to that site and watch the video on the arraignment process, it seems like I should have paperwork before I even get close to my court date...?
Nonetheless, when I ask for the Public Defender, will I be assigned another court date? (I just figure that would be logical since I would be meeting my Attorney for the first time).

Thanks for the help, I await the answers!

 

[thelawjournal]

The solution would be call the court and ask. If there is paperwork then go to court ahead of court date get the paperwork and fill it out.

Diversion works like a conviction with fines, probation etc. However once you complete program your case is dismissed! This means no criminal record!! These programs and thier availabilty vary so ask your Attorney

 

[Michaelrobb38]

Thanks for your help! If I have any more questions I'll post them in this thread -- you're extremely helpful! I greatly appreciate it!


*I just thought of this as well (last thing before I report back on the advice given by criminal defense Attorneys) I called the court that I am supposed to report to, and they did not have my case number on file. I told the lady on the other end of the line that it was the Sheriff's Office that filed it, and that it occurred July 14th (more than two weeks ago!). She seemed puzzled and told me to call back in a few days to see if they have it on file by then.

but it got me thinking: I have sustained many injuries and operations in the past couple years causing me to be on painkillers. After being frisked, the sheriffs deputy confiscated my schedule II prescription narcotics and said simply "I should file felony charges against you for having these, but I'm not. They are now property of Orange County." Is it just my paranoid mind hoping for some more shreds of hope, or is it possible that he pocketed the pills..?

Sorry -- most likely did not happen, I'm just curious as to why the case number was not on file AT the court house!

 

[thelawjournal]

Your asking us to guess over what you "think" "might" have happened. Sorry we cannot do that

 

[Michaelrobb38]

My apologies, it was a pretty irrational thought that really has no business on these forums. Forgive me.