Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Caught Shoplifting.

[official]

I am 22 years old, a full time student, and do not have a criminal record. Me and my friend were caught stealing 15 dollars worth of merchandise at "the store". It is my friends second offense. We were banned from the store. The cops came and wrote me a ticket with a court date in a month. Being a first time offender, I know at worst I will get PTI (pre trial intervention), in other words, a $350 dollar fine, classes, maybe community service, and no record. Is it worth it to get an attorney? And is there anything I can do such as write an applogy to "the store" or take an NASP class to possbily get the judge to show favor and maybe level no penalty? Why do I ask? My friend only got 40 hours of community service with no record, no fine, and no classes in his first shoplifting offense while having unrelated charges already on his record (DUI & Public intoxication).

 

[Guest]

Don't make assumptions. Diversion is normally part of a plea bargain not an automatic sentence. Yes you should have an Attorney. Diversion is not availalbe everywhere so ask your Attorney. Yes taking the NASP course will surey be looked upon favorably by the Judge. I. (Reatil Theft Answers) have contact info for NASP Director send me a PM and I will get you that info

 

[official]

Are you sure? Even the police said that is all I will get and what normally occurs Not too mention they said the judge is pretty nice, and the only judge in town. I am a student in not you run of the mill college with a 3.0 who took $15 worth of items. I don't even have a traffic ticket. I was cooperative with the Police and "the store" during the entire process. Again, we are not talking luxury items. Lets just say it will probably be the dumbest thing anyone took in court that day, even the police were laughing about it. So at least you know the judge will be in a good mood when he hears what we took relative to the other people in the court room taking makeup, CD's, and items they don't need.

Attorney's are expensive. And lets be real, I am going to college, and I don't want to waste money if I will get the same thing with or without them. So if the police are telling me I will get PTI, during my brothers first offense he saw people getting PTI without attorneys, is it worth it to spend $250-$1000 dollars on an attorney?

 

[Guest]

Then do it yourself but dont say you were not warned. I am saying it will not go as you suggest but its a risk!