Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft extremely worried about sentencing in court.

[agomez00]

Hello,
Before anything I just wanted to say that I take full responsibility for all of my actions and I have more than learned my lesson and regret them more than anything.

I am 18 years old. I was caught stealing and went to court and got 24 hours of community service which I completed and finished and turned in to court.......unfortunetely due to stupidity of mine I was caught about 8 months later with only about $12 worth of things (trust me I know I made the worst decision that day) and now have to go to court again. I was just curious, what could I expect as far as sentencing and should I get a public defender to help with my case?, also, is there anything I can do(classes etc.) Before my very first court date to show the courts how regretful I am for what Ive done.

Thank you for all and any advice , I truely appreciate it

 

[shrinkmaster]

I work as a Retail theft consultant and answer questions like your daily. You have two possible problems here and yes you need an Attorney!

1. This is a second offense and may very well come with jail time
2. If you are still on probation or if you did not complete a Diversion program your looking at issues there as well.

Start calling Attorneys many offer free consultations get as many as you can. Arm yourself with knowledge. I have also in the past told clients to enroll and complete an Anti Shoplifting course like one offered by NASP and take proof of completion to court. I had a client do this and his case was dismissed on the spot! Judge was that happy with my client doing this.

 

[army judge]

Hello,
Before anything I just wanted to say that I take full responsibility for all of my actions and I have more than learned my lesson and regret them more than anything.

I am 18 years old. I was caught stealing and went to court and got 24 hours of community service which I completed and finished and turned in to court.......unfortunetely due to stupidity of mine I was caught about 8 months later with only about $12 worth of things (trust me I know I made the worst decision that day) and now have to go to court again. I was just curious, what could I expect as far as sentencing and should I get a public defender to help with my case?, also, is there anything I can do(classes etc.) Before my very first court date to show the courts how regretful I am for what Ive done.

Thank you for all and any advice , I truely appreciate it

Okay, you appear in court (when and where directed), plead NOT GUILTY, admit to nothing, confess to nothing, either hire your own lawyer, or ask the court IF your finances qualify you to receive a PUBLC DEFENDER.

From this point forward, SHUT UP ABOUT THIS AND THE OTHER OFFENSE, except to discuss it ONLY with your lawyer.

In the meantime, you stay out of MORE trouble, and for YOUR sake, NO MORE STEALING.

WHY?

Stealing is illegal.
You're not very good at stealing.
If you persist, a cell in a STATE PRISON is in your future.
You'll be forced to live with some very TOUGH characters.
Those characters often make people like YOU do things that you might NOT like to do or have done to you.

You might seek help with your problem, STEALING.

Shrinkmaster (ABOVE) has information about some programs that help BUDDING THIEVES stop.

Contact your local county or city mental health services. They often have information about such counseling programs, too.

If ILLEGAL DRUGS are involved, seek help, before you have some new, tough playmates.

 

[mightymoose]

I agree to lawyer up, however jail time is very unlikely. Most jurisdictions kick out petty offenders very quickly. Expect to pay fines and get more hours.

 

[Betty3]

You definitely should get a lawyer or if you can't afford one, ask the court if they will appoint a public defender for you. Talk only to the lawyer/public defender. He/she will go over your options with you & any programs that might be available to you.

Do not steal in the future.