Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft first offense felony grand theft

[felonyfred]

For a first time offender charged with felony grand theft of a mountain bike. With proper legal counsel can I get this reduced to a misdemeanor and what type of charges are realistic? I'm a 50 year old male that never returned the bike and a horrible lapse of judgement. As the sole provider of a family of 4, can I do community service, trash pick up, etc...? I'd appreciate thoughts as this is a grave situation that I've never been in or done before.

Thank you,
Felony Fred

 

[army judge]

For a first time offender charged with felony grand theft of a mountain bike. With proper legal counsel can I get this reduced to a misdemeanor and what type of charges are realistic? I'm a 50 year old male that never returned the bike and a horrible lapse of judgement. As the sole provider of a family of 4, can I do community service, trash pick up, etc...? I'd appreciate thoughts as this is a grave situation that I've never been in or done before.

Thank you,
Felony Fred

You've said too much. What you've posted amounts to a CONFESSION.

Most criminal defendants, the smarter ones know to just STFU.
They plead NOT guilty, hire a lawyer or beg the judge to provide a FREE (to them) public defender, assuming they qualify.
Then, they wait quietly and consult occasionally with their lawyer.

The charging authority must PROVE what they've alleged.
A criminal defendnt need not do, or say a thing, except to be where they're directed to appear.

You, on the other hand, have thrown in the towel, and are chanting NO MAS, NO MAS, NO MAS!

Good thing you live in CA and the state is broke. I'm surprised the cops didn't just warn you and throw you back. You MIGHT get convicted of some garden variety misdemeanor, pay a fine and costs, get probation, do some community service, and end up with a faded, bad memory of your fling in the world of crime.

Lucky, lucky you.

Good luck.