Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft first offense petty larceny

[imsodumb]

I was caught shoplifting at store name in Oklahoma City. I was taking to the store office then arrested and taken to county jail. I was bailed out the next morning (bond was $760). My court date is in September i have a clean record and have never been in any trouble. A friend told me store name might not press criminal charges and since it is under $50 it could be reduced to an infraction. I do not have any money so there is no way i can afford a lawyer. I don't know what to expect in court and i dont know how this will affect my record . please help me i am truly scared and need to know what to do or how this works.

 

[thelawjournal]

It is genarally unwise to name the store. You do not know who is reading this. I have edited your post for your protection

 

[Guest]

It is not the norm to take a simple shoplift to jail. Cite and release is! I suspect there might be more to this than you have stated. It will help us answer if we know what your actually charged with or why you were taken to jail!?

 

[imsodumb]

o sorry i didn't know i wasnt supposed to name thee store and thanks for the edit... and well no i didnt do anything else when the security guy took me to his office i asked whats going to happen to me and he said im going to be banned from stepping foot in that store and most likely go to county he said a police officer was on is way he did mention a citation but as soon as the officer got there he arrested me.Im 18. Ive never been in any trouble and i didn't leave anything out... so he shouldn't of arrested me?

 

[imsodumb]

oh and on my pink ticket it says LARCENY OF MERCHANDISE thats it

 

[thelawjournal]

No the arrest was lawful. What we don't understand was need to take you to jail and have you bond out. That is odd. You should start calling Lawyers and set up consultations. This wise whether or not you hire them. You will then be armed with knowledge. If you get a Public Defender you will then have knowledge of your options. The option probably best suited for you will be Diversion, if available

 

[thelawjournal]

Is there a penal code on ticket?

 

[imsodumb]

it just says i incident number a viol. code xx2 and viol. of municipal code 30-39. im not seeing somethin that says penal code (sorry im not familiar with any of this stuff)

 

[thelawjournal]

Ok I cannot find that but it does appear to be misdemeanor. Talk to Lawyers about Diversion

 

[imsodumb]

thank you for your answers and time but i have one more question. Whats Diversion?

 

[imsodumb]

oh ok i looked it up so if that does happen that charge will be dismissed and not on my record?

 

[thelawjournal]

These programs vary and are not available everywhere. It also dpends on what the charge is, which is why I wanted to know. In short Diversion works just like a guilty verdict with fines, community service etc. However once you successfuly complete program your case is dismissed. This means "no criminal record"! You might also consider enrolling in an Anti Theft program before court. Judges are generally pleased to see defendants taking corrective measures before court and reward them with lighter sentences. This is not a guarantee!

 

[imsodumb]

sounds good to me im more than willing to try anything! So how can i get into one of those programs!

 

[thelawjournal]

Send me a PM and I will recommend one for you

 

[imsodumb]

Could a public defender help me with the diversion in Court?

 

[thelawjournal]

Yes. However again let me advise you to consult with some Attorneys so you have knowledge of how things work before you meet with Public Defender! Many Lawyers offer free consultation take them up on it!

 

[imsodumb]

ok thanks ! lots!