My jurisdiction is: Florida
Last week at Walmart I opened a game box and wrote down the CD key on a piece of paper. I was then caught by theft prevention personnel, arrested and then taken to jail. My arraignment is in July and I am not sure how to proceed. I have all ready done quite a bit of research.
1) Could I show up to my arraignment without a lawyer and see what charges they are going to file? I do not want to spend money on one if (hopefully) I am offered adult diversion (I am 21.) Do I need to be represented by a lawyer to be offered diversion? This is my first offense. I have a clean record besides one speeding ticket.
2) Typically, how would one qualify for a Public Defender? I cannot afford a lawyer and my parents are seniors with little income (retired and housewife). I only work part-time and I plan on attending college in the Fall with the help of scholarships and possible student loan.
3) If I am not offered diversion, could I get my charges reduced to an infraction (the retail price of the game was under $50)? If I only wrote down the CD key how would that be viewed? Does an infraction count as an conviction? If so, how would it affect my employment endeavors/college/loans, etc.?
If I am not offered diversion or a reduced charge that does not result in a conviction I plan on pleading 'not guilty' and requesting for a PD or a continuance to retain an attorney. Please I could use any advice. I made a stupid mistake at a critical junction in my life (I will be moving in July for college and the last thing I need is a criminal record that could potentially hinder myself of finding employment and retaining my scholarships). I am not going to make any excuses for my actions but I need to get past this favorably for the sake of my future. Thank you for your help.
Last week at Walmart I opened a game box and wrote down the CD key on a piece of paper. I was then caught by theft prevention personnel, arrested and then taken to jail. My arraignment is in July and I am not sure how to proceed. I have all ready done quite a bit of research.
1) Could I show up to my arraignment without a lawyer and see what charges they are going to file? I do not want to spend money on one if (hopefully) I am offered adult diversion (I am 21.) Do I need to be represented by a lawyer to be offered diversion? This is my first offense. I have a clean record besides one speeding ticket.
2) Typically, how would one qualify for a Public Defender? I cannot afford a lawyer and my parents are seniors with little income (retired and housewife). I only work part-time and I plan on attending college in the Fall with the help of scholarships and possible student loan.
3) If I am not offered diversion, could I get my charges reduced to an infraction (the retail price of the game was under $50)? If I only wrote down the CD key how would that be viewed? Does an infraction count as an conviction? If so, how would it affect my employment endeavors/college/loans, etc.?
If I am not offered diversion or a reduced charge that does not result in a conviction I plan on pleading 'not guilty' and requesting for a PD or a continuance to retain an attorney. Please I could use any advice. I made a stupid mistake at a critical junction in my life (I will be moving in July for college and the last thing I need is a criminal record that could potentially hinder myself of finding employment and retaining my scholarships). I am not going to make any excuses for my actions but I need to get past this favorably for the sake of my future. Thank you for your help.
