Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft I'm 17, I shoplifted, and I don't know what to do.

Status
Not open for further replies.
R

regretful2010

New Member
I've been reading a lot of these posts and most cases are where the person is considered a legal adult. But I'm only 17. I shoplifted last month and I was taken to the store's security where they called the police and my parents. The police arrived and talked to my parents on the phone and were fortunately close by and arrived 10 minutes later. Since my parents were able to pick me up at the store's security I didn't have to get photographed or fingerprinted. But I was issued a court date.

I'm currently 17. But by my court date I will be 18. Will my case be treated as if I were legal adult?

Right now my parents are in a huge financial crisis, and I don't know if we can afford an attorney. So I can't ask what a "diversion" is (I've been reading a lot about it, but I don't understand it.) Can someone please explain it to me? Where can I get free consolation? What should I expect at court? (I plan on pleding guilty.)

How badly will this affect my application for citizenship? How badly will this affect me in the long run?

This is my first offense if it matters. I don't think I'm a bad person, but I guess I probably am since I stole stuff. I really need help…
 
You didnt read far enough then. In most posts we tell users to contact Attorneys and that many offer "free" consultations. The DA has the option to try you as an adult if he/she so chooses. Whether that happens or not we cannot say. Start calling Attorneys get as many free consultations as possible. diversion programs vary and are not available everywhere so you need to ask a local Attorney. If you do not hire one of these Lawyers then ask for public defender when you go to court.
 
Thank you. But do you have the number where I can reach a local Attorney (I have no clue where to start with that)? Also what IS a diversion? I still don't understand what it is.

What should I expect at court? How badly will this affect my application for citizenship? How badly will this affect me in the long run?
 
Open your local yellow pages and look for criminal defense Attorneys. We do not do Attorney referrals here, sorry. Diversion programs vary however in many cases they work like convictions with fines, probation, community service and the like. However once you complete program your case is dismissed. The Attorneys you talk with will know how your diversion programs (if any) work
 
I guess I am not being clear on this. These programs vary by state and county. The Attorneys I instructed yoou to contact will have those answers anythng I say here will only be a guess.
 
I'm sorry, I'm just trying to understand what I'm going to do.

But do you know how this situation will affect my application for citizenship? Or is that something else I have to ask my attourney?
 
[
Admin said:
Open your local yellow pages and look for criminal defense Attorneys. We do not do Attorney referrals here, sorry. Diversion programs vary however in many cases they work like convictions with fines, probation, community service and the like. However once you complete program your case is dismissed. The Attorneys you talk with will know how your diversion programs (if any) work
Click to expand...

Remember when I posted this?
 
I called a couple attorneys but since I couldn't hire them, they only gave me bare minimum answers. They said that in my case, it's best I get a public defender to help me on my case.

Can you tell me how I am to get a public defender? I know that the court assigns one to me, but how is that processes done? Do I have to fill out paperwork? Do I have to bring anything? What should I say regarding my case before court if I can't get a public defender on time? What happens to my case?
 
When you appear in court either plead not guilty or enter no plea then ask Judge for Public Defenser. He will instruct you from there
 
Will I need to bring any specific paperwork if I am asking the judge for a public defender? Like my parent's tax return (I don't work)? How long does it usually take to get a public defender? Will the judge assign me a different court date?

My parents are also thinking about hiring an attorney, because they think it might help my case; even if we can't afford it. Do you have any contact numbers for any of them (preferably one that's not so expensive...)?

In your opinion, do you honestly think that hiring an attorney will help me leave with a less severe punishment than what I would get with a public defender?
 
Call the court they can tell you requirments for Public defender. We do not do Attorney referrals here on this site. Both Public and Private Attorneys are both good and bad which is why I suggest you get some consultations
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Share this page

Get a free case review from a lawyer
Back
Top