Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Larceny

[Imessedup]

Jurisdiction

North Carolina

I was caught shoplifting with a friend at Walmart. I'll be 21 in May and she's already 21. It was stupid but can't turn back the clock now, I was given a citation for larceny. It's my first offense. Never been in any kind of trouble. I am also pregnant and by time my court date reaches I'll be a little over 5 months. I was wondering what should I do when I plea since I know I am guilty and if there's anyway I can avoid jail time or this going on my criminal record. It was our first time and clearly we aren't the stealing type since we got caught as soon as it began. She actually got caught I just so happened to be turning the corner and willfully told on myself since my conscious already bothered me. The lady didn't want to press charges but since my friend didn't have an ID they had to call the cops. They realized we weren't pros and when the cops came they already knew they didn't want to take us to county and they didn't charge us with shoplifting and larceny, solely larceny. My boyfriend says if no one appears in court as a witness that the case will be dismissed. Is that true? And I was wondering if my friend should get a lawyer.

 

[shrinkmaster]

I am a Retail theft consultant and answer questions like yours daily. Since you have no criminal past jail is VERY unlikely. What you want to do is go to court plead not guilty and hire a lawyer or request Public defender. When you meet this Lawyer ask about plea options that wont leave a conviction on your record like ACD or Diversion. Your BF is NOT a lawyer I presume and not a good resource for legal advice

 

[Vanicova]

I am a Retail theft consultant and answer questions like yours daily. Since you have no criminal past jail is VERY unlikely. What you want to do is go to court plead not guilty and hire a lawyer or request Public defender. When you meet this Lawyer ask about plea options that wont leave a conviction on your record like ACD or Diversion. Your BF is NOT a lawyer I presume and not a good resource for legal advice

What is ACD or Diversion. I also heard public defenders don't care to truly help you and I was wrong I was charged with shoplifting and larceny.

 

[shrinkmaster]

ACD or Diversion is a plea option some countys allow. It works like a guilty verdict with fines, community service etc. However once you successfully complete program your case is "dismissed" so no conviction record! Now these programs vary and may not be available everywhere so ask your Attorney. Far as Public defenders goes some are good some are not just like any other profession

 

[Vanicova]

ACD or Diversion is a plea option some countys allow. It works like a guilty verdict with fines, community service etc. However once you successfully complete program your case is "dismissed" so no conviction record! Now these programs vary and may not be available everywhere so ask your Attorney. Far as Public defenders goes some are good some are not just like any other profession

We have a program here for it but I heard it takes 6 months to a year to complete and since I'll be moving soon I don't have the time to do so. If I ask for an infraction is that better? Or is it possible my lawyer can plea not guilty and I won't have to do an ACD

 

[shrinkmaster]

If you plead not guilty you will then have to go to trial