Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Misdemeanor Larceny, Doh!

[Jermkd]

Hi everyone!

After searching for weeks now for a genuinely helpful legal advice site, I received a PM from a member of another forum recommending this one. After browsing some threads, I can't help but admit my amazement at the actual helpfullness you offer here! You have no idea how happy finding this place has made me!

I guess I should get on to my problem:

I'm 17 in North Carolina. I was charged with Misdemeanor Larceny (forgive me if this is not the correct place for this to be posted) about a month ago and have a court date about a month from now. The item retailed at $19.99 and was resaleable. This is my first and only offense.

From reading some other threads I've established a few things:

1) I should not plead guilty (which is what I originally planned to do. Again, thank God I found this site)
2) I need to consult as many attorneys as possible
3) Diversion seems like a good strategy

Now for the questions:

1)What is Diversion exactly?
2)Could a Public Defender help me with this or do I really need an attorney?
3)If I'm convicted, no Diversion, no nothing, what are some possibilities for sentences?
4)What exactly would Diversion accomplish?
5)Like I said, it's been about a month and I still haven't received a Civil Demand from the store. Shouldn't that be coming sometime soon?

Thanks for all the help everybody!

 

[thelawjournal]

1)What is Diversion exactly?
These programs vary and are not available everywhere. However what they are and do is work like guilty verdict with fines, community service and, the like. However once you successfully complete program your case is dismissed.This means no conviction record
2)Could a Public Defender help me with this or do I really need an attorney?
A Public Defender "is" an Attorney. He is the Lawyer for those who cannot afford to hire their own
3)If I'm convicted, no Diversion, no nothing, what are some possibilities for sentences?
There are many things a Judge could use jail is one.
4)What exactly would Diversion accomplish?
See earlier answer
5)Like I said, it's been about a month and I still haven't received a Civil Demand from the store. Shouldn't that be coming sometime soon?
These letters can sometimes take months to arrive

 

[Jermkd]

1)You really think that on my first ever offense for anything theyd send me to jail? For taking something worth $19.99?

2)I realize that a Public Defender is an attorney, but I'm wondering if they would be skilled enough and/or willing to conduct a favorable plea bargain.

Also, a couple more questions:

3)How long will I have to pay the Civil Demand, and who is it payed to?

4) How long will I have to pay the court fees?

 

[thelawjournal]

1)You really think that on my first ever offense for anything theyd send me to jail? For taking something worth $19.99?
Its possible but not likely

2)I realize that a Public Defender is an attorney, but I'm wondering if they would be skilled enough and/or willing to conduct a favorable plea bargain.
They take same Bar exam that private Attorneys take. Some are good some are not just like Private Attorneys. Just remember he works for you not other way around

Also, a couple more questions:

3)How long will I have to pay the Civil Demand, and who is it payed to?
The letter you will recieve will explain all that

4) How long will I have to pay the court fees?
That is between you and court

 

[NormanJr]

Public Defenders are better than no representation at all. There is often a misconception that they aren't "real" attorneys or "good" attorneys. They know the law and will work out good deals for you. No attorney wants to lose a case (either the prosecutor or the defender) so if they can work out a deal, they both win.