Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft petit theft 1D

[jenniferg258]

About a month ago my cousin,18 and I,20 were caught shoplifting at JCpenny the total for both was $158. They caught us on camera and we didnt go to jail.They decided to charge us together since we committed the crime together. They made us sign a paper and now we have arraignment tomorrow and we do not know what to plea. We tried seeing a lawyer but that ended up being to expensive, he did say for us to plea no contest. I understand that what we did was wrong and its our first crime ever committed, our records our completly clean. HELP!!

 

[jacksgal]

Just because you cant afford one doesnt mean you dont need one. Get some more Lawyer consultations and ask what your options are. Do not mention you cannot afford a lawyer. Ask about plea options like ACD or Diversion. When you go to court plead not guilty and request a public defender. When you meet the Public Defender you will have knowledge from the consultations on your options and can pass that on to Public Defender

 

[disagreeable]

If you have the means to hire an attorney, a plea of not guilty and request for a court appointed council will not work. A plea of no contest, will get you a permanent record. If you have the income to not be qualified for council and have a clear record, I suggest you talk to the prosecutor and request a diversion program, that will allow you to not make a plea and have it not appear on your record. Otherwise, it would be prudent to plead not guilty and refuse to make any statements to the police, the court or anyone. Make them prove their case.

 

[jacksgal]

Where I see the above points it not really a good idea to deal with the DA without legal assistance

 

[disagreeable]

Where I see the above points it not really a good idea to deal with the DA without legal assistance

I agree 100%. However, if they are going to continue in the grey area, without council, it is a better option than trial without representation.