SpartanGirl
New Member
This past thursday I was caught shoplifting from a local clothing store in Michigan. I did not resist and was extremely cooperative with the person who confronted me, as well as the police officer. This was the first time I have stolen anything, and this is also the first offense on my record (I've never even been so much as pulled over!).
The amount of merchandise that I stole was under $120.00, but still over $100.00. The officer told me the company is pressing civil charges (with fines that max out at $200.00 - the likely amount I will be fined), and also criminal charges.
I have several questions for anyone willing to help me:
- When I recieve my warrant and turn myself in, is it likely that I will be incarcerated at that time?
- How long does it take for a letter regarding my warrant to be sent out?
- Because of my clean record and lifestyle (steady job, good GPA in college, etc.) is it likely or even possible that the diversion program offered in Michigan will be available to me?
*On a side note, the officer who questioned me at the time of the incident mentioned the diversion program to me and said that he doesn't tell a lot of people about it, but decided to let me know so that I may seek that option.
- How long does probation for a situation like this generally last?
- Should I seek the help of an attorney or ask for a court appointed attorney? I am technically living with my mother right now, but it is unlikely that she will help me pay for a lawyer.
- The officer told me that it was nearly impossible to plead guilty at the arraignment and I've read on this forum that it is not a good idea to do so anyway. Would my best bet be to plead not guilty and then seek a court appointed attorney?
I'd also like any advice one has to offer on how to make a better impression when I do go to court (aside from the obvious dress-nicely-speak-clearly bits). I do intend to write a speech-style letter to read to the judge and those present to better represent myself; is this a good idea?
Once again, any advice is appreciated. This is an extremely stressful and embarrassing situation for me, as it is far from the norm of my typical behavior. :blush
The amount of merchandise that I stole was under $120.00, but still over $100.00. The officer told me the company is pressing civil charges (with fines that max out at $200.00 - the likely amount I will be fined), and also criminal charges.
I have several questions for anyone willing to help me:
- When I recieve my warrant and turn myself in, is it likely that I will be incarcerated at that time?
- How long does it take for a letter regarding my warrant to be sent out?
- Because of my clean record and lifestyle (steady job, good GPA in college, etc.) is it likely or even possible that the diversion program offered in Michigan will be available to me?
*On a side note, the officer who questioned me at the time of the incident mentioned the diversion program to me and said that he doesn't tell a lot of people about it, but decided to let me know so that I may seek that option.
- How long does probation for a situation like this generally last?
- Should I seek the help of an attorney or ask for a court appointed attorney? I am technically living with my mother right now, but it is unlikely that she will help me pay for a lawyer.
- The officer told me that it was nearly impossible to plead guilty at the arraignment and I've read on this forum that it is not a good idea to do so anyway. Would my best bet be to plead not guilty and then seek a court appointed attorney?
I'd also like any advice one has to offer on how to make a better impression when I do go to court (aside from the obvious dress-nicely-speak-clearly bits). I do intend to write a speech-style letter to read to the judge and those present to better represent myself; is this a good idea?
Once again, any advice is appreciated. This is an extremely stressful and embarrassing situation for me, as it is far from the norm of my typical behavior. :blush
