Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Shoplifted and was caught, need help

[BaseballplyrMH09]

Hi, I'm 18 and living in Ohio, today I stole 140 dollars worth of Merchandise from Macy's. Police Involved, and I have a court date set for the 11th of this month. This is my first offense, as I have never been arrested before. What's the most likely outcome here, and is there anything I can do to get if off my record?

 

[thelawjournal]

You contact a Lawyer and see if Diversion is available in your case

 

[BaseballplyrMH09]

There's no chance of getting it off the record without a lawyer? Or can I plea no contest? Mom and dad don't know either.

 

[thelawjournal]

You are not a Lawyer and not familar with the law, courts, DA or , Judge. Yes you should use a Lawyer. Not doing so would be your second mistake

 

[BaseballplyrMH09]

They have me on video and everything, the evidence is there, what else can I do seriously? Am I looking at jail time for a first offense, or just probation?

 

[thelawjournal]

You need to ask you rLawyer about Diversion. Jail for a 1st Offense is very very rare. However its more likely without an Attorney than with one!

 

[BaseballplyrMH09]

What should I plea, No contest,or guilty? Not guilty is outta the question.

 

[Guest]

Let me try. Since he clearly isnt getting what your telling him. If you walk in plead guilty Judge will sentence you. This could mean jail. No plead deal just pot luck. Pretty dumb if you ask me. Here what you do.

. Start calling Lawyers many offer free office visit.
. Meet with several Lawyers and pick their brains on what you should do
. Hire one if you can afford to
(Next steps are split on whether you hire a Lawyer or not)
(If you hire your own Lawyer)
. Show up to court and shut up. Let Lawyer talk do exactly what he says
. You should have already discussed things like plea deals. Diversion should have been one
(If you show up without a Lawyer because you cannot afford one)
. Show up to court plead not guilty and ask for Public Defender
. Ask Public Defender if Diversion is option (You should already know this from your talks with other Lawyers)
. Next court date you should have your plea deal in place. Plead guilty and get plea deal hopefully this will be Diversion

Now if you still want to walk in roll the dice and plead guilty then you have no business wasting everyones time here

 

[BaseballplyrMH09]

I'm sorry, I just don't know what more I can do. Thanks guys

 

[Guest]

You came here for help. We are trying to help just listen. Under no circumstances should you walk in and just plead guilty or no contest. Reread all you were told here thats your instruction manual. If you follow as we directed your looking at minimal punishment and possible no convition on your record

 

[BaseballplyrMH09]

Thank you. The day of court I'll plea not guilty even though I am, and get a public defender. Will I be able to meet with them right away?

 

[Guest]

The Judge will give you instructions

 

[BaseballplyrMH09]

Quick question. The merchandise I stole totalled 140 dollars, but it was on clearance for 60 percent off making it 56 dollars, how does a store do it, such as Store name? Based on full retail price or clearance price when they catch you.

 

[thelawjournal]

For your protection please do not name store

There are conflicting opinions on how one adds up price of stolen items. Some say that the sale price is for "paying" customers and the store owns the merchandise at its retail value. This means a $20.00 item marked down to $10.00 will be counted as $20.00 theft. You are best to consult your Attorney on this as he will b emost familar with your local and state guidelines on this

 

[BaseballplyrMH09]

Alright, I appreciate everyone's help. Thanks again.