bjcountryman
New Member
My daughter's friend was recently caught for shoplifting some eyeliner and tights. :no: She is afraid to go to her mother with the situation so has asked me for advice. She is 18 years old and a freshman in college. She was not arrested but received an appearance ticket. She is not sure whether to plead guilty or not guilty. I've done some research on my own but would like to hear from someone with legal experience.
This is what I am going to recommend to this child. I'm going to recommend that she plead not guilty at her appearance and request a public attorney. Since this girl really is a GOOD girl (I know her personally) :angel and has not been in any trouble like this before, I am going to recommend that she talk to her public attorney and seek Adjournment Contemplating Dismissal or at the very least plea bargain it down to a violation.
I've never had to deal with such a situation with my daughters (thank goodness) and I would like to help this child if I can to make the right decisions. She is scared and does not know what to expect. Since this is her first offense and the amount of theft was less than $20, is it reasonable to believe that seeking Adjournment Contemplating Dismissal or reduction to a violation is a viable option for her? The incident happened in New York State, Broome County. Also, I expect that she will have to pay a fine and perhaps do community service and/or probation. Can someone enlighten me on what this girl can expect? What are her options?
Also, what about the letter that is often sent out claiming civil suit against her? What are her options if this happens? From my research, she can expect to pay five times the amount of what she stole (approximate $100). Are there any suggestions for her on how to deal with the civil suit letter if she receives one? Do they always send these letters out?
Thank you in advance for any assistance you can provide.
This is what I am going to recommend to this child. I'm going to recommend that she plead not guilty at her appearance and request a public attorney. Since this girl really is a GOOD girl (I know her personally) :angel and has not been in any trouble like this before, I am going to recommend that she talk to her public attorney and seek Adjournment Contemplating Dismissal or at the very least plea bargain it down to a violation.
I've never had to deal with such a situation with my daughters (thank goodness) and I would like to help this child if I can to make the right decisions. She is scared and does not know what to expect. Since this is her first offense and the amount of theft was less than $20, is it reasonable to believe that seeking Adjournment Contemplating Dismissal or reduction to a violation is a viable option for her? The incident happened in New York State, Broome County. Also, I expect that she will have to pay a fine and perhaps do community service and/or probation. Can someone enlighten me on what this girl can expect? What are her options?
Also, what about the letter that is often sent out claiming civil suit against her? What are her options if this happens? From my research, she can expect to pay five times the amount of what she stole (approximate $100). Are there any suggestions for her on how to deal with the civil suit letter if she receives one? Do they always send these letters out?
Thank you in advance for any assistance you can provide.
