Earlier this week i got picked up on shoplifting charges at the grocery store and now i have a court date for nov 3. the earliest date i could get with a public defender is for nov 28, but im going to go looking for lawyers to give me consultations next week. the case against me is fairly strong however.
i was told by the public defenders office that i could request an adjournment based on an inability to get legal advice. however, i have an exchange planned to england for next semester (jan-mar). so if i end up with a court date during that time, im screwed, since i cant afford the trip back for it. this led me to consider just pleading guilty and getting the trial over with. but then i realized that this runs me the risk of getting probation, which would make the exchange impossible.
furthermore, the cops i talked to during my arrest told me about the diversions act, where i could get my case handled outside the court system by probation officers, and that i can also request an adjournment based on this. it leaves me with the same adjournment problem as above though.
so this leads me to a number of question:
-for first time offenders in a situation like mine, what are the odds of getting charged with probation?
-Is just going in and pleading guilty to get this over with a terrible idea?
-Does anyone know anything about the diversions act/program? if so, do you know what my odds of qualifying for it are?
-if i end up with a court date scheduled while im in europe, and i simply plan to plead guilty, is there any way i can get my lawyer to attend and represent me on my behalf, or would i have to return for the court date?
-Is travel to england impossible because of getting a record? I know i wouldn't be able to go to the US, but the UK?
-Finally, what should i do? i have no experience with law and am extremely nervous and uneasy about the whole situation. All help, suggestions and advice is appreciated.
i was told by the public defenders office that i could request an adjournment based on an inability to get legal advice. however, i have an exchange planned to england for next semester (jan-mar). so if i end up with a court date during that time, im screwed, since i cant afford the trip back for it. this led me to consider just pleading guilty and getting the trial over with. but then i realized that this runs me the risk of getting probation, which would make the exchange impossible.
furthermore, the cops i talked to during my arrest told me about the diversions act, where i could get my case handled outside the court system by probation officers, and that i can also request an adjournment based on this. it leaves me with the same adjournment problem as above though.
so this leads me to a number of question:
-for first time offenders in a situation like mine, what are the odds of getting charged with probation?
-Is just going in and pleading guilty to get this over with a terrible idea?
-Does anyone know anything about the diversions act/program? if so, do you know what my odds of qualifying for it are?
-if i end up with a court date scheduled while im in europe, and i simply plan to plead guilty, is there any way i can get my lawyer to attend and represent me on my behalf, or would i have to return for the court date?
-Is travel to england impossible because of getting a record? I know i wouldn't be able to go to the US, but the UK?
-Finally, what should i do? i have no experience with law and am extremely nervous and uneasy about the whole situation. All help, suggestions and advice is appreciated.
