Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Shoplifting clothes in Macy's store, Maryland, help please

[quynguamay]

My friend was caught for 1st stealing clothes in macy's store that somehow value $280. Now she doesn't know what to do except the police told her to go to court after its notification. Should she get a lawyer ? What is the estimate penalty she has to paid after the trial? Will she go to jail in some way? and is there anyway that can lessen it? She's a very callow woman who doesn't know anything. Please help,

She's 50 and and immigrant also.

 

[thelawjournal]

Re: Shoplifting clothes in Store Name store, Maryland, help plea

Before we get into the laws and what not I have a question. Is she here on a VISA (or similar) or is she a pernament legal resident? This is important as it will help us direct her to the right help

 

[quynguamay]

Re: Shoplifting clothes in Store Name store, Maryland, help plea

She is a legal permanent residence. The store is Macy's. And she lives in Anne Arundel county, maryland.

 

[thelawjournal]

Re: Shoplifting clothes in Store Name store, Maryland, help plea

Ok I asked because a theft conviction could effect her immigration status if not a pernament resident. She is facing criminal charges and criminal record, so yes she should consult a Lawyer. When she does she should ask about Diversion as option

 

[NormanJr]

Re: Shoplifting clothes in Store Name store, Maryland, help plea

It is up to the store to file charges with the commissioner. If they do, she can be expecting a letter in the mail in a month or two after they file charges.

http://casesearch.courts.state.md.us/in ... -index.jsp

She can go here and see if the charges are filed on her yet.

In MD, the felony is $1000. MD is lax on theft charges and with a lawyer she can get it put on a STET docket which is an inactive docket. Essentially, the case goes on a shelf and sits there. For the first year, either she or the States Attorney can bring the case back up before a judge for ANY reason. The second and third year, they must have good cause to bring the case up. After 3 years, the case gets dismissed and she can get it expunged.

PM me with the store name and I can tell you whether or not the likelyhood of charges being followed through.

In MD, she can expect a civil demand in the amount of twice the amount of merchandise she stole plus damages.