Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Shoplifting- First Offense. Now what?

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rtffirstoffense

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Hi. I'm really embarrassed to even admit this but I need some advice.
I am 21 years old. Female... I don't believe that matters but I figured I'd throw that in.
Basically, I was caught shoplifting, the cost totalled at $100.

As I was exiting the store the Loss Prevention man asked I follow him, so I did. When we got into the room, he asked for his merchandise which I gave. He then called the police and they showed up and were very nice and helpful to me. I apologized (Course that doesn't do anything in this situation) He wrote me a ticket, there was no fine on the ticket just a court date. I have to be at court February 1st.

Basically, I'm not sure what is going to happen. He told me that I would have to plea either guilty or not guilty. If I plea not guilty it will go to trial and a hearing. I see no point in this since they will eventually prove that I am guilty as it is. So, pleaing guilty what will happen?

The officer did not arrest me, and like I said just took my informationa and gave me a ticket telling me when to be in court. He said chances are I'd get 6 months probation and have to pay fines. Maybe 5 days in jail... What are the chances of me having to go to jail for 5 days? I'm sure I'll get fines and probation and I"m okay with that, my only real concern is jail time.

Again.. it is my first offense. I have NEVER been in trouble for ANYTHING. Including traffic violations!
It was $100. And, not any more than that.
The merchandise was returned. And, I was cooperative and not arrested.
And, I live in Tennessee.

Please Help...
:(
 
Yes you were arrested! The arrest was by Loss Prevention. Your facing criminal charges and a criminal record. It would be wise to start calling Attorneys, many offer free consultations. During these meetings ask about Diversion. This would likely be your best outcome outside of aquittal. If you go to court and just plead guilty you will get whatever sentence Judge decides. Tha tmight work out for you but it might not too. Its your call but it woud be best if you talked to some Lawyers before making what could be a life altering decision.

You posted your topic in "site problems" section. I have moved it to proper location
 
I guess I'm a little confused. I should have learned from my husbands mistakes. He was arrested back in 2007 for burglary charges (broke into someones home and business and theft over $500) He was put on 4 years probation, no jail time. I am confused because why am I looking at jail time if my husband has 4 counts of burglary and had only probation for 4 years?

I have no record, and it was only $100 which as I've read is a Class A Misdemeanor...?

I don't have money for an attorney, as I am still paying for the attorney that I just had to hire for my husband due to he violated probation.
 
Where did anyone say jail? Also I did not say "hire" an Attorney I said get some "free" consultations. It is never wise to go forth with a legal issue without legal advice from expert(s).
 
The officer said 5 days in jail... and I've read on numerous sites that a Class A Misdemeanor can be punishable up to 1 year in jail.

What exactly should I ask an attorney. I feel completely clueless. I feel as though I should just plea guilty. I don't want this to be an on going process. I'd like to pay my fines, do my community service (if any) or probation and take care of it as soon as possible.
 
Ask about your plea options like Diversion. If you walk in and plead guilty you have no options and they might enforce that jail time mentioned. I am not saying you will or wont get jail just that you have no options or control over issue by walking in and pleading guilty. I would further suggest both you and your husband seek some help since both you seem to have issues with obeying the law. That is not meant to be offensive. It quite clear though that your husband did not learn and violated probation and you did not learn from his example. Seeking help might benefit both you with your cases
 
Thanks... none offense taken, I screwed up. And, I'm fully aware. I can't speak for my husband, but I for one, have learned a huge lesson already, I knew it was wrong...too bad its too late. I'm just worried about jail time.
 
Get a laywer ASAP. Public, private any legal counsel.

You were arrested by the police officer. A ticket is generally a summons to appear in court and instead of taking you to jail, the officer ran your information, was satisfied that it was you and release you on your own recognizance.

Do not take anyone but an attorney's word on what will happen in your court case.

Good luck and steal no more.
 
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