I was once held in a supermarket for petty theft as a juvenile (17), no charges were made, and no civil demand was made. This took place in Broward County Florida.
Now as a legal adult, another incident has occurred involving larceny, also occurring in Florida. It happened with a friend of mine, we entered the store with no intent to steal, unfortunately my friend decided to, and he left for the exit of he store. I had intent to buy, but when he started to walk away, I had a lapse in judgment, and stuffed the merchandise I was looking at in my bag. I went after my friend to stop him, but we were stopped by LP as we got to the door. In the LP room I was issued a ticket and a court date (as was my friend), and I know the consequences that could follow. I just have two questions: (1) Can the holding in the supermarket above have any effect on the charges? (2) I have been advised by an attorney to plead not guilty in attempt to plea for diversion. Is this a good decision, considering I AM guilty?
Now as a legal adult, another incident has occurred involving larceny, also occurring in Florida. It happened with a friend of mine, we entered the store with no intent to steal, unfortunately my friend decided to, and he left for the exit of he store. I had intent to buy, but when he started to walk away, I had a lapse in judgment, and stuffed the merchandise I was looking at in my bag. I went after my friend to stop him, but we were stopped by LP as we got to the door. In the LP room I was issued a ticket and a court date (as was my friend), and I know the consequences that could follow. I just have two questions: (1) Can the holding in the supermarket above have any effect on the charges? (2) I have been advised by an attorney to plead not guilty in attempt to plea for diversion. Is this a good decision, considering I AM guilty?
