Shoplifting

[Sammy123]

I really need to know what I should do based on court . My court date is tomorrow.
I got caught stealing on cameras and taken to a room and questioned.
They say I stole around 50$ worth of things and the police had to be called, I admitted to stealing the things, the police officer than gave me papers that I have to appear in court.
This is my first time stealing but I do have a petty misdemeanor due to possession of a marijuana pipe and got 6 months of probation, a class to take, and community service. I need to know what I should do so I know my best option in court . Please help asap.

 

[army judge]

I really need to know what I should do based on court . My court date is tomorrow.
I got caught stealing on cameras and taken to a room and questioned.

You simply PLEAD NOT GUILTY, make NO more admissions or confessions (save that for church, temple, mosque, or synagogue), ask for the court to appoint a lawyer to represent you, stay our of more trouble, wait to meet with your lawyer.

They say I stole around 50$ worth of things and the police had to be called, I admitted to stealing the things, the police officer than gave me papers that I have to appear in court.

Never, never, never admit or confess to anything, especially when accused of a crime.


It was very stupid to attempt to steal.

It is far MORE stupid to admit to stealing.

Stop stealing, stp breaking the laws, you'll be fine.

Come on, even if a person successfully steals $50 worth of junk, it won't change their life.

Just don't ever consider it, much less do it.

This is my first time stealing but I do have a petty misdemeanor due to possession of a marijuana pipe and got 6 months of probation, a class to take, and community service. I need to know what I should do so I know my best option in court . Please help asap.

STOP breaking THEIR laws.

You are feeding them red meat, YOU.

You are going to ruin your life.

If you do, all you'll have left is bigger, badder, more harmful crimes to you, your family, and society.

Spending 1 day in a prison is a living hell, trust me.

I have a friend in prison, and he's doing 25 years.

I've visited him, and its a nightmare.

That is where this silly stuff leads you.

With a dope conviction, and maybe a theft conviction on your recod, you'll have trouble finding a job at a fried chicken joint.

You might be unable to get financial aid to go to college, get a barber's license, a plumber's license, a teaching certificate: get it?

So, reread all of this.

I've given you some tips, now the rest is up you.

Finally, stop blabbing about any of this.

 

[Michael Wechsler]

Get an attorney. You should not be representing yourself in court, even though it is a small amount of money. As you're already on the record as admitting to the crime, I think it very likely that you will have little chance of using a not guilty plea as army judge suggests, along with his other good advice. The fact that you already have a petty misdemeanor on your record makes this even worse for you to appear in criminal court without a criminal attorney. Without knowing more - and this does not constitute legal advice on what you should do in your case (not knowing all the facts or being your lawyer), a good option in court is to work out a deal with the district attorney to see what you might have available with alternative sentencing. The amount is small. Your prior misdemeanor is minor. You're not someone whom the court and the people need to punish severely -- but you've now committed strike two. You can read about alternative sentencing in TheLaw.com Law Guide.

 

[shrinkmaster]

With a prior criminal offense ACD or Diversion could be off the table. You need to plead "not guilty" and either hire a Lawyer or request Public defender. When you meet with this Attorney discuss your defense and/or plea options. I once had a client in a similar situation. I advised him to take and complete the Anti shoplifting program offered by Non Profit group NASP. He did and took proof to court. Judge was so pleased he dismissed his case on the spot no probation! I cannot say same will happen for you but it cannot hurt and can only help. You can find their course on their website www.shopliftingprevention.org if you have any questions you can email me for the email address to their Director (a friend of mine) for answers. My email is retailtheftexpert@gmail.com