Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Theft of Service

[mimismalls]

HI,

I'm currently being charged for theft of service. I got into a cab and the guy didn't know where i was going, i gave him $10 and then at some point he couldn't lo locate my address, so i told him to take me back to where he picked me up from. After i got in the cab i clearly stated that it was my first time in DC and i don't know where i am going. He demanded extra 5$ before taking me to where he picked me up from. I return and he pulled up next to the police yelling no pay no pay. This guy is an araba cab driver with little to no english. I wonder how he got is license. I tried to explain to the cops. he won't listen to me, being a minority and it was like 4 cops on only me. They told me to shut up turn around and put my hands behind me, which i gently did. Was taken away, book and arrainged. Being charged with my theft. I have never been arrested. never encountered police or broke any form of law. I'm a college student pursing a degree in computer science. First i would like to know what i can do, as i do not have money for a lawyer and was appointed a lawyer in court. Also i have been reading a lot of stuff, and feels like its my word against his or the court. If ever convicted i'm pretty much screwed as to job as no one want to hire someone with theft. Please help me what can i do

 

[army judge]

HI,

I'm currently being charged for theft of service. I got into a cab and the guy didn't know where i was going, i gave him $10 and then at some point he couldn't lo locate my address, so i told him to take me back to where he picked me up from. After i got in the cab i clearly stated that it was my first time in DC and i don't know where i am going. He demanded extra 5$ before taking me to where he picked me up from. I return and he pulled up next to the police yelling no pay no pay. This guy is an araba cab driver with little to no english. I wonder how he got is license. I tried to explain to the cops. he won't listen to me, being a minority and it was like 4 cops on only me. They told me to shut up turn around and put my hands behind me, which i gently did. Was taken away, book and arrainged. Being charged with my theft. I have never been arrested. never encountered police or broke any form of law. I'm a college student pursing a degree in computer science. First i would like to know what i can do, as i do not have money for a lawyer and was appointed a lawyer in court. Also i have been reading a lot of stuff, and feels like its my word against his or the court. If ever convicted i'm pretty much screwed as to job as no one want to hire someone with theft. Please help me what can i do

Not much more you can do, other than what you've already done.

I wouldn't go around slamming and bad mouthing any race, religion, nationality.

The driver's ethnicity had nothing to do with your confusion and inability to communicate.
You, as a passenger don't get to determine the fare you're charged.
The driver didn't kidnap you, my friend.
You flagged the driver down, got into the cab, and suddenly didn't know where you wanted to go.
Think about that for a minute to two.
Then you requested to be taken back to where you started, no problem.
The diver will take you anywhere you want to go.
All you had to do was ask.
I've been in cabs all over this planet and never once was a I arrested for not paying the fare.

I wish you well.

 

[mimismalls]

Hi,

Thanks for your quick response, first i must let you know i'm not trying to bad mouth any religion, nationality or race. I gave him and address and we he couldn't locate it. He stopped over three other cabs to ask, i believe he just started driving no problem. When the meter was $10 he cried out that he couldn't continue as he can't find the address. So that was when i said could he take me back to where he picked me up. To be honest i had no intention not to pay for service, and my car was at the public parking which i was trying to get back to, because DC had traffic this particular night i was in. What are my chances on this, as well as jobs. Please help!!!!

 

[Betty3]

You noted you had a court appointed lawyer - work with your lawyer & talk to no one else. Good luck.

 

[army judge]

Hi,

Thanks for your quick response, first i must let you know i'm not trying to bad mouth any religion, nationality or race. I gave him and address and we he couldn't locate it. He stopped over three other cabs to ask, i believe he just started driving no problem. When the meter was $10 he cried out that he couldn't continue as he can't find the address. So that was when i said could he take me back to where he picked me up. To be honest i had no intention not to pay for service, and my car was at the public parking which i was trying to get back to, because DC had traffic this particular night i was in. What are my chances on this, as well as jobs. Please help!!!!

You've indicated a valid defense.
If you have a public defender, discuss your actions with your public defender.
The PD might be able to get this charge dismissed without you needing to plead guilty or end up with you being convicted at trial.
As you've told the story here, I see this as a simple misunderstanding.
If English is the second or third language one or both of you speak, that's the easiest explanation for how this went awry.
Make sure that if the driver wasn't paid, that you have the lawyer pay the cab fare.
Of course you must pay the lawyer before he pays the cab company/driver.