Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft they caught me shoplifting

[neveragain23]

Recently me and my friend were caught shoplifting at a store. The items may have costed as high as $400.

My friend insisted, and even though I didn't actively participate I didn't tell him to not do it either, so we were apprehended. They made us sign a form to agree never to enter to this store again. A cop came, and took down our details. We're both international students here, and are extremely worried about whether we may have visa problems if we were to go back to our home country.

The cop gave us a summons to appear in court a month from then. The store detective told us that there would be a fine but if we plead guilty it should be okay, and we would also have to pay three times the amount to THE STORE separately.

This is the first time we got caught, I just want to know what to do for the summons. Obviously we don't have money to afford a lawyer, but we've no idea what to do at the court hearing.

Can pleading guilty make us serve jail time? Will it appear in our record forever, say later on when we were to apply for jobs or a visa for re-entry? We have no idea about how and what to say in court, and also whether we should just plead guilty or ask for a lawyer. I cannot believe this happened, but I need to know what I can do so it does not ruin my life. Any advice will be highly appreciated.


REDACTED PERSONAL INFORMATION TO PROTECT YOUR IDENTITY and our site

 

[army judge]

Recently me and my friend were caught shoplifting at a store. The items may have costed as high as $400.

My friend insisted, and even though I didn't actively participate I didn't tell him to not do it either, so we were apprehended. They made us sign a form to agree never to go to a Walmart again. A cop came, and took down our details. We're both international students here, and are extremely worried about whether we may have visa problems if we were to go back to our home country.

The cop gave us a summons to appear in court a month from then. The store detective told us that there would be a fine but if we plead guilty it should be okay, and we would also have to pay three times the amount to THE STORE separately.

This is the first time we got caught, I just want to know what to do for the summons. Obviously we don't have money to afford a lawyer, but we've no idea what to do at the court hearing.

Can pleading guilty make us serve jail time? Will it appear in our record forever, say later on when we were to apply for jobs or a visa for re-entry? We have no idea about how and what to say in court, and also whether we should just plead guilty or ask for a lawyer. I cannot believe this happened, but I need to know what I can do so it does not ruin my life. Any advice will be highly appreciated.


REDACTED PERSONAL INFORMATION TO PROTECT YOUR IDENTITY and our site

Search "shoplifting arrest or summons" on this site or via Google.

Read your summons and follow the instructions.

If you don't understand English well, the court will eventually appoint an interpreter to help you.You can also work with members in your community who do understand English and your language to help you better understand.

You do nothing except to go to court as directed, plead NOT guilty, ask the court to appoint a lawyer to assist you, meet with lawyer, ask him or her what your options are. You can also ask him or her about that DEMAND LETTER tha will be coming your way.

Yes, if you get convicted in court or plead guilty, your clean record will forever be stained with this THEFT related conviction.
Yes, it could impact your status in this country.
Normally it won't, but it can.


STOP discussing this except with your lawyer.

Ask your lawyer these questions, and research the internet.

Too late to get curious now, because you never get caught the first time.

So, stop explaining, the store detectives didn't buy it, and the court won't either.
That's why smart criminals simply say, I WANT A LAWYER, and I REFUSE TO ANSWER QUESTIONS or EXPLAIN, thank you.

 

[shrinkmaster]

I am a retail theft consultant and answer questions like yours daily. You need a Lawyer a theft conviction can harm your VISA status. I understand you cannot afford an Attorney but many offer free consultations so get as many as you can find a Lawyer familiar with both criminal law and immigration. Ask about ACD or Diversion as possible plea options. Under no circumstances do you plead guilty!!