Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft What happens to me now?

[Table]

I am 20 years , I was caught by loss prevention leaving a CERTAIN establishment ALLEGEDLY with items adding up to 241$ worth of merchandise. I was then taken to a police station to be processed. I was given a court date for November and then was released. I have never done this before and I don't know what I was thinking. I don't have any record until today. Now I don't know if I will be sentenced to jail or something. What is going to happen to me? What should I expect in court on November?

 

[army judge]

I am 20 years , I was caught by loss prevention leaving a CERTAIN establishment ALLEGEDLY with items adding up to 241$ worth of merchandise. I was then taken to a police station to be processed. I was given a court date for November and then was released. I have never done this before and I don't know what I was thinking. I don't have any record until today. Now I don't know if I will be sentenced to jail or something. What is going to happen to me? What should I expect in court on November?

The store's name was redacted to PROTECT your privacy.

Okay, you STILL have a clean record.

In this country, you are PRESUMED innocent and as pure as a baby UNTIL the state PROVES your guilt, or you foolishly agree to plead guilty.

So, in the meantime, you stay trouble free, do NOTHING stupid, break no laws, keep a low profile, behave yourself, resist your urges to do stupid or illegal things.

Essentially, you wait, and you wait SILENTLY.

On your court date, appear early, be neat, be clean, and dress nicely.

The court has a website with its rules, Google the site, read the rules, come prepared to OBEY those rules.

When your name is called, do as requested, answer all questions posed by the judge with Yes, Your Honor; No, Your Honor (or use SIR or MADAM).

Plead NOT guilty, hire your own lawyer, if you can't afford one, say so, and ask the court to appoint one for you at taxpayer expense.

Make no statements, say NOTHING about the incident, and speak about the incident ONLY with your lawyer when you meet him or her.

The lawyer will advise you about options for a person free of any stains on their record.

What's done is done, so work to fix this, but go slowly, and know what you're doing before you commit.

 

[Betty3]

Get a lawyer - if you can't afford one, the court will appoint one.
Plead not guilty.
Ask the lawyer about your plea options. The lawyer will get you the best outcome possible.
Talk to no one but your lawyer about this.
You should have fines to pay for sure.

 

[Table]

Thank you so much for your help. But why I should plead not guilty if I think I maybe?

 

[Betty3]

You can get a better outcome - talk to your lawyer about this. Don't be talking or posting about pleading/being guilty. You're innocent until proven guilty.

 

[Table]

Okay thank you so much. I really appreciate it!!!!!

 

[army judge]

Thank you so much for your help. But why I should plead not guilty if I think I maybe?

You have a right to plead NOT guilty, the state has a duty to PROVE your guilt, unless you continue to compile stupid act on top of stupid act.

Plus, you really want to avoid having this on your record.

It will forever impact your ability to get a good job, (if it stains your record) credit perhaps, so many things you may not even know.....

 

[shrinkmaster]

I work in the retail theft field and the advice above is your best course of action. Pleading guilty will end your case and Judge will sentence you to whatever he wishes. This can result in a criminal record which could kill any career plans. Talk to an Attorney (several is better) many offer free consultations. When you meet wit this Lawyer ask about ACD or Diversion as plea options.