QUESTION
What could I face for shoplifting $50-$55 worth of items?
Asked on Nov 11th, 2012 on Criminal Law - North Carolina
More details to this question:
I am 18 years old. I was very cooperative and compliant but since the value was over $20, he had to call the police. I was cited, let go and have to appear in court on Tuesday. I am scared to death. I know this was stupid and I've been having anxiety attacks ever since. I've never been in trouble or even in a courtroom. I have no priors. What do I expect? I'm a good student, attending college and play a sport. Does it matter? Answers please and thank you.
11 ANSWERS
Michael J. Breczinski
You want to get a lawyer. YOU DO NOT want to plead guilty right away. You lose all bargaining power if you do. A good lawyer may be able to get you a deal where you have no conviction or record. This is huge. A conviction stays on your record FOREVER. What employer wants to hire a thief?
Answered on Nov 15th, 2012 at 5:40 AM
What matters most in your case is that you state you have never been in trouble before. When you go to Court, you will either speak the the Prosecutor who will give you an offer, or you will see if you qualify for a public defender. Don't be alarmed if you get a public defender, it means they are seeking jail time. Most of the time, on a first offense like this, they will seek suspended jail time. You will likely have to stay out of trouble (not get arrested for anything), pay a fine and maybe even attend a class. If you reject the offer, you will get a trial date. The most important thing is to show up on time and be respectful in Court.
Answered on Nov 14th, 2012 at 7:47 AM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Alhambra, CA
at
Francis John Cowhig
Update Your Profile
Depending on the amount allegedly stolen and the jurisdiction where the event occurred, shoplifting can be met with a mere citation (infraction), or charged as a misdemeanor or even a felony, with possible jail sentences of 6 months to 3 years. It will be up to the D.A. to determine how the crime will be charged. You need to retain an attorney to represent you.
Answered on Nov 13th, 2012 at 6:31 PM
Theft is a crime of moral turpitude, and having it means you can kiss your career aspirations goodbye. You need to hire a lawyer, and do it quick, before you make a wrong move, like opening your mouth and incriminating yourself.
Answered on Nov 13th, 2012 at 5:41 PM
Bankruptcy Attorney serving Federal Way, WA
at
Freeborn Law Offices P.S.
Update Your Profile
Shoplift is a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a $5,00.00 fine... yes, even if you only stole $50 - $55 worth of items. First time offense you may get no jail time... probably won't, but the judge will order you to pay a substantial fine, attend consumer awareness counseling, and probably prohibit you from going to the store you stole from. However, let's look beyond the court process and the long term effects of your actions. You now have a conviction on your record...a conviction for theft, which means you are not a trustworthy individual. How many employers want to hire someone they can't trust? Yes, you have to disclose criminal convictions on job applications. You say you are attending college... how will a criminal conviction impact your college career? Are you going to school on student loans and grants? A criminal conviction may disqualify you from receipt of these funds..... all for $50.00. My advice: hire an attorney. Yes, it will be expensive, but if he/she can keep you from having a conviction on your record, it is worth every dollar you spend.
Answered on Nov 13th, 2012 at 5:40 PM
Thomas Edward Gates
You can expect to attend a consumer class, do community service, pay a fine, make restitution, no criminal violations and probation. If someone runs a background check, the theft will show-up. If they do not drop the charge after completion of your probation, expunge your record yourself.
Answered on Nov 13th, 2012 at 5:39 PM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Deltona, FL
at
R. Jason de Groot, P.A.
Update Your Profile
Hopefully, you will be offered a deferred prosecution agreement, whereby you would do some community service hours, pay fines, and attend a class, then the case might be dropped. After that you might be able to get the criminal record sealed and later expunged.
Answered on Nov 13th, 2012 at 5:35 PM
You can go to court and ask the judge for a continuance to allow you time to hire an attorney, or you can go ahead and hire an attorney to represent you and you probably won't have to appear in court at all. If you have no prior convictions for stealing, then it's very likely that your attorney can get the shoplifting charge reduced to a lesser offense, such as "Littering." You will have to pay a fine and court costs. Of course, this all depends on which court this is in. Some courts require a shoplifting defendant to perform a few hours of community service and also attend a "theft offenders" class.
Answered on Nov 13th, 2012 at 5:35 PM
Family Law Attorney serving West Bloomfield, MI
at
Law Offices of Eugene Lumberg and Eric S. Lumberg
Update Your Profile
In Michigan, all these factors will be raised at time of sentencing. If this is your first offense, the likelihood of jail is small. However, you should have a lawyer represent you to make sure your rights are protected and your best values are presented to the Judge.
Answered on Nov 13th, 2012 at 5:34 PM
Personal Injury Attorney serving Wilmington, NC
at
Deaver & Deaver, PLLC
Update Your Profile
You should contact an attorney. If you hire an attorney you might not need to attend your court date. You can call us at the number below to discuss your options.
Answered on Nov 13th, 2012 at 5:32 PM
John J. Carney
If you retain a good lawyer you can get an ACD dismissal and will not have a criminal record. Call my office for a referral to a lawyer in your area. If you get arrested again you will get a criminal record and find it hard to get a decent job, so you will have to make better decisions in the future. Since you are under 19 you are also eligible for Youthful Offender Treatment just in case the prosecutor does not dismiss the case. In some states they have diversion programs, community service, shoplifting school, or you may have a deferred sentence, but if you are compliant with the judges orders you will not have a criminal record.
Answered on Nov 13th, 2012 at 5:32 PM