I Got Caught Shoplifting - What Do I Expect in Court

[Susan Terrents]

I cannot believe your story, not that I don't believe you, but I don't believe that you were arrested and have had to retain a lawyer for a $6.00 pair of earrings. That is so ridiculous, especially since you were a minor. I did not see what state you live in, however I believe a minor who is scared and intimidated should not after being arrested be interrogated or asked to sign anything without a parent or legal guardian present. I truly believe, since they did not call your parents, they have no right to question you at all and no matter what you signed your lawyer should know this. I would consider consulting with another lawyer, I really believe you were co-erced and the police cannot question a minor without consent of the legal guardian. Your lawyer should have this thrown out of court on those grounds immediately. I would ask the lawyer why he hasn't filed for a dismassal on the grounds that the police secured your signature without the presence of your guardian. Simple, if he does not do this, please get another attorney. This is ridiculous!

[PandorasBox]

They can call the police anytime they want. Likely, she was being uncooperative with LP.

As for it just being a pair of $6.00 earrings, do you realize that shoplifting costs retailers over $40 billion dollars per year? Susan Terrants - guess who picks up that tab? The rest of consumers, including yourself.

Grandma - I have been been there 3 years ago, and I volunteer here because these people were very helpful to me. I do tell it like it is. If you think it's rude, oh well.

[gmatothree]

Around these parts granny, the "rude" perspective very commonly arises from those who do not get the response(s) that they wanna hear, or were prospecting for. We are solidly on the side of honesty here, and that honesty for the most part is delivered very directly and to the point.

If it hurts some feelings at times then so be it. If you're in a fix and wanna be coddled by being told all cordially inviting responses to your query/predicament/dilemma then you may need more of a reality check than your obviously already used to. A reality check that cannot be properly delivered by posters on a forum, regardless of the subject matter.

And that's that about that pretty much!

Nice. Another rude poster...how surprising. I am not in agreement with the OP nor do I have the answers for them. My point was I asked a question and instead of ANY answer, I got flamed and called names. It was uncalled for and if this is indicative of the way senior "helpful" posters are on this forum, then maybe they should find another day job where they don't deal with the public. If you don't like the question or don't know the answer, you should be kind enough to say nothing. Didn't your mommy ever teach you that?

And, btw, I don't even know why YOU threw your hat in this ring as I was not even commenting to you.

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They can call the police anytime they want. Likely, she was being uncooperative with LP.

As for it just being a pair of $6.00 earrings, do you realize that shoplifting costs retailers over $40 billion dollars per year? Susan Terrants - guess who picks up that tab? The rest of consumers, including yourself.

Grandma - I have been been there 3 years ago, and I volunteer here because these people were very helpful to me. I do tell it like it is. If you think it's rude, oh well.

Well, how lucky for you that you had helpful posters. They must have all left the forum since then. You obviously didn't carry on their way. I have no problem with people telling it like it is. But, one can be diplomatic about it instead of juvenile. And a diplomatic response does not require name calling. Even so, you may have just had a shitty day, fine. An apology would be the next adult act. These are real people with real issues and they come here for answers. They don't need to be called names. Were you called a troll the first time you posted? You are not a good example and I thank God that you are not my role model. Rude.

If the carte blanche answer to every question here is to "ask your atty", why even bother? Some people just want to know what the process is beforehand. Knowledge is good.

[PandorasBox]

I answered the questions, and said it like it is.

Don't like my replies? Don't read 'em. Don't like this forum - don't visit it. How about YOU try to act like an adult?

[gmatothree]

No, you did not answer my question. And you don't have to and I wish you wouldn't if you don't know what you are talking about, but don't flame someone because you didn't like their comment. Isn't that a little like the pot calling the kettle black? Seriously. Normally, I pass on ignorant replies, but when I am being personally attacked and for no reason, I react.

I don't know how old you are, but this OP is 17. Now, just because the law states they are an adult, does not mean their mind is and yes, they clearly have issues. It is too bad that you are playing judge the person instead of answering their question. How about if you don't like the poster, YOU don't comment. There is nothing that I wrote that is not "adult". Quite the contrary. I was the one being called names, by YOU, so who really needs to act as an adult? But, then again, it seems you like the contrary and flip flop to what suits you. Shame you are on a forum, giving ill advice, to people who are in need of GOOD advice. Length of time ANYWHERE does not make a person any better than anyone else. Sometimes it is worse and they just need to retire. They get jaded. They get tired of hearing and reading the same ole stuff, the same ole excuses...so they get sarcastic and nasty. This is not called "telling it like it is". This is called RUDE and ignorant. And then when they are confronted, they can't even admit they were a little harsh. Doesn't surprise me you are from MI as MI has nothing but a bunch of grouchy, ole, nasty people in general.

[PandorasBox]

And the reasons we tell people to get a local lawyer:

- Laws vary by state. And even by jurisdiction.
- A local lawyer will be familiar with the prosecutor and the lawyer whom the defendant will be up against. The local lawyer will know: Is this judge tough on people? Is this prosecutor tough on people? Is this prosecutor willing to work out a plea deal? What sentence is this judge likely to give?
- A local lawyer will also know if programs like First Time Offender, Deferred Sentencing, Adjudication Withheld, Pre-Trial Diversion, and other programs are available in that jurisdiction.

You will note we have made stickied threads advising people what to expect in the court room, how to dress, etc. We volunteer, we don't make any money off our time here trying to advise people.

We do also recommend aside from hiring a local lawyer, when we know the person will need one, that people also go to the court before their hearing and sit in for a few hours....get a feel for what will be happening.

[LawResearcherMissy]

C'mon....although it is public, no one knows who is who.

Don't be so sure. Most people are not as anonymous on the internet as they think. I can't tell you how many posters here beg me to take their posts down because they were recognized - thanks to their blabbering mouths and keyboards elsewhere.

You sir or ma'am, are one rude poster. It's disgusting.

Exit is the same place that you found the entrance. Avail yourself of it.

Well, how lucky for you that you had helpful posters. They must have all left the forum since then.

Oh, honey, no. She got the "straighten up and fly right" lecture, just like all the other shoplifters do. The difference with Pandy is that she didn't come in here making excuses about how her disease made her do it. She owned up to her massive screw-up, and instead of whining and arguing with us and looking for loopholes, she took our advice, and had a good outcome.

[PandorasBox]

Yep, I made a consult with a lawyer, liked him, hired him. Paid him out of my own pocket. I paid my Civil Demand and presented it to the judge, in a nice manilla folder. My lawyer and the judge could see I was sincerely remorseful. I think the cop wrote something similar on the police report.

I read the stickied threads, and followed the tips. Even added to what was already there. I could not believe the people at the courthouse that were smoking and throwing their butts on the ground, chewing gum.... Hello? It's court! I have Panic Disorder, but I waited til afterwards to take my medication, no matter how bad I was shaking.

See, this is where I come from. The county I resided in did not offer First Time Offenders. At 34, I was way too old for the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act. My lawyer worked out a plea bargain to a lesser charge of Disorderly Person. I was very grateful for that, although the original charge still appears on a background check (many people think, well, I pled guilty to the lesser charge, that's all that will be seen....").

I had a reason for what I did, but I did not use it in court. I told my lawyer, but told him I realized it was no excuse for criminal behavior. Because in the end, I committed a crime, and owned up to it. I didn't come here asking for someone to make up a lie for me, of tell me if a made up story was believable. I didn't come here and say "hey, my living situation was Hell and I did it so my nasty relative would kick me out (sorry, simply moving out was not an option legally or morally for me), please feel sorry for me". No I came here, said "I ****ed up, I'm scared, what do I do, what do I expect?"

I do get rude with a few posters....this one because of her obvious lies, please help me make an excuse. I was frank with her on why those stories would not fly, and that if you lie to the judge - he's gonna be harsher in sentencing. We are here to give advise, not to help write stories that justify crimes.

Again, if you don't like what I post - you have the option to not read my posts, or to exit this forum. PS, what advice have you given? Any? And you say I have no life, but you're only contributions to this site are to criticize me.....

[souperdave]

And, btw, I don't even know why YOU threw your hat in this ring as I was not even commenting to you.

No worries granny! I won't charge you for my $0.02 worth.

[PandorasBox]

PS....grannyto3...

Ever hear of this? It is called an ISP address. May I suggest you go to: www.google.com

Now....enter the search term "ISP Address"?

Bet you are shocked when it tells you who your Internet Service Provider is, and the town you live in. What kind of connection you use. And there's a button that also reads "additional IP Details". Sorry, you are not the only one who can view your information.

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PS...may I post your first post here?

http://www.expertlaw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=141573

Troll alert

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Ps...when you get done bitching me out..

Maybe you should have a talk with your daughter? http://www.expertlaw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=141573

Get a lawyer. That warrant is going to require it.

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Your first post read:

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Michigan

My daughter (17 at the time, now 18) got caught shoplifting a pair of earrings in February. She received a civil demand for $271. which she is making payments on. The problem is that we had just moved to a temporary place while waiting for her to graduate and then we are relocating to NV because that is where my husband was transferred for work. We already have a home there and she is enrolled in college there. She did tell the officer that and they wrote the paper with the new address. The civil demand letter was mailed to the new address, not forwarded. I did have her name entered into the P.O. to have her mail forwarded to the new address.

Apparently, the request to appear letter was mailed to the old address and not forwarded so we had no idea about this. She just received the warrant for her arrest two days ago, forwarded to the new address. I contacted a criminal defense atty who said they would contact the detective and get back to me with a price to retain him. I didn't hear anything the next day, so I texted him (his preference for communication) and asked. He replied hours later and said the detective wasn't in and he would try the next day. Still nothing. So, I am assuming he is very busy and quite possibly doesn't have time for this case. Fine.

Question: Should my daughter (or I) contact the detective and at least let them know we are aware and not ignoring this? I am very concerned that if my daughter gets stopped for a traffic violation they will arrest her. (Ok, as I type this, I just received a text from the atty telling me he is out of town for the weekend and that he will contact me on Tues.) I'm mad now. He tells me that this is important to get the warrant lifted and then bails. I contacted him on Tuesday! I didn't really want to contact the court myself as I figured the atty knows better how to handle this. Any thoughts?

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PS: This makes you look like a wonderful parent/grandma of 3:

Towards me: "Doesn't surprise me you are from MI as MI has nothing but a bunch of grouchy, ole, nasty people in general."

your location: "My question involves criminal law for the state of: Michigan". How ironic.....