Felony Shoplifting Charge In Michigan

[verysorrymi]

I am very glad I found this website. I was caught shoplifting last night, over $1000. felony charge. I have never done this before, I have no prior record of anything other than traffic tickets. The man from the store was very nice at first, but then he got very, very mean and was gloating to others about catching me. He called me a "master thief" and many other things. I guess I deserved it. On the other hand the officer that came to arrest me was so kind. I felt so bad this morning that I had withheld other items I had taken, all I want is a clean concious. I drove over 30 miles this afternoon take to the police station the other few items that I was too scared to share last night. What hurts me the most is that I have lost the trust of the good man who married me 30 years ago, and the damage I have done to my relationship with my 15 year old son. They did not hold me last night, they let my husband come and pick me up. They could have kept me in jail. The kind officer told me that I will receive a court date in a few weeks. Do you have any advice for me? I just can't stop crying. I live in Michigan

[blueeagle]

Seek a competent defense attorney. If you are indigent to the point you cannot afford a attorney, one will be appointed by the court.

[panther10758]

I agree you need a criminal defense Attorney right away. Its possible your Attorney can tlak to DA and reduce charge to misdemenaor

[verysorrymi]

Panther,
Do you really think it is possible to reduce something like what I did to a misdimener? If you have any idea, what are the chances of something like that happening with a paid attorney -v- a court appointed attorney?
I was thinking today of starting to pay restitution to the store I stole from starting tomorrow. I really want them to know how truly sorry I am. Do you or anyone else think that is a good idea? I don't need a judge to tell me what is the right and proper thing to do, but I also hear that "no good deed goes unpunished" before too. I am so confused.
Verysorrymi

[blueeagle]

I would advise against that. Making restitution payments is a admition of guilt. Remember, anything you say - or do -from this point on can and WILL be used against you in a court of law.

I've seen A LOT worse reduced to a misdemeanor before. Since you do seem remorsful it will be easier for your attorney to get the charges reduced.

If you can afford an attorney I recommend getting a paid one. But I have seen SEVERAL very good court appointed ones as well. Regardless of what you chose, I strongly recommend getting a lawyer soon. Very soon.

[panther10758]

Is it possible? I have heard of worst cases going that way so maybe. Contact an Attorney and talk to him/her about plea deals

[Ace Hole]

You said you never did this before, but later said you drove to the police department to return other items you stole.

You are a liar and a thief. Just plead guilty and take what's coming to you.

[usedbranflakes]

If you can't stop crying, seek professional help and suggest family counseling; your family will learn to trust you. They still love you even if they don't like your actions. You have been arrested for a felony, which is a serious crime. You need a serious defense attorney with a good deal of experience in defending these types of cases. A good defense attorney will be able to cite case examples of cases like this that they have successfully handled. Successful = pleas, lesser charges, acquittals, and dismissals.

For the record (I worked out of a Loss Prevention office), a "master thief" does not get caught on their first big heist. What you did was stupid but that does not make you a master thief. A felon, potentially, a career as a thief...no.

State of Virginia, County of Fairfax vs. Sanford - Saw 18 charges for Felony forgery get dropped to a single misdemeanor uttering charge. That was pretty surprising since they were over $6000. This particular instance was a schoolteacher who had a phenomenal track record up until getting involved in the issue leading up to this charge.

The reason I bring this up - if you have been married for 30 years you have to be in your late 40s or early 50s (most likely) and have an established record in life. The DA doesn't always want to take out productive members of society. ...and a felony conviction strips you of many of your rights.

It will cost you a lot of money to fight this and a good defense attorney will be able to help.

[verysorrymi]

You said you never did this before, but later said you drove to the police department to return other items you stole.

You are a liar and a thief. Just plead guilty and take what's coming to you.

Dear Ace Hole: The other items I returned were items I had taken that day but did not admit to taking because I was scared. When my car was searched, they saw the items but assumed they were mine.

[redtoy92]

Dear Ace Hole: The other items I returned were items I had taken that day but did not admit to taking because I was scared. When my car was searched, they saw the items but assumed they were mine.

If you try and tell the Judge and your Lawyer this story about how on YOUR FIRST TIME EVER STEALING you took OVER A THOUSAND dollars, then you must think them and all of us are just stupid. That is not something a first time thief takes. ANd the judge will know this. IT starts lower and works it way up. So good luck with that story. And I am not sure if you are really sorry or just sorry you got caught. If you are really sorry go and plead guility take what is coming to you and become a better person from all the lessons you will learn. Just my 2 cents. I am old school like that. I think people should own up to thier mistakes and pay for them. Crazy me.