Shoplifting in Arizona

[April13]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Arizona

I am 16 and about a month a go I came out to AZ to live with my sister and she had temporary custody of me and my younger brother. When I was back home I would shoplift and never got caught. I then got here and did it a few times after my sister told me not to, its a rush for me. I was with her and her best friend and they are both 21, my sister is 25 weeks pregnant. I convinced her friend to do it with me and then we both teased on my sister for being a sissy and not doing it with us, so she did it. My sister is in the military. We went to Kohl's and got caught and she had to pay for all my fee's and I got off with the diversion officer. My fee's were 275.00 (with the diversion fee and Kohls fee) My sister and her friend are about to go to a hearing and the police did not tell the military. This is their first time offense. They don't know what is going to happen or how they should plead in the court. My mom told them to plead not guilty so they could get an attourney, they don't want the military to find out and they don't want a record. Does anyone have any advice??? Thank you.

[Mr. Knowitall]

They should get an attorney.

[SNPJR]

Well, if they have it on camera (the act of your sister shoplifting), a 'Not Guilty' plea would make her look assanine and thus effect her military career even more. Just my personal take on the matter...

But, as Knowtail suggests, consult with an attorney before you procede. If you cannot afford an attorney, I suggest you try. May be the best money she'll spend as of yet in her life.

[Mr. Knowitall]

Entering an initial plea of 'not guilty' so you can consult a lawyer is routine in criminal courts. It doesn't make you "look asinine". (Although, when possible, it makes sense to consult a lawyer before your first appearance in court... who may well advise you to plead "not guilty" (or equivalent) while plea negotiations continue.)