Tried to Get Something for Free

**chadh** · 10-24-2009, 03:04 PM

My question involves criminal law for the state of: i live in utah, and i just today got a shoplifting charge thank god i didnt go to jail.... anyways what can i do to ovoid a criminal record i have never had any tickets or any charges against me and i would like to keep it that way.

**LawResearcherMissy** · 10-24-2009, 05:02 PM

Hire an attorney. Then ask your attorney about getting you into a diversion program - this consists of fines, restitution, anti-shoplifting classes, and probation. Depending on the jurisdiction, successful completion can keep the charge off your record.

If you cannot afford private counsel, plead Not Guilty at your arraignment and ask for a Public Defender.

**chadh** · 10-24-2009, 05:46 PM

Quoting LawResearcherMissy

Hire an attorney. Then ask your attorney about getting you into a diversion program - this consists of fines, restitution, anti-shoplifting classes, and probation. Depending on the jurisdiction, successful completion can keep the charge off your record.

If you cannot afford private counsel, plead Not Guilty at your arraignment and ask for a Public Defender.

thank you i have never been in this situation in my life thanks a ton.