Re: Going to Court in a Week. What Do I Do
They do have me on video, and I know that for a fact.
I am a first time offender.
I'm really nervous as I don't know what really would be the best thing for me to do. I do believe you guys when you say it would be a good idea to plead "not guilty", but I'm also afraid someone will immediately say "Hey stupid, we have you on video tape" and that will be the end of it.
I just want it off my record as quickly and painlessly as possible.
Even if they have video evidence of me shoplifting, is it still wise to plead "not guilty?"
I admit and acknowledge that I shoplifted... I just really would like to have the charge lessened and eventually sealed.
Another question, is there going to be a bunch of people watching from the benches? I've never seen a real court session so I'm not sure. I don't want them to roll out a tv and show everybody my shoplifting.
Re: Going to Court in a Week. What Do I Do
I don't know why this concept is so difficult to understand.
Pleading not guilty is not saying, "I didn't do what I'm charged with". Pleading not guilty is standing on your right under the Constitution to have the prosecution prove its case. Doesn't anyone pay attention in Civics class?
If you want to have the charge lessened, the way to do that is NOT to plead guilty to the original charge.
Re: Going to Court in a Week. What Do I Do
I have never TAKEN a civics class, and no high school I ever went to offered one so, no, I did not pay attention in civics class.
I'm not sure why it's necessary for you to give snotty remarks in the thread, though. If I were on the internet asking these stupid questions I'm obviously not very educated on the matter, and don't fully understand it. You should be able to see that.
Re: Going to Court in a Week. What Do I Do
And I'm not sure why it's necessary for you to advertise on the Internet that you don't understand the basic precepts that this country was founded on. I'd feel pretty much like an idiot if I had to do that. But whatever floats your boat, I guess.
Re: Going to Court in a Week. What Do I Do
If you went to a high school, you took a Government Class....which teaches Civics. Atleast the basics.
To answer a question: There will be other people in the courtroom, lots of them. People with other cases, their lawyers, witnesses, etc.
If you get a chance, go to a court date beforehand to get an idea of how it works
We also have stickied threads at the top of the forum with a lot of info....
Re: Going to Court in a Week. What Do I Do
I'd rather be an idiot and attempting to learn than already knowing and spending my time on forums looking down on people and making them feel bad about themselves. I guess it's whatever floats your boat though, right?
Thank you for your advice, PandorasBox. I appreciate it and I will see if I can go to a court session beforehand.
Re: Going to Court in a Week. What Do I Do
trollinthedungeon....were the cops called? did they put it all in their records?
Re: Going to Court in a Week. What Do I Do
Put what in their records Jenya? OP is going to court on a criminal charge because OP shoplifted. Obviously a police report was filed since the OP has been charged. It does not matter if the police came and took a report while OP was in custody or if LP reported it after the fact. The facts of the case remain the same.