Washington State Law Regarding Shoplifting

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Washington

I admitted to a police officer that i had stolen a few dvds from a store. This was after being detained by store security. I was told i would be given a court date to appear for. I am preparing for a career in the medical field an am extremely concerned about this being on my record. Even if deferred, i believe it still shows on a background check. I have not hired a lawyer and dont know the possibilty of not being convicted in some manner now that ive already admitted to an officer. It is my first offense and i am basically looking for advice as to the best way to proceed with the least amount of damage to my record. Thanks so much in advance for any help!!!!

hire a lawyer


You have already screwed the pooch on this one and need all the help you can get to minimize the damages.

My hesitation in hiring a lawyer is...they may get me to the same place as if i just ask for a deferral. And obviously if i was made of money, i wouldnt be in this situation so i dont really have much to spend. But it couldnt hurt to get a professional opinion. Thanks for the response!

Criminal defense attorneys will often give you a (brief) free consultation to let you know what your options are. Have you been charged yet? If so, what is the charge?

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Quoting sillynanny

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My hesitation in hiring a lawyer is...they may get me to the same place as if i just ask for a deferral. And obviously if i was made of money, i wouldnt be in this situation so i dont really have much to spend. But it couldnt hurt to get a professional opinion. Thanks for the response!

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well, just how much is your intended future career worth to you? Sure, you might get a deferral or you may get nothing and once you have filed to defend yourself, good luck arguing otherwise simply because you cannot get the deal you want.

Given the gravity of the situation, I think refusing to hire a lawyer would be foolish but hey, it's your career.

Let's see.....$1500 to get a lawyer to help you get the best possible outcome. Versus your college money a complete total waste.....

Thanks for the responses everyone! Today i received a letter from the city stating they were offering me a diversion and that if i complete the 11responses month program, all charges will be dropped and nothing will be reported on my record. I have to agree that i either commited the crime or that there is substantial evidence against me that if it went to trial they would likely find me guilty. If this diversion truly is what it sounds like this is what i was hoping for. No matter what, i imagine ill have some hefty fines from the courts to deal with too...

You will be paying for that Diversion Program, and any supervision it requires.

Also expect to receive a Civil Demand letter from the store. This is separate from the criminal charges, and needs to be paid.