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Consequences of First Offense Misdemeanor Petty Theft

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  • 03-01-2012, 04:55 PM
    Prospective
    Consequences of First Offense Misdemeanor Petty Theft
    My question involves criminal law for the state of: Florida

    I was given a notice to appear in court after I shoplifted 35$ worth of merchandise at a retail store. It was a very stupid mistake but my nerves took over after I noticed that some shady guy started following/watching me. I got scared and I was about to take it off(a shirt) so I went back in to the fitting room but I had removed the tags already etc so I just decided to get out quick. Once I walked out, the same guy(Undercover loss prevention member) that was watching me, ambushes me from the other side and detains me in their security room. I was pretty traumatized...

    1.What should I expect in court? Orange County, FL. I was SO worried about this for the entire month, and my parents don't know yet because I don't want them to have a heart attack. I really plan on having the case expunged because I know for a fact that it will haunt me for the rest of my life. I plan on becoming a doctor, so I believe this misdemeanor may come back and bite me when the schools that provide the licensing(MD) do a background check on me etc. What should I say to the judge to help me or somehow dismiss the charges, and allow me to expunge the case in the next year?

    I don't have money to pay for a lawyer as I'm a dependent student, and my parents don't know yet.(Just turned 18)

    2.What is the best course of action to potentially convince the judge to dismiss the case/charges and allow me to expunge the case in the future?
    3. If the judge does not dismiss the case/charges, what should I then lean towards-Pretrial Diversion?
    4. How should I speak to the judge, and how does the process go exactly? If I want to ask the judge to dismiss the case followed by my reasons how should I present it?
    5. Can I bring paper proof of my academic records/ community service/ research papers to illustrate my contribution to society?
  • 03-01-2012, 05:25 PM
    Security Consultant
    Re: First Offense Misdemeanor Petty Theft(35$) Consequences
    Quote:

    Quoting Prospective
    View Post
    My question involves criminal law for the state of: Florida

    I noticed that some shady guy started following/watching me - ambushes me - I was pretty traumatized - I am a wonderful student and have never gotten into any problems - I was academically well with over 10 AP classes etc, very high academics, great behavior, very involved in church and community service.

    I just love this stuff.
  • 03-01-2012, 05:36 PM
    Prospective
    Re: First Offense Misdemeanor Petty Theft(35$) Consequences
    Edited OP because academic info etc was irrelevant. Just trying to point out that I'm a good-heart person who committed one mistake like many other good people on here.
  • 03-01-2012, 05:42 PM
    flyingron
    Re: First Offense Misdemeanor Petty Theft(35$) Consequences
    Security consultant is one of those shady guys who ambushes shoplifters.

    The best course of action is to get a lawyer. There is almost no chance you'll get a dismissal outright. Your lawyer will negotiate the diversion.
  • 03-02-2012, 05:25 AM
    Security Consultant
    Re: First Offense Misdemeanor Petty Theft(35$) Consequences
    I just couldn't help myself.
  • 03-04-2012, 09:15 AM
    Prospective
    Re: First Offense Misdemeanor Petty Theft(35$) Consequences
    I don't think I can afford a lawyer. Hundreds of people have stated having a lawyer for a first offense petty theft 2nd degree misdeameanor would be a waste of money.

    If I DO get a lawyer, what are the chances he/she can help me to dismiss the charges?
  • 03-04-2012, 10:37 AM
    PandorasBox
    Re: First Offense Misdemeanor Petty Theft(35$) Consequences
    Change of dismissal - depends on the evidence. Which they likely have a lot.

    Chance of reduced charge or First Time Offenders program - greatly increases with help of an attorney.

    Oh...a First Time Offenders or Diversion Program = not free. Expect to pay for that PRIVILEDGE. But atleast that or reduced charge (plea deal) looks better on your record and employment applications.
  • 03-04-2012, 09:38 PM
    Prospective
    Re: First Offense Misdemeanor Petty Theft(35$) Consequences
    I think the Pretrial diversion is around $300 which I can easily pay for. Its just now I can't afford anything because my parents don't know, and I depend on them entirely, as I'm still a student. I have around @00$ worth of goods that I can pretty much sell instantly. Just got 50$ today from an uncle etc. I'm applying for a job now, probably at a fast food because they don't care much about crminal records(especially mcdonalds). Of course I will opt for the pretrial diversion program, which many people, including the loss preventention team at the store I stole from, have told me is likely since I'm young and it was my first offense.

    And it's privilege btw not priviledge.

    So a dismissal is very unlikely since they have total proof I did it? I thought it small misdemeanor cases like this, first offense, they dismiss charges if they feel pity for you or if you can fight for a reason to get this off your record etc.??
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