Clean Record and Caught Shoplifting

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Colorado.

I am deaf and was caught shoplifting at a food store. My record is clear except for those speeding tickets. I lost my job some years back and have struggled for a while. That particular day I was kind of running late to pick up my kids and I thought maybe I'd just walk out of the store unnoticed but I got caught. It's very embarrassing and I have not shared this with anyone else. Now I have a court date coming up and I tried to find a lawyer. They all cost over $1000. I do not have that kind of money. I don't have any credit (filed bankruptcy after I lost my job). I thought about defending myself but after reading a lot of forums and stuff on the website, it would be much better for me to have a lawyer and help me keep my record clear and not have to go to jail, etc.

Does anyone have any leads on where I can get some assistance from a lawyer on this case? I understand that I can be appointed a lawyer if I can't afford one - do I ask for that before the trial or during the trial?

Any assistance would greatly be appreciated. Thank you very much in advance. :)

Caught-in-Colorado.

(1) from a half-deaf person with a back injury....deafness is not a defense.

(2) You need a Criminal Defense Attorney.


(3) your record won't be clear, but a lawyer can help you get a Diversion Program (if you are a first time offender and the area allows such a deal).

In no way I meant to imply that I wanted to be out of the clear with the law because I'm deaf. I should be more clear, I struggle to find a lawyer willing to help me with my case because the lawyer would have to pay for an interpreter. They didn't say that directly but they're "busy" and can't take any other cases or something like that. But even if I found one, I can't afford one. How do I find one appointed to me by the county? Or a pro bono lawyer? That's what I want to know.

Thank you for responding PandorasBox.

try starting with http://www.coloradolegalservices.org/

Look up Interpreters in your area. And ask the courts to help you find one.

Pro Bono lawyer - well...that depends on your finances. Same with pro-bono services. Even then, there is usually a small cost for that...

Why would the lawyer have to pay for an interpreter for you? I guess I don't understand that? I'm half deaf, but no so I cannot communicate with people...and there is email/pen & paper still...

Lehk,

Thank you for that link. I will look in there and see what I can find.

Thanks again! :)

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Can you give me different leads or something? They don't accept cases related with shoplifting. Thank you.