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Criminal Conversion Charges

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  • 03-20-2013, 08:54 PM
    thief94
    Criminal Conversion Charges
    Today I stole a pair of pants that I could have paid for and was apprehended by LP, arrested by the police and released shortly afterward to pay for the pants I stole. It was absolutely a stupid decision but I've been having money issues lately, on top of having to help my mother pay bills and buying a car and I really didn't want to lose 20 more dollars. I told the cop that I felt humiliated and embarrassed and I've never been in trouble for shoplifting before and they offered to show up at the courthouse on my hearing date.

    I'm not looking to get out of this. I deserve whatever punishment the judge decides for me. I feel like an idiot and this has been one of the worst days I've had in recent memory. I just turned 18 and I feel like I already have so much on my shoulders, this is only going to make everything worse.

    What am I looking at here? Jail time? Fines? Probation? Is it even worth hiring a lawyer? I don't even know if I can afford it. My mom can't help me, she makes less money than I do (she's on disability, not working, and relies on welfare).

    Thanks in advance to anyone that answers. I just want to get this taken care of and move onto the 1000 other problems in my life right now.
  • 03-21-2013, 06:48 AM
    flyingron
    Re: Criminal Conversion Charges (Indiana, First Offense, Walmart)
    If you have been charged, you need a lawyer. Conversion is up to a year and/or $5000 fine.
    You can also expect to get a letter from walmart's "lawyers" for civil damanges.

    You're lucky they only charged this as conversion. Shoplifting of any amount is a felony in Indiana. Conversion is only a misdemeanor.

    In any even you need a lawyer. If you are indigent ask at your first appearance for a public defender.
  • 03-21-2013, 08:24 AM
    indybail
    Re: Criminal Conversion Charges (Indiana, First Offense, Walmart)
    Since your case is in Indiana, I would ask your attorney about the possibility of participating in a diversion program. Successful completion would mean no conviction on your record.
  • 03-21-2013, 10:55 AM
    thief94
    Re: Criminal Conversion Charges (Indiana, First Offense, Walmart)
    They gave me the civil damages letter in the LP office. It gives me a number to call in 2 weeks and they told me they'll most likely request I pay up to 3x the amount I stole. They also said I was not banned from Walmart and can come back anytime. My court date is more than a month from now so I'm wondering if my successful paying of the civil fee beforehand will affect my case? Is it Walmart pressing charges or the State/City?

    I've heard of the diversion program. Would a public defender be able to work out a diversion deal? I really don't want to spend thousands of dollars on a lawyer and look like a punk for getting an expensive lawyer to defend a crime I fully admit and take responsibility for committing.

    Also, I've heard cops can't testify on behalf of the defendant. I didn't tell the cop anything bad or incriminating, obviously I'm guilty and I have nothing I hide. But why would they offer to show up to the court? Maybe it's nothing, it's just that I really don't trust police officers due to my experience being harassed by them in my city entire teenage life (again, never been arrested).

    Thank you for the quick answers, by the way. Yesterday I was extremely down but now I realize my life isn't over. This is gonna suck, but I'll get through it.
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