Banned from Macy's and Waiting to Go to Court
My question involves criminal law for the state of: OREGON
Hello, I am very concerned about my situation as of now.
I'm an exchange student and an applicant waiting for my green card.
My friends dared me to steal clothes from Macy and I was caught yesterday. The stolen clothes were $195 and Macy's associate made me sign some papers and asked me to pay $445 ($195 of stolen stuff and $250 fine according to Oregon law).
I was scared that this could affect my green card status and lied about my personal information. I didn't have any ID with me at the time so they called a police officer to verify my ID. I then told the officer my actual name and other information, explaining that I was afraid my green card status might be affected. Later I was put in a room at the police station for 6 hours and they release me with a court date and I was charged with Theft II Misdemeanor.
I am not sure what to do right now as I heard with theft II I could be in jail for maximum 1 year and $6000 fine!
Should I go back to Macy and re-verify my information and pay the fine before going to court?
Please let me know because this is very important.. My family has been working on our immigrant status for a long time and right now I wished I didn't shoplift..
This is the first time I got arrested. I did not break any law before then. I am currently 19 turning 20 in a few weeks
Thank you!
Re: Banned from Macy's and Waiting to Go to Court
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My friends dared me to steal clothes from Macy and I was caught yesterday.
that was really dumb, especially considering this:
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I'm an exchange student and an applicant waiting for my green card.
theft II is a class A misdemeanor.
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A sentence to pay a fine for a misdemeanor shall be a sentence to pay an amount, fixed by the court, not exceeding:
(a)$6,250 for a Class A misdemeanor.
(b)
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Prison terms for misdemeanors
Sentences for misdemeanors shall be for a definite term. The court shall fix the term of imprisonment within the following maximum limitations:
(1)For a Class A misdemeanor, 1 year.
So you were pretty close on the penalties.
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Should I go back to Macy and re-verify my information and pay the fine before going to court?
Please let me know because this is very important.
You should hire a lawyer, one that deals with criminal law and immigration both.
and if you were banned from Macy's;
No, you should not go back there. If you do, you can be arrested for trespassing. If you have to ask Macy's anything, use a phone.
Re: Banned from Macy's and Waiting to Go to Court
@jk: thank you for your response!
I still have many questions in mind because I am not familiar with any US laws system
Should I pay the civil fine before going to court still?
I don't have much money to afford a lawyer. Should I ask for a public defender in court instead?
What can I do to remove this from my record? and how am I going to do it? (I heard about diversion program and such..)
Macy let me have 5 days to pay the fine.
I've been depressed and confused for the past day because I don't know how to solve any of this.
Re: Banned from Macy's and Waiting to Go to Court
Yes, pay the Civil Demand.
Again, you need a lawyer that specializes in both Criminal Defense AND Immigration. You will not get a public defender - please read your Immigration Paperwork - Immigrants have to have the finances to NOT need any assistance for 10 years.
And you lied about your personal info. NOT GOOD.
Re: Banned from Macy's and Waiting to Go to Court
I would say you have now definitively accumulated one moral turpitude strike based on the theft and lie. The point will be moot if you get the year and a permanent ban.