First shoplifting at Target in New Jersey

Hey guys... I am really glad I found this forum bc I need some information and I wanted to try to get it here before I contact a lawyer.
Today I got arrested for shoplifting at a Target store in NJ. It was a 4th degree (under $500 but more than $200) and I am to show up for court in three weeks.
The kicker is is that I am 31 years old and am currently on PTI.. NOT PROBATION which is exceedingly more serious. My PTI is up in March and one condition of my PTI was to NOT GET INTO TROUBLE OR ARRESTED! And I screwed that up!
Any ideas of what might happen to me? This is my first offense of shoplifting.. and the other thing I am on PTI for has nothing to do with theft. So I hope someone may have some ideas for me or some thoughts.
Thanks!

Get a Lawyer TODAY!! your in BIG trouble

Ok yes I know I am in trouble.. but why would you say BIG trouble?? This is my first offense! And yes I am on PTI but I don't think jail could be something that would happen. Please don't be so mean. I know what I did was horribly wrong. I am bi-polar and I go through these episodes where I do stupid things.. and this time it happened to be something illegal that I did.
Any other thoughts besides "your in BIG trouble?"

Oh God the Bi polar defense again. Listen find a Lawyer and take what you get but if you had not done wrong you wouldnt be dealing with my statements! I gave you your answer find an Attorney

I am not trying to give an excuse.. I am trying to be civil.. which I might add is something you are NOT!
I read your other posts to people and they don't come one here to be put down.. they look for answers.
How about trying to be a decent person and not a smart ass?
I mean do you know me? Do you know ANYTHING about me? But you make this assumption about me.. or anyone on here.. if they've done wrong you think they are scum. Yea we may be but like I said.. we're here for help.. not for your sarcasm. Why not post somewhere else if you're gonna be a jerk to us all.

The mention of your bi polar was an attempt at defense and I have heard it countless times! If your Bi Polar conditions makes you commit theft then maybe you should be locked up for your own safety! Rude now thats funny did you think of the store when you stole? Did you think of the paying customers who pay higher prices? NO! I gave you your adive yuo said your on PTI and I am uncertain exactly what that is but since you state your case is different and specail (not in those words) I gave you best advice I coud find an Attorney for free meeting! You think I am bad there are others that make me look like a sweet old lady! You asked a question yo uwere given an answer if you dont like it dont ask the question. What did yo think you would find here? do you think qualified Attorneys sit on this website waiting for questions? No they are defending or prosecuting people like yourself. What you got here was free you get what you pay for!

What I did was a terrible thing. I am a rude, inconsiderate person. I know this now. I have never stole ANYTHING in my entire life.. If I came off like a B**CH I am truly sorry.
I am just scared and want to know what could happen to me.
PTI is pre-trial intervention.
Thanks for your advice.
But lemme ask you... if it was someone on probation what would happen?

Never mind Panther... I don't want to bother you anymore. Thanks for your help/advice.

Probation is simple. When your placed on probation you do NOT go to jail but a jail term may be part of your sentence. You hav fines rules guidlines programs etc you must complete during probation period. You must also obey all laws. Any violation of probation (such as shoplifting arrest) could revoke your probation and thus have you serve the jail time issued. If the was no jail sentence a Judge could still give one.

Thanks again for that. I am not on probabtion but PTI is similar to probation.. but I don't have to go in weekly or get drug tests etc.. Basically I have to check in once every two months and he checks to make sure I am working and taking my meds. There was no jail mentioned at all. But I know that I could still be facing it.

Pretrial intervention (PTI) allows you to avoid a conviction if you successfully complete the program. Your arrest will likely trigger your being terminated from the program, with your case put back on the trial docket. A judge looking at your case will be curious as to why you would blow such a big break, and why you are continuing to shoplift.

If you do have a bipolar disorder which is not under control, get back together with your doctors and get your medication(s) adjusted to get it back under control. Panther's response was characteristically intemperate, but he is right about this: "My bipolar disorder made me do it" is something that is heard from shoplifting defendants far too often, usually as a complete fabrication. So if you're going to make medical claims, you should be prepared to document them.

Quote:

---

Quoting aaron

---

Panther's response was characteristically intemperate,

---

Hey I resemble that remark!:D

Quote:

---

Quoting aaron

---

Pretrial intervention (PTI) allows you to avoid a conviction if you successfully complete the program. Your arrest will likely trigger your being terminated from the program, with your case put back on the trial docket. A judge looking at your case will be curious as to why you would blow such a big break, and why you are continuing to shoplift.

If you do have a bipolar disorder which is not under control, get back together with your doctors and get your medication(s) adjusted to get it back under control. Panther's response was characteristically intemperate, but he is right about this: "My bipolar disorder made me do it" is something that is heard from shoplifting defendants far too often, usually as a complete fabrication. So if you're going to make medical claims, you should be prepared to document them.

---

I have already spoken to both my Dr.'s and they are planning on helping me by writting letters and adjusting meds.
So will they notify my PTI officer or do I need to?
Will I possibly be put on probation instead?

Quote:

---

Quoting iamlost415

---

I have already spoken to both my Dr.'s and they are planning on helping me by writting letters and adjusting meds.
So will they notify my PTI officer or do I need to?
Will I possibly be put on probation instead?

---

Doubtful you will most likely need to notify PO and courts. Far as probation thats a coin toss no one here can accuratley predict a judges response. I might add that judges too see and hear the Bi polar defense and it may not wash with them either.

Quote:

---

Quoting iamlost415

---

.. I am trying to be civil.. which I might add is something you are NOT!
I read your other posts to people and they don't come one here to be put down.. they look for answers.
How about trying to be a decent person and not a smart ass?
Do you know ANYTHING about me? But you make this assumption about me.. or anyone on here.. if they've done wrong you think they are scum. Yea we may be but like I said.. we're here for help.. not for your sarcasm. Why not post somewhere else if you're gonna be a jerk to us all.

---

You go LOST!!! Panther, stop being such an insensitive jerk! And how about the decent person part too??? ;)

Don't ya just luv the positive reinforcement Panth???? I know I do! :) Every time someone posts that I'm a ________ (fill in the blank), I gets all warm and fuzzy feelin' inside.

IT'S NOT RUDE OR MEAN OR ANYTHING ELSE........IT'S CALLED (brutal?) HONESTY PEOPLE!!! AND THOSE OF US ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE LAW CALL IT AS WE SEE IT........then we hurt your delicate wittle feelings.

Would someone call 9-wah-wah!!! We need a Wahbulance over here. Another 'lifter's delicate sensibilities is in need of attention......

I warned you there were some here far more brutal than I lol Where have you been soups I needed you!

Been way too busy with 'posters'. ;)

The Xmas boostin' season is getting off to an early start!

Yes it is and the frequent post on this site and others shows it too

If you want to chit-chat, take it to banter please.