Yesterday I was caught shoplifting a purse at Von Maur the merchandise was 245.00. That whole time they were observing me which I did not even know. Then I took the purse put it in my bag and when I walked out the security quickly stopped me and ask me to go with him. He then took me to the back and I had to sign papers and was banned from the store. Then the police quickly came and told me I had to go with him to get my photo taken and fingerprints. He then told me I had court in 2 weeks. What will I expect? Will I go to jail? What will be my consequences since the item was 245.00? The whole time I was there I was 100% cooperative with them. I was pretty calmed through out everything and was just positive and guilty of what I done. What will happen now? I do not know what to expect when I go to court. I am willing to pay the fines that are being charged to me. I just do not want to have probation nor go to jail. Please HELP!
Shoplifting At Von Maur
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12-15-2006, 10:03 AMamerzShoplifting At Von Maur
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12-15-2006, 10:06 AMaaronRe: Shoplifting At Von Maur
What state are you in? What statute are you charged with violating? What's your prior record?
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12-15-2006, 10:08 AMamerzRe: Shoplifting At Von Maur
I live in Iowa and he said it was theft 4. I dont know. I have a clean record. This is my first time.
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12-15-2006, 10:13 AMaaronRe: Shoplifting At Von Maur
According to Section 714.2(4) of the Iowa Code, "The theft of property exceeding two hundred dollars in value but not exceeding five hundred dollars in value is theft in the fourth degree. Theft in the fourth degree is a serious misdemeanor." It appears that the maximum penalty is that set forth in Section 903.1(1)(b): "For a serious misdemeanor , there shall be a fine of at least two hundred fifty dollars but not to exceed one thousand five hundred dollars. In addition, the court may also order imprisonment not to exceed one year."
Typically, for a first offense, the sentence is fines, probation and possibly community service. Check with a local criminal defense lawyer to see if the county offers a diversion program, if you are eligible for a delayed sentence, or if there is any other way you might avoid a criminal conviction. -
12-15-2006, 10:18 AMamerzRe: Shoplifting At Von Maur
aaron is there anyway we can talk or chat? instead of this i need your help. I really dont know what to do
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12-15-2006, 10:27 AMamerzRe: Shoplifting At Von Maur
If I offer to pay all my fines can i get my case dropped? And so basicaly i will go to jail then right>
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12-15-2006, 10:45 AMaaronRe: Shoplifting At Von Maur
As I previously stated, for a first offensethe sentence is typically fines, probation and possibly community service.
I don't practice law in your state. I suggest you try consulting a local criminal defense lawyer. -
12-15-2006, 10:55 AMpanther10758Re: Shoplifting At Von MaurWhen you speak to an Attorney check to see if diversion programs are offerd that could help you keep a conviction off your recordQuote:
Quoting amerz
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12-15-2006, 11:23 AMamerzRe: Shoplifting At Von Maur
Thanks Aaron and Panther. I will do contact a criminal defense lawyer. What exactly does the diversed program do>?
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12-15-2006, 11:36 AMpanther10758Re: Shoplifting At Von Maur
Depends on your state but it has you pay fines etc but no conviction appears on your record. Its win/win for both sides
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12-21-2006, 07:22 AMamerzShould I plea guilty?
Like I said I before i got caught shoplifting at Von maur! i have court on the 28th. And Im jus getting real nervous. I dont want to get a lawyer or anything because I know i have done wrong. I have already payed my 100$ to the store civil demand thing. I was just wondering if i should plea guilty or not guilty? I want to do this on my own. defend myself so i can less charges is that possible>
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12-21-2006, 10:19 PMPaulERe: Shoplifting At Von Maur
"I was just wondering if i should plea guilty or not guilty? I want to do this on my own. defend myself so i can less charges is that possible."
If you want to totally screw yourself up for the rest of your life, plead guilty.
It was suggested you get a lawyer, this is what they do, this is why they go to school for a degree, you did not! You WILL lose and be screwed!!! Is that clear enough? GET A LAWYER!! -
12-22-2006, 11:26 AMone_tired_womanRe: Shoplifting At Von MaurPanther, how come it is considered a "win/win for both sides?" I don't understand why it would be? Please clarify. Thanks very much!Quote:
Quoting panther10758
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12-22-2006, 12:04 PMpanther10758Re: Shoplifting At Von Maur
Perhaps win/win was poor wording. What I am saying is if diversionis offered you still pay fines etc but once you meet your obligation no conviction appears on your record and that is the "win" portion for defendant