Caught Shoplifting With a Significant Prior History
I blew it Ten years ago four shoplifting charges, then used a credit card, went to jail for 30 days then got weekends for a year, did my five years probation never got in trouble again, paid my fines, but yesterday I stoles again like a dumb ass so stupid, now im so afraid of going to prison , I'm 61 and disabled, any thoughts?
Re: Caught Shoplifting With a Significant Prior History
Yes. Get a lawyer.
Oh, and stop stealing.
Re: Caught Shoplifting With a Significant Prior History
You did not indicate in what state you are charged with the shoplifting nor the exact statute you have been charged with violating. It may also matter if those previous crimes were committed in the same state or a different state. I take it that you ended up convicted of four shoplifting offenses and a charge of credit card fraud ten years ago. Were those crimes all prosecuted at the same time or were they separate cases? The exact details will matter as to what the possibilities are for you. No one will be able to say exactly what sentence you might get if convicted even with more details because there is likely a range of possibilities and the judge could decide on anything from the minimum to the maximum. In at least some states prison time is a distinct possibility.
I suggest you get a criminal defense lawyer and see what you might be able to do to minimize the impact of what was, as you seem to recognize, a very poor decision on your part. You need to get a handle on whatever impulse you have to shoplift. It’ll just keep getting worse if you can’t stop stealing.
Re: Caught Shoplifting With a Significant Prior History
Plead not guilty and ask for a public defender if you can't afford a lawyer. Maybe you will get lucky,if it's a small amount that you took and 10 years past,maybe they will offer you probation or short jail sentence. Next time they might throw years at you.
Re: Caught Shoplifting With a Significant Prior History
Quote:
Quoting
sunset808
I'm 61 and disabled
That doesn't excuse or defend criminal acts, nor does it evoke any sympathy, so there's no need to make note of it.