Scared To Death Over Shoplifting Charges
My husband and I both in our 50s were arrested for shoplfiting $175 worth of merchandise in Atlanta. We were cuffed arrested and are waiting for a court date, which will be mailed to us. We were charged with first offense misdemeaner. What consequences do you think will be impossed on us by the judge? We are terrified that we are going to jail. If the judge sends us to jail, would he/she send us there right after court, or would we have some time to take care of our personal business. What is the longest time we would be there? Is there anything that we could do now to show the judge we are sorry and would never do this again?
name of state - Georgia
Re: scared to death - please help
The chances of jail time for a first offense misdemeanor shoplifitng is almost zero. You can expect
.Probation (summary)
.Fines less than $1000.00
.Community service
.Possible ban from store
Seperate from court you can expect a Civil Demand letter asking for monies thswi can range from $50.00 to $1000.00 depending on state and dollar value of theft. Expect yours around $300.00 (dont hold me to that)
Talk to a criminal defense Attorney and see if you qualify for diversion this can help keep a conviction off your record
Re: Scared To Death Over Shoplifting Charges
Thank you so much for your reply. Do you think we should look for a criminal attorney now or wait until we receive our court papers?
Re: Scared To Death Over Shoplifting Charges
Now the sooner your Attorney has what he needs the better
Re: Scared To Death Over Shoplifting Charges
Thank you. I will look for an attorny now.
I know that you said "The chances of jail time for a first offense misdemeanor shoplifitng is almost zero.". For the remaining 1% that would be put into jail, what circumstanses would cause the judge to decide to put us in jail? We are worried he/she will put us into jail because of our age (that we should know better at our age ((and that is certainly true)).
Re: Scared To Death Over Shoplifting Charges
Like I said jail is just about zero. Jail "might" be on table if dollar value was high or there was a pursuit ro violence involved