Charges For Shoplifting

Hi

I was caught shoplifting in a retail store for products worth 300$.
It was a false accusition, but still police came and took fingerprints and pictures. I was also told not to come to the store for 2yrs.
I was informed that i will receive a note from court for the charges and the date.

Is there a possibility that i can get a copy of the tape and the case details which is in court now?
Should i plead guilty or not? how much will be the fine ?
and will this go into criminal records? i dont have an past criminal records.
please help. any kind of advice/information wud be of great help.

If you plead not guilty, you will have a trial.

Before the trial, then you can file your discovery motions and get all the stuff the government has on you.

i am on a work related visa here and wont be staying for long..
i want to close this all and sort out soon..
going for a trial wud take lot of time or how long ?

wat wud happen if i plead guilty ?

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Quoting theonethelast

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i am on a work related visa here and wont be staying for long..
i want to close this all and sort out soon..
going for a trial wud take lot of time or how long ?

wat wud happen if i plead guilty ?

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You would have a criminal record and your return to this Country could be denied

Shoplifting is a crime of moral turpitude, but may fall under the petty offense exception such that you are not disqualified from immigration. Consult a criminal defense lawyer who is up-to-date on immigration law.

thanks aaron.
i am here in this country not to break an law.
i understand the implications of it. it was an accident and i came to know even if it is accident it is considered to be a crime.

i want to go as per the law and i am trying to understand the options.

will this go into my record ? if so how can i clear it up?

Quote:

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Quoting theonethelast

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thanks aaron.
i am here in this country not to break an law.
i understand the implications of it. it was an accident and i came to know even if it is accident it is considered to be a crime.Please dont use that as a defense you will be laughed at.

i want to go as per the law and i am trying to understand the options.

will this go into my record ? if so how can i clear it up?

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Your best option would be see if you qualify for a diversion program

what is a diversion program ?
and how do i know i am eligible for it?

Programs vary talk to your Attorney

you are right. when i expalined that it was an accident to the store personnel.they laughed at me. i didnt understand it that time.

are the diversin programs applicable only to juvenilles?

my case is right now with the city attorney. should i talk to him.
i dont have a court date yet. and i am thinking if i should really have a criminal defense attorney.