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?

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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.

Diversion is for anyone. Yes anytime you face criminal charges, as you are, you should have Legal representation

right now my case is pending with the city attorney.
they are is the process of reviewing it.

should i ask for diversion program before i get the court date ? or will the attorney decide after reviewing my case?

i dont hav any bad past history on any grounds.

You need to discuss this with "your" Attorney!

which part of you walking out of the store was an accident? 300$ seems like a lot to forget about

"which part of you walking out of the store was an accident?"

I'd guess the 'getting caught' part jparent.

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Quoting theonethelast

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are the diversin programs applicable only to juvenilles?

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Sometimes. Not every court has a diversion program, and when they do there is wide divergence in who would qualify for diversion.

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Quoting theonethelast

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i dont have a court date yet. and i am thinking if i should really have a criminal defense attorney.

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I would suggest consulting a criminal defense lawyer who is familiar with immigration law issues.

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Quoting PaulE

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"which part of you walking out of the store was an accident?"

I'd guess the 'getting caught' part jparent.

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Dang that getting caught part... it is always the accident!:wallbang:

Interesting how things went from "false accusation" to "accident".......