Getting Legal Help For Shoplifting Charges

Place - Atlanta, GA

Husband & I arrested May 2007, still no court date.

What are requirements for hiring a public defender? Do we have to have limited income to hire a public defender?

Yes, you would have to qualify for one.

http://www.atlantaga.gov/government/...qs_091703.aspx

http://www.co.fulton.ga.us/Fulton_Co...tments/App.pdf

http://www.co.fulton.ga.us/departmen...t_T235_R2.html

Thanks for the websites, I will check into them.

Also, Im still confused why we need a attorney. This is 1st offense shoplifting charge for both. I'm not trying to say this is not a big deal, cause I know it is. We both plan to pled "no contest". Why attorney help?

Because an Attorney knows the law much better than you and can give all your options not the "I will take what I get" your planning on. You walk in plead no contest and get a sentence. You go in with an Attorney you make a plead deal that might be a lesser sentence than if you underook this yourself. You know the saying about representing yourself. (Likely misquoted but) "He who represents himself in court has a fool for a client"

I agree with Panther.

You are being charged with a misdemeanor and it is always a good idea to have an attorney or at least consult with one prior to pleading "no contest". By pleading "no contest" the court will sentence you the same as if you had plead guilty.

Thanks Panther, I will get an attorney.

Can our attorney deal with the proscueting retail attorney and the State District Attorney before our court date?

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Quoting kittycat4

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Thanks Panther, I will get an attorney.

Can our attorney deal with the proscueting retail attorney and the State District Attorney before our court date?

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Yes that is how plea deals work your Attorney and DA work out a plead deal if you accept its put in front of the judge. 99 times out of 100 deal is accepted its a win win for everyone.

Since we are waiting for a court date, and will have to accept judge's perdict. Will we also have to pay the retail store that we shoplifted from too? Or do, we legally have to pay the retail store that we shoplifted from, since we are going to court?

You are reffering to Civil Demand that is a seperate issue outside of court. The court will issue you your criminal fines. Civil Demand is a "civil" issue. Yes you need to pay this because if you fail to they can triple the fine sue you in court and win!

Do you think that we would receive the Civil Demand charges prior to our court date?