Felony Shoplifting In Georgia

I was got stealing a small item in Georgia. This is my 4th offense which automatically turns into a felony.

I am in drug treatment and only take things on perscription medication. My question is this. Can a forth offense be pleaded down to a misdeamor with mitigating circumstances. I will show the judge I have completed treatment by the time it goes to court.

I see where the GA statutes say 1-10 years for a fourth and it cannot be deferred in anyway. Does this mean if there is a mandatory sentence for this crime. (I stole breath mints), that I will have to serve out the year in jail or prison.

I am not minimizing my crime, but the drugs play a huge role and I never have been convicted of anything other than shoplifting.

You need an Attorney for that advice not us

I agree that you really need to be working with a criminal defense lawyer, and try to get a good plea deal and minimize your sentence.

Are Judges obligated by law to give you and mandatory sentencing or is there room for other alternative sentencing?

I am unaware of any manatory sentencing issues here however this is something to discuss with your Attorney

It states in the Georgia Statutes that a 4th felony conviction is "mandatory 1-10 years in jail"

Seems like you answered your own question. However ask your Attorney about plea deals that might reduce it to a misdemeanor

The mandatory sentencing guidelines in Georgia are just that... mandatory.

Get an attorney to try to get the minimum mandatory sentence.

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Quoting wickedfelina

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I was got stealing a small item in Georgia. This is my 4th offense which automatically turns into a felony.

I am in drug treatment and only take things on perscription medication. My question is this. Can a forth offense be pleaded down to a misdeamor with mitigating circumstances. I will show the judge I have completed treatment by the time it goes to court.

I see where the GA statutes say 1-10 years for a fourth and it cannot be deferred in anyway. Does this mean if there is a mandatory sentence for this crime. (I stole breath mints), that I will have to serve out the year in jail or prison.

I am not minimizing my crime, but the drugs play a huge role and I never have been convicted of anything other than shoplifting.

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What was the outcome of you case.???
Bret

What was the outcome of you case.???
Bret