Caught Shoplifting, But Moving Out Of State

State: Washington.

Was busted shoplifting $175 worth of items from Fred Meyer store last week. I was cooperative and remorseful, and LP guy told me not to freak out because it was a misdemeanor and would be a $300-ish fine.

Local cops picked me up from store, took me to station, I was printed, processed and released, and told to watch for something in the mail in ther next month or so.

I am moving out of state in 2 weeks for a new job. I absolutely plan to pay whatever penalties I'm assessed, but are there any other ramifications or issues I should be aware of since I will be 2000 miles away? (i.e. things like potential court dates, community service, etc.)

Thanks.

Call the police officer that arrested you and ask.

You are, in effect, bonded out. You don't want to move without them knowing it.

Contact an Attorney and have him/her appear on your behalf

So, should I assume it's a foregone conclusion that some sort of personal appearance or court date is involved? Or does it strictly remain at the descretion of the store as to what level of legal action they want to take?

Neither did I sign any documents nor be informed by any authorities that I was required to remain locally or unable to leave town for any reason.

As I said, I'm totally willing to pay whatever restitution or fines levied against me, but beyond that, what can happen to me if I'm living in Kansas City instead of Seattle?

You were arrested and book and told a court date is coming in mail!

If you don't show for the court date then you are likely going to find out about bench warrants and such.

If you have an attorney appear on your behalf it may appear to the judge that you are not remorseful and diversion, IF available, will be taken off the table.

Get an attorney, show up in court, try to get diversion (you may be able to serve probation out of state), and take your licks.

You will have to pay criminal restitution and will likely also get a civil demand letter that will have to be paid as well.

King County, Washington

Just received summons to appear in court 1 week from today for theft 3 charges. I've already paid the retailer the civil fine.

I will be able to attend, but am moving out of state later that week.

How beneficial would it be for me to hire an attorney?

I've never, ever been in any trouble of any kind with the law before. Not even a traffic ticket in the last 20 years.

My plan was just to plead guilty, express extreme remorse, explain my situation to the judge (i.e. recent divorce, lost my house, lost my job, the items shoplifted were all groceries), that it was a spontaneous bad decision, and ask for any leniency she could allow.

I'll tell her I have a new job out of state, and ask if there's any way I can make whatever restitution necessary from there.

What do you think?

Thank you!

Also...what exactly is a "no contest" plea and how may that apply here?
Thx!

You should at the very least consult and attorney. You want to keep a conviction off your record ...this includes a no contest plea. You can try and argue your case but a local attorney will know the judges better and will have a better answer for you, more so than anyone here. This will also show up on a background check and may limit your job opportunities. Good luck

Evidentally, Washington state courst don't accept "no contest" pleas.
Since I am moving out of state for a new job next week, what would happen if I did not attend the arraignment and never returned to Washington? Is there a statute of limitations on misdemeanors?