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Q: 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?
A: There could be a warrant issued for your arrest. You could lose all government aid (Social Security, etc.) You could lose your driver's license. And yes, there is a statute of limitations on misdemeanors. It stopped running the instant the charge was filed.
One to two years but a warrant will be issued for your arrest that any Police agency will be able to pull up. It will also likely sho wup on a background check
Since a "no contest" plea is not an option in Washington, and I plan to just submit a guilty plea, what advantage or benefit would I have by spending $2,000 for an attorney?
The advantage is he (The Attorney) knows the law and how to proceed for you to get best possible deal.
The attorney is a professional familiar with the laws of your state, the prosecutor from the DA's office, the judge, the mood of the prosecutor and judge, the LP agent and their track record of how often they show up (99% of the time they are there...it is OT for them and losing a case looks really bad).
You are not an attorney, you don't know if the judge is in a crappy mood, you don't know if the mean prosecutor is going on vacation and the case could be continued for a better judge or prosecutor (often called judicial roulette), etc.
If you plead guilty you will have to come back to serve the conditions of your sentence. An attorney might be able to work out a diversion program, *might*, which would help provide a cleaner record. They might be able to negotiate, with the local prosecutor, movement of the probation to the state you are moving to.
They are likely going to be $500-$1500 and many provide a 15-20 minute consultation for free. The next time you would see them might be court to work out the plea agreement. Call around and find an attorney who defends shoplifting and petit larceny frequently, meet with him/her (continue your case if need be), and let them make the deal.
Even attorneys say: "An attorney who represents himself/herself has a FOOL for a client."
Best of luck to ya,
Bob