Advice - Arrested for Shoplifting in NJ

My question involves criminal law for the state of: NJ

My question involves criminal law for the state of: New Jersey


Two days ago (September 29th) I was caught shoplifting at Kohl's totaling $126.00. Then a cop came and drove me to the station. They took my picture, finger printed me, and gave me a court summons for October 15th. I am 19 years old, live in NJ, and have no criminal record (save a speeding ticket that was pushed down to a non-point violation).

I want to know if you can give me any advice on my options. I read somewhere that I can pleed to enter a Pre-Trial Intervention, or a Deviation Program, or just get it changed to a different offense so it doesn't ruin my record. However, I called the municipal court to ask about my options, and they said that because the case will be held in the municipal court system and not a superior court system that I cannot enter into these programs. I'm not sure if her answer was right seeing as she was just the person that happened to answer the phone.

Right now I am a college student on a full scholarship. I have no money. And I'm not going to ask my parents for help. I am telling them about it, but I'm not taking their money. Right now I just want to know my options...

I wrote a letter to the woman who works for Kohl's Loss Prevention, but I didn't give it to her yet since this happened a few days ago. Is sending her the letter okay, or will it hurt me in the long run? Should I just give it to her after court? (I'm sending it because I feel bad not for her o take pitty on me).

heres the letter:


Dear X,
This letter is to express my apology for shoplifting in your Kohl’s Department Store. I don't know what caused me to do such a stupid, nonsensical thing. All I know is that I have probably learnt one of the biggest lessons of my life. I realize now it was not only against the law, but a lack of moral judgment on my part. I feel as if I have shamed myself,=2 0and I feel very low. I never want to feel like this again. I have learned a lesson from this and would appreciate you giving me a chance to show I regret what I have done. I would ask that you would please accept this apology, and find it in your hearts to forgive my foolish actions. I hope that this letter might give me an opportunity to help prove my remorse and to offer some amends. I truly apologize, and will never engage in this type of situation again.
Sincerely,
XXXX


Also, I want to contact the officer that processed me since he was very nice and seemed to like me. He told me that if I had any questions or needed any help to contact him. I called his office number but got transfered to his voicemail. I left a message asking him if he would be willing to contact me via phone or meeting but he hasn't called me back yet. Is there anything that he can do to help me?

Another thing is, I want to contact the prosecutor and see if I can set up a meeting. Can I do this? Or can the meeting only be on the day of my arrainment a few hours before hand?

Lastly, do I need to apply for a public defender? Would I got approved? (College student, no money in the bank, a lot of loans). In your opinion, what do you think will happen to me?

I forgot one part. If I can't plea down to a lesser crime or find a way to have this conviction sealed, how long before I can get is expunged? I read that for my offense N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11b(1) it takes at least 5 years. Anyway to get around that seeing as I am planning on going to grad school and getting a decent job, which will be nearly impossible with a criminal record.


Thanks Again

Contact with store personnel may not be the best idea

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Another thing is, I want to contact the prosecutor and see if I can set up a meeting. Can I do this? Or can the meeting only be on the day of my arrainment a few hours before hand?

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The worst they can say would be no

And expect a civil demand for up to $500

Agreed.

Sending the store a confession is really not the brightest of ideas.

all right, so I'm not sending the letter.

Anyone know of any type of diversion in NJ? Where I can complete probation and have this whole thing erased from my record?

do NOT write letters to anyone. Plead "not guilty" and hire a lawyer. Don't pay any civil demands. It's really important not to have this on your criminal record. Spend 500 dollars better on a lawyer (then paying to Kohl's $500)
they would charge around 400-500 dollars for cases like this. If not - at least get a public defense attorney. Good luck!