What Am I Looking at for a Shoplifting Offense in Colorado

I am 19 years old and my friends and I were caught shoplifting from a Sears. I stole 2 Nintendo DS games as did my friends. As they don't give discounts to shoplifters the total was $120.00 for all of the games.

I have never committed a crime before and I know what I did was extremely idiotic. I would like to do whatever I can to put this behind me.

I am planing on moving in a few months and would like to know if It'd be likely that I'd get probation and if so what it usually entails.

I have court in 21 days and was wondering, if there is anything I can do in the meantime e.g. writing to the store manager and apologizing?

I am extremely scared and would appreciate all legitimate help.

Thank you.

Call a lawyer, see if there any way to get case dismissed,lowered or if a diversion program is avabile. What the proably penalty is.

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Quoting tc498

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Call a lawyer, see if there any way to get case dismissed,lowered or if a diversion program is avabile. What the proably penalty is.

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Will the lawyer charge me? And if so approximately how much?

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Quoting alex719

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Will the lawyer charge me? And if so approximately how much?

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Most initial consultations are free, but not all. If you cannot afford to retain an attorney to defend you, plead Not Guilty at your arraignment and request a public defender. If you qualify, one will be appointed you. If this is your first and only offense, your attorney might be able to secure a plea agreement for diversion on your behalf. This will include community service, probation, fines, etc and staying 'clean' for 6 months to one year in order to have this erased from you record.

You don't abide by the agreement, all bets are off!

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Quoting M'sta Mikey

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Most initial consultations are free, but not all. If you cannot afford to retain an attorney to defend you, plead Not Guilty at your arraignment and request a public defender. If you qualify, one will be appointed you. If this is your first and only offense, your attorney might be able to secure a plea agreement for diversion on your behalf. This will include community service, probation, fines, etc and staying 'clean' for 6 months to one year in order to have this erased from you record.

You don't abide by the agreement, all bets are off!

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Assuming I plead guilty, what am I looking at? How much usually does everything cost e.g. court fees, security fees?

Fees differ between different states and cases.

The store will be sending you a letter, called a Civil Demand. Pay it immediately. It could be for $200+.

Court fines....mine was $302.

If you get probation, that is another fee. Also, public defenders are actually for a low fee also.

I definitely felt better with a lawyer ($1500 here).

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Quoting PandorasBox

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Fees differ between different states and cases.

The store will be sending you a letter, called a Civil Demand. Pay it immediately. It could be for $200+.

Court fines....mine was $302.

If you get probation, that is another fee. Also, public defenders are actually for a low fee also.

I definitely felt better with a lawyer ($1500 here).

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Seeing as how this is my first offense ever. Do you think I would get probation? If so would I be able to move? I plan to do so within a few months.

Also the Civil Demand, will everyone involved receive one?

I would definitely consult with a lawyer. Especially if your move is out of state. You would need to have the permission to be out of state, and have your probation transferred to that state. Or get a sentence that does not involve probation.

From what I understand, a Civil Demand will be sent to each person involved.