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First Time Offender with Clean Record

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  • 06-05-2009, 08:22 AM
    MrsG
    First Time Offender with Clean Record
    My question involves criminal law for the state of: New Jersey

    I am a first time offender who did this on a whim with a close friend. Our husbands are both having a hard time at their jobs and we just wanted to help with the financial situation. I have a 2 & 3 year old and she has 3 kids who are 2,6 & 8. We are also both stay at home mothers. She took $483 and I took $618 worth of merchandise. I don't even think they had the right to stop us. We were alreay out of the store and walking around in the mall. So I guess my first question is, Should we let the lawyers know that? I just want to know what is going to happen to us. Are we going to be tried together? or Seperately? The bail bondsman said it would most likely be together because she and I are considered accomplices to one another, but still would like to know what you all think. I'm so afraid of what's going to happen right now. I need to be here for my children. Times are hard right now and I don't know what the hell I was thinking. I want you to understand that I am not a bad person. I've never done anything like this in my life. I was supposed to start college in the fall for nursing. My husband is in college now for his bachelors in business. I really need to know what is going to happen. Thank you for all of your help in advance.

    MrsG.
  • 06-05-2009, 09:42 AM
    Security Consultant
    Re: First Time Offender with Clean Record
    Just my opinion, but I think you'll be appearing in court together as the cases are linked together.

    You don't think they had the right to stop you as you had already exited the store? That just makes their case stronger - it shows you had no intent on paying. This was your "first offense" and you took $618.00 in merchandise. This may be the first time you were caught, but not the first time you did this - no one starts out with stealing that much merchandise.

    You really need to get an attorney, especially so if you want to obtain a nursing license
  • 06-05-2009, 10:01 AM
    MrsG
    Re: First Time Offender with Clean Record
    I swear to you it was my first time. And I'll tell you I didn't take much, it was the value of the clothing, which were all ralph lauren and kids clothing. I'm not a bad person. My family is just in a tough spot right now. I know it doesn't justify what I have done. I came on here for some advice not criticism.
  • 06-05-2009, 10:45 AM
    bktrq
    Re: First Time Offender with Clean Record
    well i'm not exactly sure if you qualify for pre-trial intervention which is a diversion program for shoplifters, monetary wise you qualify however i'm not exactly sure if their is a set age limit.. I know its in effect to deter younger adults from stealing again.. but you have to be above 200 dollars to qualify.. If you get that, jail time won't occur, you'll have to do community service, fines and stay clean for a while.. Also you have to do an interview for that program and well if i were you, i wouldn't bother telling them they had no right to stop you.. I believe probable cause has to be assessed and determined in order to successfully go on the program.. otherwise best of luck

    Forgot to add, details about pre trial intervention can be found here:

    http://www.judiciary.state.nj.us/criminal/crpti.htm
  • 06-10-2009, 03:59 PM
    MrsG
    Re: First Time Offender with Clean Record
    Thank you for your help. We are getting a lawyer and I will ask about this PTI when we talk to him/her. Still no court date yet. I'm guessing it can take a while.

    Also had a question. Not sure if you have heard of anyone doing this, but I would really like to write a letter of apology to the company that I shoplifted from. Although it will not justify what I have done, I want them to know my reasoning and give them my sincere apologies and my promise that I will never do something like this again. Who would I address the letter to? The CEO?

    Thank you again.
  • 06-11-2009, 10:33 PM
    redtoy92
    Re: First Time Offender with Clean Record
    But come on they only took $1,000 between them. I am very old school and say that if you have children and keep having them, then you make sure you have money. If your husband is having a hard time at work he gets two jobs and you get a part time job. I dont care if it is Mcdonalds. I have worked for them and wendys as part time jobs. No one cares about the fact you have kids and bills and college etc. That only makes you look worse because how could you do this to your kids, how are you going to pay even more bills with the court fines, lawyer, and restatution, and why would you place your college future in the hot seat for some stupid clothes? Those will be questions that will be asked if you use this story. I hope you do not think I am being rude or mean. You have to look at this from the side of the court and judge. It would be in your best intrest to think that way. Good luck
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