I was caught shoplifiting and now have a court date. I have no criminal record and was hoping I could get some advice on what to expect. the tottal amount the store said I had taken added up to $140.00
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I was caught shoplifiting and now have a court date. I have no criminal record and was hoping I could get some advice on what to expect. the tottal amount the store said I had taken added up to $140.00
Talk to a lawyer as soon as possible. Most of them offer free consultations. Take advantage of that. Retain one if you can afford it.
If you can't afford a lawyer, ask for a public defender in the court.
Since it is your first time, in most cases, you will get a probation and a fine only. No jail time.
Some cities in WA offer pre-trial diversion programs, some don't. Which city did it happen in? If you qualify for a diversion program, you can avoid a conviction.
moviejim
Here is what happened,
I had to go into Fred Meyers and pick up some groceries and a blue Rubbermaid tub for storing some paper work in my garage. So I put the tub in the cart first then placed my groceries in side the tub. I then needed to get a case of bottle water so I placed the lid on the tub stacked the water on it then picked up a large box of muffins and sat on the water. During this whole time I was off and on my cell phone making and receiving calls. So while I was talking on the phone I walked Wright out of the store next thing I knew I had a lady grabbing my arm and walking me back into the store and not letting go of me until I was in her office. When she asked me why I did it I told her and she told me not to lie to her she asked me if I was poor or had no job I then explained the story again and she got mad and said she was tired of my lies. Next thing I knew the local PD was there telling asking me if I knew that I was under arrest I said I was not told that. He then said I was he read me my Miranda rights. Asked me if I had a job then asked me my story. Then gave me a ticket with a court date on it.
I'm in the City of Bonney Lake WA
So you didn't go through the checkout at all? You just (absentmindedly?) walked out the door?
I’m not sure if you are familiar with the lay out of the store but it’s very easy to walk write out if your heads in the clouds and you’re trying to get a million things done before you have to be home. I understand and admit to walking out with out paying but that was not what I intended when I was shopping to do. I have no problem paying for the goods and even some sort of fine but to be garbed in the parking lot and to be told that I lie and now to be going to court and not knowing what is going to go on is a bit extreme. I just want to know what to expect. Will this be a scene out of Judge Judy? Who is all going to be in the court room, what’s the best case and what’s the worst case scenario here? I have no record of any type. I'm just dazed and confused right now.