What Happens After You're Caught Shoplifting

My question involves criminal law for the state of: FL

First off thank you for any response.

Like just about every other story on here, got caught shoplifting at Wal-Mart and i have a couple of questions.

The amount of the items were less than 100 dollars.
First time offense
I was not brought down to the police station but the police did come
I recieved a letter for the Civil Demand and due to me not having a lot of money, I set up arrangements with the law office to make payments to them.
The officer said I would be recieving a letter in the mail with a court date.

My questions are

1. It has been almost 2 months since the incident and I have not gotten anything reguarding a court date! How long does it typically take? (in other threads people get their letters very fast) This worries me like the letter got lost in the mail or something...

2. this goes with the first question... Is there anywhere i can look up what I was charged with or when my court date is? should I not worry about this and just accept the fact that most dealings with the govt take time?

3. When i was in the LP office i admitted fully to everything to the LP employee and to the officer.. When i go to court wont all of that be available to the judge? Seems like pleading not guilty would be lying as i already admitted my guilt.

4. I was planning on going to court dressed nice, explaining that it was an extreme out of character event, I am attending school full time and I am extremely remorsefull for my actions. Will I even have a chance to say that or will i only have a chance to plead guilty/non guilty?

5. If i plead guilty does that ruin my chances for a diversion program or some kind of program to get this dropped from my record?

6. To me it seems like pleading guilty and not wasting the courts time and money dragging it out would help me.. am I wrong for thinking this?

Thanks again for any help anyone could provide, please let me know if there is any more info that can help.

It took almost 4 months for me to get my first court date, i was also busted at a walmart, in washinton though. I am over 18, its my first time being in trouble.. i had to get a public defender (250$)and im going back tomorrow for another hearing thing. My attorney lady said i can pay 900$ and ask for a differal? i think.. and have it on my record for 2 years and it will come off if i dont get in anymore trouble. I got caught with a freind and she was under 18 so she had to pay $300 fine and thats it.

Goodluck, ill let you know how it goes tomorrow.

Quote:

---

Quoting watermeli35

---

It took almost 4 months for me to get my first court date, i was also busted at a walmart, in washinton though. I am over 18, its my first time being in trouble.. i had to get a public defender (250$)and im going back tomorrow for another hearing thing. My attorney lady said i can pay 900$ and ask for a differal? i think.. and have it on my record for 2 years and it will come off if i dont get in anymore trouble. I got caught with a freind and she was under 18 so she had to pay $300 fine and thats it.

Goodluck, ill let you know how it goes tomorrow.

---

man, 900 dollars wow, im having to make payments on my 200 dollar civil penalty, ouch.

thanks please do let me know how it goes.

better start saving now ugh

When you go to court, plead "I stand mute" and ask for a Public Defender.

As for the court date - it depends on the case load of your local court.

Yes, your admission of guilt will be presented to the prosecutor and judge, along with any other evidence.

You should get a consultation with a Criminal Defense Lawyer - most offer free initial consultations.