Shoplifting in Nevada

My question involves criminal law for the state of: NV

Let me start out by explaining the why- I have a crippling immune system disease that has gotten so bad that I cannot work. I was working and going to school, and the stress made me extremely sick to the point where I failed two classes. My doctor told me to focus on school and that I shouldn't be working, so I had to quit. I live with my parents and attend college, so I don't need to worry about bills- but everything else is mine to take care of. My fiance was in an accident and is also currently unable to work (as demanded by a doctor), and I am the only one with any form of income. I get 300 dollars a month to feed and take care of the necessities of 2 people, and also for gas (my car takes $60 a week to fill) and any sort of repairs I need for anything or items I may want/need to buy.

So I hit this point where both my fiance and I needed soo much stuff that I just snapped. I was in store picking up a new toothbrush for me, and some other little things that he needed. (I bought these.) While I was looking for these things at Wal-Mart, I saw all the stuff I needed just sitting there. I usually strongly oppose ANY kind of law breaking shinanigans, but I guess I just hit bottom. It is only the beginning of the month and I had already spent 100 dollars of my 300, and I needed the rest for food and gas so I couldn't afford any of the other stuff I needed. I snapped. I (poorly) tried to steal some of these products, then purchased what I came there for. I was walking out the door when a strange woman who was much larger than I was roughly grabbed me and started shaking me and asking me to come with her. I was scared out of my mind because I thought I was being kidnapped :P I didn't even think I was being caught at the time.

So she caught me, promised to not call the police if I complied, then went through my bag. She did call the police, and then filled out all the paperwork while we waited. They were all actually really nice to me, and were very friendly and cordial. The LP woman who caught me actually gave me her number to call if I ever needed anything after she heard my situation.

I have a citation for petit larceny and a court date. The senior cop (I got two- a newbie and his overseer) told me I could just call the court number during business hours and discuss with them a solution so I wouldn't have to go to court. He told me to just call, plea no contest, tell them my income situation, and tell them I don't know what to do. I could offer to pay a fine, which would be hard with my income, but I wouldn't have to go to court.. But if I wanted to do community work I would need to go in to court.

I read all the advice here but it just leaves my head spinning- I'm so anxious that I'm having trouble thinking straight. I did a horrible thing, and I'm taking responsibility by myself- I just want to recieve my punishment and move forward. The idea of being in court is driving me crazy (I have a slight anxiety disorder). I never imagined myself being there.. Ever.

I can't afford a lawyer for sure. I have so little money, the idea of having to pay two large fines is breaking me down. I already have no idea how I will do that...

Legally, what is there left for me to do..? Should I follow the seasoned cop's advice, or just show up to court and try to represent myself? I can't afford any kind of help here.. I feel.. Stuck.

Are you on disability? (SSI/SSDI)

(it may matter)

How? Please share your legal authority.

For general questions about shoplifting, please read the threads stickied at the top of the forum. If after reading you have the need for further answers, please follow up here with your questions.

Not currently, no. The only income I get is 300 from my parents (and thats ALL they will give)

EDIT:: My main question is does the police officer's suggestion sound like it might be legit? I read many threads and it sounds like people went through a lot.. Is it really possible I could just call in, plea no contest, and get a fine right then and there? Or have them deal with it over the phone?

Also, I can't afford either a public defender or an attorney.. I've taken into account the stickies, but I just really need some one-on-one advice on my situation and how to deal with it if I'm defending myself.. And maybe what to expect? I've never even gotten so much as a speeding ticket. I've never even SEEN our court, let alone been inside it.

Sorry, I'm just very nervous.. I don't mean to cause anyone extra trouble by asking, I just feel very helpless because I can't discuss this with anyone else in my life. I need to deal with it by myself- yet I know nothing about it.. @__@

I think you need to talk with your parents.

Why are you responsible for your fiance, when you don't have enough money to care for yourself?

I would recommend that you both look into Food Banks in your area, and even some help through Department of Human Services, Salvation Army, Goodwill, etc. Also your fiance should make an appointment with your states Vocational Rehabilitation Services.

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Quoting PandorasBox

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I think you need to talk with your parents.

Why are you responsible for your fiance, when you don't have enough money to care for yourself?

I would recommend that you both look into Food Banks in your area, and even some help through Department of Human Services, Salvation Army, Goodwill, etc. Also your fiance should make an appointment with your states Vocational Rehabilitation Services.

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I am already on bad terms with my parents because I'm on probation from my scholarship due to my grades last term.. I strongly feel that if they find out they will kick me out and I will ultimately have nowhere to go..

My fiance and I were already basically living together- we have always shared expenses and depended on eachother, but then he got injured and is now unable to work so his half is gone. His family won't give him anything, and the only person who was helping him screwed him over and kicked him out for selfish reasons.. Most involving him wanting to use their house to get with girls, and thus he couldn't have my fiance there "ruining things". My fiance is temporarily living at his grandfathers, but he is demanding that if he wants to stay much longer he will have to pay 400 dollars a month for a tiny room and no kitchen or bathroom rights.. I am really the only person who is giving him anything.. Or else I would be focusing on saving up.

Thank you so much for your advice.. I will definitely be looking into that stuff. It really means a lot to me.

On another note- does anyone know how one goes about paying the fines? Both the criminal and civil fines? For people like me, with no job, would there be the probability of a payment plan, or at least a deadline which I could steadily submit money until that point? I know I will not be able to pay either fine upfront and that frightens me..

When you get the demand notice, there should be a phone number on it. Call and see about setting up a payment plan.

The court will likely work with you, also.

do you really wanna have a conviction on your record?? if you have no income i dont see why u wouldnt qualify for a public defender

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Quoting jarno

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do you really wanna have a conviction on your record?? if you have no income i dont see why u wouldnt qualify for a public defender

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From what I'm seeing, the public defender has fees as well... And I'm already probably going to be paying off two that I can barely afford.. I don't know if I could handle owing 3 different large fines with no income.. I might get only public service from court and a probation period, but the potential fees sound kind of high and even worse than what I might be facing.. I'm not sure really what to do..

Okay, so.. I've decided I really don't want this to go on my record if I don't have to. It will get in the way of my future (don't worry, this doesn't involve retail stores so I should be okay.)

I will either be getting a PD or representing myself.. Only because of money issues.. 3 high fines is way too much for someone who only gets 300 a month to handle, even with monthly plans or whatever..

Would there be any chance of me getting to request a diversion program on my own, without a PD?

Does anyone have any information on PTD and how I could go about trying to be a part of it? It says that you don't need to be represented in the documents to actually be considered, and that you will be appointed representation during the actual consideration... My trial is Feb 13th so I have a bit of time (technically my arraignment, I suppose.) Would I have to discuss it the day of my arraignment? Before? I see it's supposed to be voluntary, so I would request it.. I would also need to sign a waiver? How can I go about looking into ACTUALLY doing this as opposed to reading the legal documents that list all the rules?

Maybe the PD can get the case dismissed... then you don't have to pay for anything. I guess if you confessed that will make things hard but it's worth a try.

Update for everybody:

Ended up telling my parents about it.. Life doesn't look good for me in general, but this issue will be a lot easier.

We are seeking an attorney who knows a lot about pre-trial diversion programs and we have some appointments with some.. The chances of that are looking really good.

The only problem is my citation got damaged at the bottom by water after my mom took it, and now we can't really tell when my arraignment date is.. I thought it was one day, but that was a day where our municipal court is closed so that isn't possible.. We called and my ticket isn't in the system yet.

Soo. 250 dollars in civil demand money and at least 1000 dollars for the rest, and another possible 250 dollars if they want the plan to include our offered shoplifting course.. Parents are going to pay it off right away and then... I am expected to somehow pay them back even though I can't work. @__@

Next update will come after everything is all over with.. Thanks for your help and support all.

Have you checked with your local Department of Human Resources? They might be able to help a little...food stamps, etc., while you get back on your feet.

Don't forget what I mentioned before - Salvation Army, Gleaners....