So at the arraingnment hearing take the plea? Is that whe a public defender is there?
So at the arraingnment hearing take the plea? Is that whe a public defender is there?
At the arraignment, she will plead not guilty and ask for a public defender.
He will end up trying to negotiate with the Prosecutor.
So a lawyer from the city this happened in sent her an letter saying he pulled her info and wanted to represent her. I talked to him checked him out he seems to be knowledgable. He is postponing her hearing and meeting with us. He said with no previous history he can possibly get it reduced to a fine. Sounds good, he only wants 750.00 half now and half later. Does this seem normal?
Yea, for non felony, non violent offenses, you can expect to pay a lawyer $500 to $1000.
Here is what will most likely happen, especially for a first time offender with a clean history, good family, promising future...blah blah.
They will be banned from the store. They will have to pay the store back for what they stole.
They may be entered into a retail theft database.
In court, it will most likely be reduced to nothing as long as they complete everything the judge orders. Community service, fines, probation, stay out of trouble etc.
It will be a huge learning lesson and life will go on.
Two things to think about.
#1 - the Security staff may not even show up and the case is dropped for lack of evidence.
#2 - I know a guy who was charged with felony shoplifting. His lawyer got it dropped to a misdemeanor and he completed a lot of community service, four days in jail, a fine. When all of this was completed, (including a year of probation), the judge dismissed the case against him and his record was clean again. Now he works as a sales manager for an insurance company and makes good money.
This is a wake up call. Theft is no joke, but this is not the end of the world for those who steal. Now, if they continue to steal, they may as well just commit to a life of crime.
I would check into the lawyers reputation - Better Business Bureau, etc. And I would consult with some other lawyers (many Criminal Defense lawyers offer free initial consultations).
Since her former employer is trying to say she stole more than she admitted to...and this lawyer says he can get her totally off for only $750....personally, I would be leary.
The was no security staff other than when they brought her in from corporate to interrogate and get the info out of her to call the police nor are there any cameras. No previous history other than traffic tickets. Going to college etc. Is there any way to not get put on that list?
@PandorasBox
He did offer a free consultation and he didnt say he could get her totally off, I may have mis-spoke. He said he could possibly get it reduced to a fine based on her history with some community service and fines. He cancelled her court date and rescheduled for 3-6 weeks to give him time to put this together and then he will go to the prosecutor and work out a deal. Does that sound right?
Hi Kelly....
I have no experience with that. But if he's working, and sounds legit...