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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Posts
    8

    Default Court Today if Someone Could Answer

    I go to court today at 2 for shoplifting. I live in TN and it was at Wal-Mart but not intentionally although very stupid. It was around 108? I got a public defender but haven't spoke to him yet. I missed my appt with him but they said I could talk with him today before the hearing? I have never been in, in kind of trouble with anything in my life. What am I looking at? I have 5 children under 7 and im so scared. Could he say it's disorderly conduct or just say that it was not not intentionally and get it thrown out? Any idea?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Posts
    8,006

    Default Re: Court Today if Someone Could Answer

    If it is, in fact, your first offense you will probably receive some combination of the following:
    - Fines
    - Restitution to Walmart
    - Probation
    - Community Service

    Make sure you get there early enough to track down your PD and speak to him/her about plea options. This would have been easier had you made your appointment, which might have irritated your PD.

    There is no way, in Heaven or on Earth, that a judge will buy the "it wasn't intentional" defense. They have heard it before and will ask exactly what I am about to: "What makes you think it was unintentional?" While there are a few plausible, but still not likely to help explanations, the reality is that almost no one gets prosecuted under those circumstances. If you are going to court, the prosecution obviously thinks they have enough evidence to convict you so it's unlikely any story you present (remember you're under oath so don't lie cause that's perjury) will be believed.

    Just try for a plea or some type of first offender program. More than likely the prosecutor will go for it, given the relatively low dollar amount, to get the case off his/her desk.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    6,808

    Default Re: Court Today if Someone Could Answer

    How do you "unintentionally" take $108 worth of merchandise?

    And you should have kept that appointment with the PD. Now, he/she may figure you don't care enough to show up, and you've wasted his/her time, why should he/she work extra hard for you?

    PS: Two important pieces of advice:
    - Show up in court EARLY.
    - Do not bring the kids.

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