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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Posts
    1

    Default Shoplifiting in Connecticut

    My question involves criminal law for the state of: Connecticut

    Yesterday me and my friend were caught shoplifting. We're both 18 and first offenders. My friend stole 82 dollars worth in jewelry and they got it all back.
    She was charged with Larceny 6 and I was charged with Conspiracy to commit Larceny 6.

    For being first offenders, what are our possible sentences, especially me. Is my charge "less" bad then my friends or will we get the same sentence?

    The cop said it's likely they'll drop the case or just give us community service or a fine for being first offenders. How likely is this?

    We are going on Monday to see the public defender and see if he'll take our case.

    **Also, how much does a court typically fine? and how long do they give for the person to pay it back?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Posts
    105

    Default Re: Shoplifiting in Connecticut

    I am an attorney but I am not licensed to practice law in Connecticut. Do not take this as creating an attorney-client relationship. Here is my opinion, based on information I have been able to look up.

    Larceny 6 is the lowest category of theft. It is classified as a Class C misdemeanor. The maximum punishment is up to 3 months in jail and a fine of $500. Conspiracy to commit a crime is punished the same way as the crime it is associated with. Therefore, you are at risk for the same penalties. These are maximums and not likely to be imposed in full on a first offender.

    However, because you are first offenders there is a good chance that you can resolve this without having a permanent criminal record. Often charges are dropped in exchange for an agreement to make restitution and perform community services. Another alternative is Accelerated Rehabilitation. This is similar to what is often called diversion or deferred sentencing in other states. Basically, you are put on probation for 13 months and if you don’t screw up again the charges are dismissed, again without a criminal record.

    You certainly need a lawyer to help you with this because the non-criminal alternatives are not automatic. If you cannot afford a lawyer a public defender is a good option.

    There are also other consequences, outside of the criminal charges you are facing.

    You may have received a store ban, an order saying you can’t go back to the store again and, if it is a chain store, other stores in the chain. If so, make sure you comply with it. Otherwise you can be arrested and convicted for criminal trespass.

    You will probably receive a civil demand from the store or its attorneys, claiming that you owe several hundred dollars in penalties. This is entirely separate from the criminal proceedings. If you have a lawyer representing you, ask her or him about that. Probably, you should pay it.

    Your name has probably been entered into a retail theft database. Therefore, you should expect that it will be difficult to get a job in retail for at least the next 7 years.

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