Results 1 to 3 of 3
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Posts
    1

    Question Avoiding a Criminal Record After Getting Caught Stealing

    My question involves criminal law for the state of: WA, Seattle

    i know, and i have even punished myself aside of not being able to sleep.... Im 17 years old male, my first time to steal or get in trouble
    had 4 items no tag was taken off total of $118 worth.
    after i was caught and was taken to a room for questioning they called the cops on me and told me i will have to go to court. before they call the cops they told me bunch of lies that there wont be any court or cops involved... but they did.
    so i know aside of Civil Demand i have Criminal too. willing to pay the fees/punishment but all i want is off my records/history. should i go to the store with my parent to talk to the store manager to dismiss the charge(it is JCPenny)?
    what should i do to get this off my records?
    also if i need to talk to a lawyer but dont have the money for it, is there a free way? what will happen or my punishment be? probation and community service?
    also the address that they have to send the court letter for date and info has changed, where should i call? (i have let civil rights known the change)
    where can i ask questions regarding this if i cant get a free lawyer?
    also any tips for the court would be nice? never been to one.

    thank you so much for helping, im dying from stressing out and the pressure, just want to... i regret it so much and i hate it what i am being called "theft" for what i did. if you know whats going to happen please keep in touch.

    Thank You

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Posts
    19,901

    Default Re: Avoiding a Criminal Record After Getting Caught Stealing

    How old are you?

    If you've already been charged, it's not up to the store anymore. The civil demand fixes their issues. It is society at large that's harmed by your criminal activity and it is the State of Washington that prosecutes you.

    Yeah, I would recommend a lawyer. There may be options to avoid a criminal record but I'm not aware of it for your state.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Posts
    105

    Default Re: Avoiding a Criminal Record After Getting Caught Stealing

    I am an attorney and I am licensed to practice in Washington state. However, do not take this as creating an attorney-client relationship. Here is my opinion.

    You said that an address changed, which I take to be your address. You can call the court in the county where you were charged. Ask for the criminal case department. They can tell you how to put in a proper change of address.

    Many counties in Washington have diversion or deferred prosecution programs that allow people like you to avoid a criminal conviction. It may involve having to go to an anti-shoplifting class, paying program fees, and performing community service, but if you are admitted to that kind of program and complete it successfully, the criminal case is dismissed and you have no criminal record.

    Diversion is not automatic. You need to consult an attorney. If neither you nor your parents can afford a privately hired attorney you need to tell the court that you can’t afford an attorney and ask that one be appointed for you. That is not free either. There may be a payback obligation, but that is something that can usually be handled over time so don’t worry about that now.

    Do not depend on court staff, judges, or prosecutors to give you advice on how to handle this. It is not their job to protect your interests. You need to have the advice of an attorney in your specific area to guide you through this.

    Do not go to the store or talk to the store manager. It is out of their hands now, anyway. In fact, stay away from the store altogether. You were probably given a store ban and if you go back there you can be arrested for criminal trespass.

    1. Sponsored Links
       

Similar Threads

  1. Retail Fraud / Shoplifting: Teenager Caught Stealing, Wants to Avoid a Criminal Record
    By dad1962 in forum Criminal Charges
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 02-04-2011, 08:29 PM
  2. Retail Fraud / Shoplifting: Caught Stealing and Worried About My Criminal Record
    By Vaye12 in forum Criminal Charges
    Replies: 17
    Last Post: 12-26-2010, 07:51 AM
  3. Retail Fraud / Shoplifting: Avoiding a Criminal Record for Shoplifting
    By jusan in forum Criminal Charges
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 04-20-2010, 10:28 PM
  4. Retail Fraud / Shoplifting: Avoiding a Record After Getting Caught Stealing
    By mke8446 in forum Criminal Charges
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 11-10-2008, 04:57 PM
  5. Retail Fraud / Shoplifting: Avoiding a Criminal Record for Shoplifting
    By nebtea156 in forum Criminal Charges
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 03-10-2006, 02:52 PM
 
 
Sponsored Links

Legal Help, Information and Resources