Caught Shoplifting and Scared. Want to Know What to Expect

[GPrime]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Maryland

I was caught shoplifting at a Kmart. The total of stolen merchandice was just over $100 so I was charged with theft over $100. This is my very first offence I have nnever had so much as a traffic violation.

I know that I'm guilty and I was completely cooperative when the officer caught me. My questions are what sort of fees will I be dealt and would there be anyway to do community service instead of paying the maximum penalty. I am also wondering how this will effect me getting in getting a job and how my perminent record will be effected. Like i have aaid nothing like this has ever happened so dont know where to look. Is there anyway i can get this off of my permanent record?

not have a job but at the time of the infraction I had applications sent out. I go to community college and I get straight a's. I understand this doesn't mean anything I just believe that I am a good person and I made a one time mistake. I understand that everyone has a sob story but I truley am sorry. I don't know what to do. I have done a little research and everyone says get a lawyer but I have no money. I am 18 years old

[PandorasBox]

If you cannot afford a lawyer, plead NOT GUILTY And ask for a public defender. The lawyer will know about what the prosecutor and judge in your area are likely to do.

Ask about a first-time offender program or diversion program (to the lawyer or PD).

Fees and fines vary. Expect a few hundred. Expect more for a Civil Demand. And the lawyer or PD are not free. Sometimes you may be given Community Service, or an anti-shoplifting class, as well.

Yes, this will make it hard for you to find a job.

[GPrime]

I mean no disrespect, its just I dont see how pleading not guilty will help me any more than fessing up and admitting I am guilty. On TV shows and movies its always easier if you plead guilty. I am fully aware that is simply TV and by no means a credible source but could you explian how that will help me? And thank you so much for your reaponse

[cyjeff]

I mean no disrespect, its just I dont see how pleading not guilty will help me any more than fessing up and admitting I am guilty. On TV shows and movies its always easier if you plead guilty. I am fully aware that is simply TV and by no means a credible source but could you explian how that will help me? And thank you so much for your reaponse

Because pleading not guilty ends the process and starts the sentence.

if you plead not guilty, you leave open the opportunity to negotiate.

[bam!]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Maryland

I was caught shoplifting at a Kmart. The total of stolen merchandice was just over $100 so I was charged with theft over $100. This is my very first offence I have nnever had so much as a traffic violation.

I know that I'm guilty and I was completely cooperative when the officer caught me. My questions are what sort of fees will I be dealt and would there be anyway to do community service instead of paying the maximum penalty. I am also wondering how this will effect me getting in getting a job and how my perminent record will be effected. Like i have aaid nothing like this has ever happened so dont know where to look. Is there anyway i can get this off of my permanent record?

not have a job but at the time of the infraction I had applications sent out. I go to community college and I get straight a's. I understand this doesn't mean anything I just believe that I am a good person and I made a one time mistake. I understand that everyone has a sob story but I truley am sorry. I don't know what to do. I have done a little research and everyone says get a lawyer but I have no money. I am 18 years old

Your charge is theft under $1000? What part of Maryland? Were you given a citation and released or was the LP going to write up a statement of charges? DO NOT PLEAD GUILTY!

Your first court date will be your formal presentation of charges. You should have an attorney at this point, but if you do not, you need to ask for a postponement to obtain legal counsel. You are entitled to one postponement. If you feel like you qualify for the public defender, visit their offices at least ten business days before your court date. Also, if you do not qualify for the public defender, they can give you a list of low cost lawyers you can contact.

Theft under $1000 is a common charge in MD and depending on the court, they are overwhelmed with theft charges. You should ask for what is known as the STET or inactive docket. If the States Attorney does not offer this, ask for a probation before judgement. This will keep a guilty conviction off of your record. You should be fine because of your age and lack of prior criminal record. Keep in mind they will look a your juvenile record.

http://casesearch.courts.state.md.us...uiry-index.jsp

This is where you can check the status of your charges and court dates. You may also get lucky and the LP may not show up. The charges would then be dismissed. You are lucky, MD is soft on theft.

[GPrime]

Thank you all for your replies they are helping. I still have a few more questions and details I would like to figure out. Since the police were involved, will this make it any more serious than if just a LP person was involved? If I am a dependent of my parents who makes a good amount of money, not a lot but enough to afford a lawyer on their own means, does that mean I will not qualify for a public defender? I don't want my parents involved if I don't have to get them involved. The place of arrest, or where I got caught was Annapolis, MD/Anne Arundel County, MD. However, I am from a different county about an hour and a half away. Is it possible that if I get community service for this I could serve it closer to home? My court date will not be for a few month, so I have time to prepare. Thank you for helping again. I have no one else to go to.

Edit: I just read about how to get a public defender in Maryland. Apparently, you need to bring proof of income to the public defender's office for your application. What if one does not make any income? Since I am a dependent of my parents does that mean that I have to show their income, or since I am over 18 does that mean I show proof of my own income? I have no proof of income so what do I bring, if I can bring my own proof of income and not my parents.