First Shoplifting Offense in Pennsylvania

[phuoc]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: pennsylvania

im going to try and keep this short and accept the punches im about to receive:

were both 19 with clean records, my friend and I got caught shop lifting 199$ worth of clothing. We were caught on camera, we gave the clothing back, the police were called and took us to the station to get prints and pictures. I received the civil demand and paid it off in full. We just got a court order and I dont have a clue what to expect so my question are:

1 if I am un-eligible for a free public defender, is a first degree misdemeanor worth getting a private lawyer?
2 I know i have court fees coming my way as well, what numerical value of court costs am I looking at?
3 can I get this expunged or anyway to work out a less punishment?
4 any advice on what I'm to expect

Thanks in advance

[PandorasBox]

Yes, it is worth it to get a lawyer. Court costs and fines will run another $300+. Anything like a Diversion Program or Community Service will add to that.

A lawyer can try to work out a deal with the prosecutor on a lesser charge.

Expungment varies by state, but it usually takes a few years before you can file.

[flyingron]

If you were charged with a first degree misdemeanor, you will definitely want a lawyer. You're looking at the potential of jail time, but probation is possible. If charged as a misdemeanor, the court costs will be closer in the range of THOUSANDS rather than hundreds. You lawyer will investigate the possibility of ARD, where you complete some probation and community service and you'll avoid a criminal record. It won't be cheaper in the long run but it will still be a very good idea.

A public defender is not some default for those unwilling to pay for private counsel but rather a safety net for the indigent who can not afford their own counsel. Note if you're convicted these costs will be recovered in all the other costs.

The good news is you can make payments over time although setting that up will add a few hundred dollars to the eventual bill.

Your lawyer would also look into having the charge reduce to a summary offense which will not have a criminal record and minimal costs and fines (somewhere in the vicinity of a few hundred dollars).

If charged with a misdemeanor the next step on the commonwealth's part will be to send you (if they haven't already) a notice of preliminary hearing and preliminary arraignment. This is where a lot of the deals are worked.