Charged With 6th Degree Larceny, Potentionally More Charges from Same Company

[Mysterion]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Connecticut

I was arrested for shoplifting at a local Big-Y (supermarket) store in CT. The store detective who caught me outside the store told me that i have been caught "several" times before on camera in the recent past at another store, same company. He made me sign civil penalty and notice of trespass papers, took my info, then handed me over to the police who charged me with 1 6th degree larceny charge, and was released on $100 bond. This charge was for a bag of chips and a soda. I was also told by the store detective that i could face additional charges for the previous times ive been caught on camera by thier corporate HQ. This was my first arrest ever, and the police told me i could be arrested again if additonal charges are filed. What can i expect for this first charge, and if / how will additonal charges be brought aganst me if so by said company and how can i plead for leanancy if possible? Each time ive ever walked out with merchandise has (rough estimate) always been between $5-$50. Also the store detective told the police they know its not the first time ive done it, how will the judge take that into consideration, and what can i do about my (soon to be) record? Im not a thug or hardened criminal and i don't want to go to jail, and i am willing to do just about anything in lue of jail time. What can i expect, what can i do?? Please advise!!!

[Mr. Knowitall]

It would make sense for you to retain a lawyer, and to try to secure a plea deal that encompasses all acts committed at the store at issue through the date of your plea hearing even if they are reported to the police at a later date.

[Mysterion]

It would make sense for you to retain a lawyer, and to try to secure a plea deal that encompasses all acts committed at the store at issue through the date of your plea hearing even if they are reported to the police at a later date.

That was what i was kind of hoping to hear, but do courts do that? What if i ask to take a class and do community service and pay fines. Will taking a educational class and not F'ing up again go torwards my credit if those additonal charges are filed for previous incident(s)? Finally, i can not afford a lawyer, A public defender if my only realy option, but is a public defender real a crap shoot? Can i expect to get even close to the same results? I really need to know.

[Disagreeable]

I am confused by your admission you steal regularly and your claim you are not a hardened criminal. I am sure the court will be also. You need a lawyer.

[Mysterion]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Connecticut

This is actually related to my last post regarding a 6th degree larceny charge from a local supermarket with potentionaly more to follow. When i was caught by the store's LP detective, naturally i was taken into thier little backroom office. He said that i had been caught several times before on camera at another store, (same company, different town). He then said that 1 time someone there had went to stop me, but i "bolted" was the word he used. I told him that i did not see or hear anyone approach or call out to me trying to stop me. Additionaly i also said that if i had i would have imediatley given up, just as i did with him (the store detective).

I didn't know this at the time but i now have 2 additional things i am worried about. 1, by saying that was i tricked into admitting guilt to the incident? And 2, can them saying that i intentionally tried to run elevate larceny to robbery? I mean, were talking about a small amount of food here i wouldnt risk a felony over some BS.

Please advise.

[davidmcbeth3]

I didn't know this at the time but i now have 2 additional things i am worried about. 1, by saying that was i tricked into admitting guilt to the incident? And 2, can them saying that i intentionally tried to run elevate larceny to robbery? I mean, were talking about a small amount of food here i wouldnt risk a felony over some BS.

Please advise.

Generally, thieves are not smart ... so get a lawyer. I wonder what you would risk a felony for? Hmmm.

[tc498]

From now on don't say anything things else no matter what unless your are instructed to do so by a lawyer. Keep your mouth shut,hire a lawyer and have him handle all inquires. They can bring more charges,hopefully a lawyer can arrange a plea for the one charge and nothing more comes,it's a waiting game. Don't admit to anything. Ct has ard which is an diversion program to avoid a criminal conviction,ask the lawyer about this program.

Stealing 5-10 dollars of food is a misdemeanor but having more then one offense might make it a felony depending on the law. Also 10,15 dollars here and there might add up to the felony amount in your state. It's on the da and cops to gather evidence that would stick,so don't help them. I would find a good lawyer asap to try and limit the damage. They will also be able to give they're professional option on the outcome and plan of attack.

[Mysterion]

From now on don't say anything things else no matter what unless your are instructed to do so by a lawyer. Keep your mouth shut,hire a lawyer and have him handle all inquires. They can bring more charges,hopefully a lawyer can arrange a plea for the one charge and nothing more comes,it's a waiting game. Don't admit to anything. Ct has ard which is an diversion program to avoid a criminal conviction,ask the lawyer about this program.

Stealing 5-10 dollars of food is a misdemeanor but having more then one offense might make it a felony depending on the law. Also 10,15 dollars here and there might add up to the felony amount in your state. It's on the da and cops to gather evidence that would stick,so don't help them. I would find a good lawyer asap to try and limit the damage. They will also be able to give they're professional option on the outcome and plan of attack.

yea i consulted a lawyer for free im gonna go for ard since i have no priors i can apply for it, i just hope they dont give me a hard time on doing so cause i cant afford a real lawyer, so i can always get a public defender