Misdemeanor Larceny Advice

[Lermontov]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: North Carolina

I made an unbelievably stupid decision today and acted on my friends dare to steal something (2 items of clothing totaling $206) from Belk department store. I was caught before exiting the store and was escorted down to security where I was charged with misdemeanor larceny. This is the first time I have ever been charged with any kind of crime. The only other experience I have with the law is when I got a traffic ticket for a fender bender 4years ago. I feel absolutely terribl and ashamed and there is no doubt in my mind that I'm never going to do this again.

I'm a university student in my early 20s and the security and charging officers both said that since this was my first time offense, I could be charged in court as a first time offender if I entered a guilty plea. They said I would get community service and a fine, but after 1-2 years the charge would be erased from my record if I had no other run ins with the law. I was wondering-

1. Is it a good idea to take the first time offenders 'plea'?

2. Should I talk to a lawyer? I hadn't planned on it because I really can't afford one (especially since I'll be paying court fees)

3. What should I expect when I go to court?

[p.doman]

1. Is it a good idea to take the first time offenders 'plea'?

Only a qualified attorney can answer this question after reviewing the evidence against you and the actual offer made.

2. Should I talk to a lawyer? I hadn't planned on it because I really can't afford one (especially since I'll be paying court fees)

You can get free legal aid if you cannot afford an attorney, call your local county court house and access about legal aid.

3. What should I expect when I go to court?

Your first court appearance will be to answer either guilty or not guilty; if you plead guilty you may or may not be sentenced that same day.

[tc498]

It's a good offers especially considering they have proof that your guilty,definitely talk to a lawyer. Plead not guitly and see have your lawyer to arrange a plea like the one mention. It might be possible to get a free or reduced priced public defender.

[Lermontov]

Thank you. I have been talking to several lawyers and they say that because it was my first offense, I will probably be able to get a plea deal (pretrial Diversion or Deferred adjudication), and get it expunged from my record in 1-2 years. That is pretty much exactly what the security and police officer said to me when I was detained. Should I go to court without a lawyer and ask the judge for a diversion or deferral myself? It seems like a straightforward process.