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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Posts
    2

    Default First Time Offense, Petty Theft Charge

    My question involves criminal law for the state of: Florida

    Hello everybody,

    I am in college, 23 years old and I was recently caught at a book store taking a picture of an access code which later on I used it to register for an online class. Probably one of the most embarrassing things I've ever done. The item is between $100-150. This is a first time offense for me and it's classified as a misdemeanor. The store said it was policy to press charges on me. I haven't even been booked yet, it's happening this saturday. I guess they are going to take my finger print and picture. My bail is $300.

    I am literally about to apply for nursing school and this really just screws everything up. I am literally beating myself up over this so hard. I've lost my appetite and I am so anxious. I feel like life in me was destroyed. Anyways, I was told that when I go to court to plea no contest that way I'm not saying I did do the crime nor didn't. I would love to avoid having this on my record for future employment and school reasons. What's the BEST possible way to go about this? Should I get a lawyer? Pretrial diversion? The more legitimate detailed advice, the better.

    Thanks so much!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2012
    Posts
    173

    Default Re: First Time Offense, Petty Theft Charge

    Getting a lawyer would be a great first step. A request for diversion would also be a good way of keeping it off your record as once you finish the diversion program, the offense won't be recorded as a conviction.

    Fortunately, since your crime is misdemeanor theft, you're actually eligible for expungement if you're convicted or plead no contest to the charge. Assuming you never been convicted previously or expunged your record in the past, Florida actually has a pretty forgiving expungement and record sealing statute. The process is pretty easy once your sentence is determined. You essentially fill out a form and send it in, you can read more about it at the Florida Dept. of Law Enforcement's website: http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/content/...unge-Home.aspx

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Posts
    2

    Default Re: First Time Offense, Petty Theft Charge

    Thanks so much STATcom. I am not so sure if I can afford a lawyer but I will definitely talk to one prior. I am going to start saving money now though to get one though.

    I have never been previously convicted of anything so this is a first time offense for me. So, what you're saying is, worst case scenario, I'm convicted but I can still get it expunged? Would a nursing school be able to see this when I apply even after if it's expunged? This entire process (which I've barley even started) has already taught me so much. I can't wait until this is over with.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Posts
    2

    Default Re: First Time Offense, Petty Theft Charge

    The same thing happened to me. I suppose a private lawyer would be preferable to the PD. Am I correct (asking on behalf of my case and the original poster)?

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    6,808

    Default Re: First Time Offense, Petty Theft Charge

    You are correct.

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