Caught Shoplifting for the First Time at Age 21 - What is the Penalty

[kristian]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: kentucky

I am 21 and was caught yesterday for shoplifting. It is the first time I have ever been in trouble. I dont know why I even did it but it was very out of character and very stupid. I was stoped by the Lp lady and was taking to a room and had to sign papers and then the cops were called. They gave me a ticket with a court date on it and told me to make sure I appear and let me have my stuff back and let me go. The amount they said I took was $103 and the ticket the cop gave me had the amount of $514.30 on it and it said non payable. I dont know what to exspect for my outcome or what to do? I know what I did was wrong so if you have anything negative to say please take them somewhere else! Thanks!

[PandorasBox]

First, you will need to appear in court. Hire a private lawyer, or ask for a Public Defender.

The $514.30 is likely the court fine. At court, you will also be ordered to the police department for mugshot and fingerprinting within X number of days.

You will also have a Civil Demand Notice from the store for additional money, this is separate from the criminal case and needs to be paid as well. This is basically what you cost the store in terms of LP staffing, not being able to have the merch on the sales floor, and a contribution to the cameras and recording devices.

The papers you signed were likely admission of guilt, and a trespass warning, so stay out of the all locations of the store and if was a mall....best to stay out of there too.

[kristian]

will i more then likley just have to pay the fees and get community service or somthing since it is my first time every being in trouble with the law? and will the outcome be worse if i did not have anyone to represent me? I'm just scared to plead not guilty because obviously they have me on carema going in to the changing room with stuff and coming out with nothing and i admitted to it giving them the stuff back.

[cbg]

Pleading not guilty is not saying, I didn't do it. It is saying, I am standing on my right under the Constitution to have the state prove me guilty.

Even though it doesn't sound as if the state is going to have a very hard time proving it, in some states, at least, having you proven guilty rather than pleading guilty gives the judge a little more latitude in sentencing. You want the judge to have all the latitude he can get.

[PandorasBox]

Also ask about any First Time Offenders programs.

[kristian]

Do i just ask the judge if i can have a Public Defender and about the First Time Offenders Programs? I'm sorry for all the questions I'm just very nervos. I know it's no ones fault but my own though and what will that program do? will it help it not be on my record forever? I've never heard of it as i have never been in trouble or done anything.

- - - Updated - - -

If I plead gulity do you think the judge would give me jail time? When the cop wrote me the ticket he put me in the back of the car and when he was done he let me out and gave me the ticket with my court date on it.

[Mr. Knowitall]

There may not be a "first time offender's program" in your county, and if there is we cannot promise you what the eligibility requirements will be. That's something you will need to investigate. You should consult a criminal defense lawyer. You can ask with the criminal clerk's office about petitioning for a court-appointed lawyer.

[PandorasBox]

You never want to go in and just plead guilty.

[kristian]

I'm from kentucky & I am trying to predict what the consequences of my horrible actions will be and what it will do to me and my family. My cousin and I took worth up to $103 total, she is 17 though and I'm 21. The police did not slit up the total on my ticket it shows $103 to be the amount

What I would like to know is..
1} what do you guys think my charges will be?

2) How much do you expect the TOTAL charges be? (Please mention the separate charges that might occur.)

3) Will I get a civil demand; because the office didn't mention anything about it.

4) How long will the process be? I've been worrying all week, and I'm quite young, so I am studying the process too see what will happen. This includes courts and such, but I would like to know how long it will take, and the shortest path. I have never been in trouble before. except a speeding ticket which doesnt really count as trouble.

5) What is it like in court? Honestly, I'm really freaking out and i know its no ones fault but my own. People say since this is my first time/crime, that I might get a slap on the wrist, small fine and community service. I would like to know any further punishments I should know of.

Thank again for being so helpful!

[PandorasBox]

We can't predict everything - every judge is different.

1. Charge will be retail fraud, don't know the degree.

2 & 3. Expect a Civil Demand from the store/its lawyers. Amounts allowed vary by state. This is separate from the Criminal Charge. You have the court paper for $514.30. If you get a Diversion/First Time Offenders - that can cost you. Community Service can cost you also since someone has to supervise you, document your hours, etc. A Public Defender carries a small fee, a few hundred (varies by area). You may have an Anti-Shoplifting class to pay for as well. That is the best predictions we can give you.

4. Shortest path is a lawyer. Usually theres a bunch of steps and dates (Arraignment, Pre-trial, Trial, Sentencing). My lawyer got the process done (including plea deal to a lesser charge) in one visit to court.

You might think of attending court a few times earlier to see the process.

5. It's kinda scary. You will have your purse and coat searched. You will be admitted into the room and the judge will be there. Wear something nice. Cover all visible tats. Remove any facial piercings. If you have a hair color like green, flourest red - dye it to a normal color. No hats. No shirts with wording. Do not bring friends or kids. Do not smoke before hand. If you must, use the ashtrays. Obviously, don't come smelling like marijuana or alcohol. Address the judge as "Your Honor".