Canadian Tourist Caught Shoplifting

[quiet]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: new york.
I am a Canadian that was recently arrested for shop lifting. I was charged with petty larceny, in violation of section 155.25 of the penel code.
My friend was also charged with it because he was with me. He did not know that i was shop lifting at all, yet he was still charged.

It is both our first time offence, we have not been arrested before or charged with anything. We dont know how everything will play out and are wondering if someone can answer some questions.

1) How much of a hassle will it be for us to cross the border for the arraignment?
2) Is there a possibility for us to get an ACD?
3) How/when can we get in touch with the prosecutor?
4) Is it possible to settle this out of court by paying some sort of fine?
5) How will this effect us cross the border in the future?
6) Whats the best way to handle this?
7) What type of charges are we looking at?

Any help, advice, wise words would help us out a lot.

[PandorasBox]

Yikes.

I'll answer the best I can: You will want to retain a Criminal Defense Attorney in NY immediately.

If you leave the country, you must notify the court and receive permission, or you can face additional charges. Expect to post bond before you leave. If you don't receive permission - stay in NY.
Future border crossings? They may deny you entry into the USA, except for when you show your court appointment paperwork.
No, you can not pay a fine before your court date. But do come prepared to pay court costs and fines.

You are looking at Retail Fraud charges. Your friend was with you, so charging him was perfectly fair and legal - he could have been your lookout or decoy to distract LP.

The store/it's lawyers will also be sending both of you Civil Demand Letters. These need to be paid.

Next advice....shoplifting is expensive. You will see that with all the lawyer fees, courts costs and fines, and Civil Demand.

If you have not yet been taken to the station and had a mugshot and fingerprinting....those will be ordered by the court.

[quiet]

Any chance they will give us both an ACD?

[PandorasBox]

That would need to be discussed with a NY lawyer.