Caught Shoplifting Along With My Sister

[mariryex]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: New Jersey.

My sister (25) and I (19) got caught shoplifting at Sears yesterday and we wanted to know what we could do to get a lesser charge and have this not be on out record. I stole $28 worth and she stole $78 . I see a lot about diversions and pleading not guilty. We are are thinking about getting a lawyer but I don't have a job so it would be hard to pay. We spoke to a friend and she was caught for shoplifting and got a township ordinance (I'm pretty sure that's what its called.) (And she stole more.) I just really need help I'm pre-med and school is already hard enough. I know I'll never do this again. Being in handcuffs in the back of a cop car is terrifying.

[Security Consultant]

There are a number of sticky threads at the top of the page.....here's just one of them.....http://www.expertlaw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13117

[PandorasBox]

I know I am going to sound harsh....but I am being straight-forward, no bullshit with you, so please don't get offended.

First off: Get an appointment with a Criminal Defense Attorney for a free consultation. It will be 30 minutes or less, so have all your paperwork and questions with you.

You are both adults. You are both being charged. Since I don't know what the charges are exactly...you can be facing simply Disorderly Person or Retail Fraud...or since two of you caught at the same time...it could be a higher charge, like Burglary, Larceny.....you conspired to shoplift before you entered the store.

First: 19 and pre-med...skip a couple of semesters so you can hire a private attorney. A Public Defender will cost less and have the same knowledge and more experience with the Prosecution, BUT...will have less time to spend on your case. Being pre-med, you really want the best lawyer you can get to get a Diversion Program.

Upfront and honest again....look at the economy, look at the job ads. Hospitals, Medical Offices, Pharmacies...by shoplifting, you have made more difficult to find a job. There are jobs that by law cannot hire a person who was charged with retail fraud....seriously, by Federal Law, you cannot even wait tables in a Senior Living Facility. Get how serious this is now? You will have a very difficult time even getting a minimum wage job at Macy's.

Your best bet is to get a Private Lawyer, get a Diversion Program and get it off your record. Even if it means you have to drop out for a semester or two to afford a lawyer, or get a loan. Because...and I am giving you a link with a lot of info...if convicted on the criminal charge or even a lesser charge....background checks will reveal the original arrest detail. And a conviction cannot be expunged for 5 years.

http://www.njshopliftingdefenselawye...ew-jersey.html (NOTE: This is not a recommendation for a lawyer, just for informational purposes)

The 25 year old...may be able to get a Diversion.

Diversion for both of you really depends on if the County offers it. Not all do. Get a consult with a lawyer in the county the shoplifting was done.

Next up (for EACH of you):
You will have court costs and fines.
You may or may not get: Anti-shoplifting class (your expense). Community Service (your expense - someone has to supervise you and time served). That Diversion Program is again....not free. You may get probation. If supervised (doubt it) - more $$

The store will also be sending both of you a Civil Demand notice. This is separate from the Criminal Charges. You need to pay this. Or potentially ruin your credit histories.

Shoplifting is expensive. You both should expect it to cost $3000+ each. Be happy if it is less.