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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2014
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    1

    Default What Happens to First Time Shoplifters

    My question involves criminal law for the state of: Georgia
    My wife got caught stealing a $10 piece of jewelry from Kohl's. She was arrested and taken to jail. I have posted bond and she has a court date in 1 month. Kohl's has sent a civil letter asking for civil relief in the amount of $150.00. 3 questions.
    1. Should we pay the $150.00
    2. What should we expect in court? She has never been arrested for anything. Never gone to jail for anything, Never even had a speeding ticket.
    3. Should we hire an attorney?

    Thank you for any help or insight you can share.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Posts
    7,056

    Default Re: What Happens to First Time Shoplifters

    Yes pay the civil demand.

    First offence of under $300 is a misdemeanor.

    http://law.onecle.com/georgia/16/16-8-14.html

    Hire an attorney.

    And consider cutting off her figures if she does it again. Obviously, tongue in cheek. But seriously, shoplifting is indicative of a more serious problem or attitude. Why would someone jeopardize their future for a $10 trinket? Have a serious talk with her about why.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Oct 2014
    Posts
    3

    Default Re: What Happens to First Time Shoplifters

    mr budward,

    How about if they give you ticket for petty theft and have a date in court. Do you need to hire a lawyer?

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
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    7,056

    Default Re: What Happens to First Time Shoplifters


  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2014
    Posts
    441

    Default Re: What Happens to First Time Shoplifters

    You only "need" to hire a lawyer if you WANT to. If she WANTS to go into court, plead guilty, and say "I accept whatever the court wishes to do in this case," she can do that - and people do it everyday. If you or her have any questions about the ramifications of pleading guilty, or wish to ask for some sort of plea bargain, then you should get an attorney.

    In general, municipal and mayor's courts that hear misdemeanor cases are used to dealing with people without lawyers and are ready to explain things to defendants - though they cannot give legal advice. But as I just said above, if you have questions, or wish to ask for leniency, you might get an attorney.

    As for the civil demand, she owes that money if she committed the offense. Since you don't seem to indicate that she's actually innocent, yes, you should pay it.

    As for what to expect, just show up on time at the time and date listed on the ticket. Her name will be called, the charges read, and she will be asked to plead "guilty," "not guilty," or "no contest." There are some variances in these pleas from state to state, but those three are most common. The judge or magistrate will usually give a short blanket explanation of what those pleas mean and of the procedure before court, so be on time.

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