Caught Shoplifting, Hoping to Avoid a Criminal Record

[chelle1362]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: new jersey I was stopped by LP in Shoprite and was arrested for shoplifting in the amount of 84.21 I was released later that evening and was give a complaint summons and have a court hearing on 3/25/15 this is my 1st offense I have ever done this before I have a clean background I'm very worried what's going to happen to me and will this appear on my background when I apply for jobs or anything I have kids I really Dont want this on my record I need to go back to work . I didn't know what to say or do ? Help me please

[flyingron]

You say "I want a lawyer." If you are indigent, ask for a public defender. If you are not, then you should be looking for an attorney NOW on your own.

What court are summonsed for. If you're going up in front of a municipal judge you are likely screwed. If you are summonsed to county court, you may be eligible for a pre-trial intervention which means you can avoid a criminal record if you obey the terms of the PTI. Either way, you're going to want an attorney.

You can also count on the store's "lawyers" sending you a letter demanding restitution for the damage you've caused them by your criminal activity. This is independent of your CRIMINAL charges.

[Mr. Knowitall]

If you cannot afford a lawyer, you can ask the criminal clerk at the courthouse for a petition for a court-appointed lawyer. Depending on the policies of the court, if the prosecutor is not seeking jail time it may be that even if you are indigent you won't qualify for a court-appointed lawyer; but you won't know until you try to petition. The sooner you petition, the sooner you'll know if a lawyer has been appointed to represent you.