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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2016
    Posts
    5

    Default Should You Hire a Lawyer to Defend You Against Shoplifting Charges

    My question involves criminal law for the state of: WA

    I am so deeply regretful to admit all of this, it is not who I want to be and there is no legitimate reason for what I did.

    THE FACTS:
    I am an 18 yr old girl who was caught shoplifting yesterday in a JC Penney in Seattle, WA. It was reported by an LP officer as a Misdemeanor, since the merchandise was under $750, $147 to be exact. All the merchandise was recovered. The Seattle police came and identified me, I believe they must have filed a police report as well. They did not arrest me but said it would "proceed as if they had". There is strong evidence against me since there is a security cam and I signed a paper saying I stole these items from the JC Penney Sephora. I have no prior criminal record.

    QUESTIONS:
    I am so ashamed of this I do not think I could bare to admit this to my parents. Therefore, I am looking for insight here as to what I should expect and advice on what steps I can take to minimize the affect this has on applying to graduate school and later getting a job. Is it worth hiring a private attorney (this would be a financial investment for me considering I only work a part time summer job as a lifeguard)?

    I really appreciate any honest and perhaps even empathetic responses. It is difficult to know who's advice I should trust, and I almost feel more confused on how I can best handle my mistake the more I research.

    Thank you so much.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Posts
    19,901

    Default Re: I Shoplifted $147 from Jc Penney's

    You need an attorney. If you are indigent, ask for a public defender. Don't talk to the police or anybody else without legal counsel. There may be a few options (pretrial diversion, compromise of misdemeanor, deferred sentence) that avoid you having a criminal record, but it will take an attorney to work these out for you.

    A conviction will give you life time issues obtaining jobs or professional licensing. Any graduate school with half a brain won't train you for positions that you won't be eligible for as a criminal, though some are happy to take your money and waste several years of your time.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Aug 2016
    Posts
    5

    Default Re: I Shoplifted $147 from Jc Penney's

    I was told by the Seattle Municipal court that I could not get a public defender until the date was set, even then because it is "only a midemeanor" I may not qualify for one. Should I hire a private attorney now to see if they can do anything before a court date is set? The ones I have talked to have a flat fee of $2000-$3000, is this typically what they charge?

    Thank you

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2014
    Posts
    441

    Default Re: I Shoplifted $147 from Jc Penney's

    With the price of things in Seattle and the high cost of living, that amount doesn't surprise me.

    You can either pony up the money or go to court without an attorney, plead not guilty, and ask about getting a court appointed lawyer then. You can also ask about programs they might have where, if you enter, you admit guilt but they guarantee the charge will be dismissed if you complete a probationary period.

    Since empathy requires one to put themselves in the other's shoes, I'm afraid I'm coming up a bit short, as I can't imagine walking into a store and willfully stealing $147 worth of merchandise.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2016
    Posts
    2,289

    Default Re: Should You Hire a Lawyer to Defend You Against Shoplifting Charges

    Quote Quoting greenmink
    View Post
    My question involves criminal law for the state of: WA

    I am so deeply regretful to admit all of this, it is not who I want to be and there is no legitimate reason for what I did.

    THE FACTS:
    I am an 18 yr old girl who was caught shoplifting yesterday in a JC Penney in Seattle, WA. It was reported by an LP officer as a Misdemeanor, since the merchandise was under $750, $147 to be exact. All the merchandise was recovered. The Seattle police came and identified me, I believe they must have filed a police report as well. They did not arrest me but said it would "proceed as if they had". There is strong evidence against me since there is a security cam and I signed a paper saying I stole these items from the JC Penney Sephora. I have no prior criminal record.

    QUESTIONS:
    I am so ashamed of this I do not think I could bare to admit this to my parents. Therefore, I am looking for insight here as to what I should expect and advice on what steps I can take to minimize the affect this has on applying to graduate school and later getting a job. Is it worth hiring a private attorney (this would be a financial investment for me considering I only work a part time summer job as a lifeguard)?

    I really appreciate any honest and perhaps even empathetic responses. It is difficult to know who's advice I should trust, and I almost feel more confused on how I can best handle my mistake the more I research.

    Thank you so much.
    Why would you risk everything for $147 worth of merchandise? I highly doubt you will get an empathy on this forum either.

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