A young illegal immigrant in my town recently got into some trouble. He was drinking and ended up going into some unlocked cars, taking small items from glove compartment, and using someone's credit card to buy cigarrettes at a 7-11. He was arrested and charged w/ 2 counts of theft in the 3rd degree, 2 counts of burglary in the 3rd degree, and 1 count of fraudulent use of a credit card in the 4th degree. I have no clue what these degrees mean... He went to jail for 4 days and was released after his brother and his boss paid $1000. I went w/ him to court yesterday for the arraignment. His next court date is Aug 10th. I assume this will be the sentencing?
Can someone pease advise me??? He works in a my neighborhood and I am trying to jelp him out of this trouble, as he is basically such a good person who made a stupid mistake. what type of penalties might he receive? jail time? Is deportation a legit concern? Should he bother trying to get his own private lawyer (he has little $) or will the public defender be enough? Anyone w/ any info, I would so appreciate the help, I am very afraid for him. he has a pregnant girlfriend and a young daughter here and he is so afriad of what will happen to them if he goes to jail.
Thanks in advance--
worried21 in New Jersey

