Accused of Shoplifting Groceries

[thongsook_1999]

on friday's night i went to a supermarket to buy sausages. i putted 2 packs of it in my bag and walking to the atm to get cash to pay for it. unfortunately the atm is outside the store and i forgot that i have 2 sausages in my bag. then the security stopped me and turned me to the police whom scheduled me to go the court. i am international student working on my dissertation writing. i wonder whether I will be in jail for this, and in the worst case, how long? would my future career be effected by the record of this? would i still be allowed to travel in and out of this country for my study again?

[thongsook_1999]

i forgot to mention that this happens in honolulu,hawaii

[aaron]

If you wish to try to go to trial and defend yourself against the accusation on the claim that you went to the grocery store to buy sausages, got the sausages, then forgot you had the sausages when you left the store to go to an ATM to get money to pay for them, I suggest you get help from a very good lawyer.

Consult a local lawyer about the possibility of a diversion program or deferred sentence, to try to avoid a conviction. As you are on a visa, you will benefit from trying to get an alternative disposition where you don't have to enter a guilty plea and don't end up with a conviction. In various immigration contexts you will have to report this incident to the USCIS, and it is best for you that the disposition not be regarded as a conviction.

It is quite possible that, although a crime of moral turpitude, this would be classified under the petty offense exception so as not to prevent your gaining a visa, but any criminal activity can affect your immigration status and visa eligibility.

[thongsook_1999]

What would happen if I go to the court without my own lawyer because it is inaffordable for me to hire one. In the worst scenario, what would happen? Is is possible to seek legal help from state by some way?

Please give me more idea about this sentence

"As you are on a visa, you will benefit from trying to get an alternative disposition where you don't have to enter a guilty plea and don't end up with a conviction. In various immigration contexts you will have to report this incident to the USCIS, and it is best for you that the disposition not be regarded as a conviction"

I totally don't understand. What is the legal meaning of "don't have to enter a guilty plea"

[Mr. Knowitall]

Check with the court to see if you qualify for a court-appointed lawyer.

If you enter a plea agreement or diversion program where you don't have to enter a guilty plea, it means exactly that: because of the nature of the disposition you don't have to enter a guilty plea.

[thongsook_1999]

please give me more idea about "plea agreement" and "diversion program". is there anywebsite i can see the law about it?

[aaron]

Check the court websites for your state and county, or consult a criminal defense lawyer.

[thongsook_1999]

when i appear to the court, would it be any help to inform that i do not mean to take anything from the store but simply forgot it. what is the better idea between insisting this or letting it goes without saying anything

[thongsook_1999]

another is how to have the public defender/do i need to do this before going to the court?

[panther10758]

another is how to have the public defender/do i need to do this before going to the court?

When you make your first appearence do not enter a plea and request a public defender