My wife was stopped by store person on 12/9 at Neiman Marcus in Great Lakes Crossing Mall. The amount is $420 ~ $450.
She signed on some paper and Auburn Hills police officers were called and she was handcuffed and went to the Mall Security Office.
She was photographed and finger printed for about 1 hour or so. She didn't get any ticket or document.
She hasn't got any mail or something yet. Store probably taped it.
It is her first offense and has no criminal record.
She took migraine medicine because of headache at that time.
I lost my job 3 months ago. So she was so depressed for last 3 months. She probably has mental illness. If needed, she would go to psychiatrist.
My son (11 years) and she entered the store together, but he disappeared all of a sudden. So she tried to call him, but he didn't get the call and tried to find him, so she went out with the goods. She didn't realize she still had the things. She wore a sunglasses and shoes and some other things were in her bag because she didn't have any shopping cart or basket.
At that time, she was so scared, so she signed and admitted.
1. Is there any way to avoid conviction?
2. In order to avoid conviction, should I hire a criminal defense lawyer or public defender? If need criminal defense lawyer, please recommend a lawyer or let me know how to find good and competent lawyer.
When the police officer asked her about public defender, she said yes.
I don't know if we are eligible for public defender.
3. To avoid conviction, should something be done before arraignment or court date or trial? If any court date is set, is it impossible to avoid conviction?
4. If no conviction for it, what kind of record remains on her? Arrest record?
5. If plead guilty, does it mean conviction is on her record?
Thanks.

