My question involves criminal law for the state of: Michigan
Charged with retail fraud (added discount sticker to sale merchadise) with value of less than 20 dollars (third degree). Admitted to my mistake and asked for lawyers advise who said I should not plead guilty because his firm could get me just probations plus fines and fees instead of having the issue go on my record, because it is a first time offense.
I was naive enough to believe the lawyer and after 3 months dealing with the issue, now they say the judge would not take the under advisement recommendation because it is illegal.
How could the lawyers have advised me to try to do that in the 1st place if it was illegal? Obviously they were just trying to make easy money off an ignorant person!!!:
I could have just pleaded guilty right away, paid the fees and fines only and save 1500 (lawyer's fee) -
I am angry at the lawyer for taking advantage of me but I feel there is nothing I can do at this point.
The final hearing is today, is there anything I could ask the judge to see if he agrees to probation period instead of this in my record? I am worried about the impact that a misdemeanor would have in my work...

