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  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Posts
    4

    Default Should I Plead Guilty Or No Contest In Shoplifting Case

    My question involves criminal law for the state of: Ohio, in Lorain County

    I was recently caught shoplifting, I know I did it, they know I did it (they have security cameras) so should I plead guilty, or no-contest (what does nocontest even mean?) I wasnt planning on getting a lawyer, so what should I expect from the court (what will the proceedings be like, will I have to address the court, ect.), this is my first offense, and what I stole totaled 17.56 with tax.

    I AM VERY SORRY AND I LEARNED MY LESSON.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Posts
    4

    Default Re: Should I Plead Guilty Or No-Contest In Shoplifting Case

    Just thought that I would let you all know what happened.

    I went to court and the bailif gave me a form that asked whether I pleaded guilty, no contest, or not guilty (I pleaded no contest). I filled it out and then when court started they told everyone to enter (to add insult to injury there was a group of elementary kids watching the whole preceeding) and sit down and then the Clerk asked anyone if they wanted a lawyer and if you said yes you were given a form to fill out. Eventually the judge came in and he recited all of the options (jail time, fines, etc) for each of the type of charges. After all this people were called up one by one and they entered their pleas. When I was called I entered my plea of no contest, at which time the judge asked whether or not that by entering this plea I gave up all my rights to a trial by a jury and all that entails, and I told him I understood. He also said that because I entered a plea of no contest it was up to him to determine the facts right then and there so he had the DA read the account of what happened according to the witnesses, and he of course found me guilty. He then asked me why I did it, and asked me if I had a job and what was I going to school for, he then told me my sentence. I was fined $150 (plus $99 court fees), and I was sentenced 10 days in jail, and he suspended 9 of those days. At this point he gave me a lecture about how I ruined my life forever and that I essentially would never get a good job or go to a good school, needless to say I broke down. He then had the bailif take me to a holding cell, which I sat in for about an hour sobbing thinking my life was over and that I had to spend a day in jail.

    After this hour was up I was taken back into the court (none of the kids, or other people being charged were in it) and he told me that he was going to give me the option of 24 hrs community service instead of jail. He also told me that he appreciated the fact that I was dressed appropriatley (suit) and that I was respectful. He also said that I had a bright future ahead of me and inorder to insure that I have to attend some classes, and that a year from now, if I stay in school and do not get into any more trouble my record can be expunged.

    Overall he scared me half to death and taught me that my actions really do have consequences.

  3. #3
    panther10758 Guest

    Default Re: Should I Plead Guilty Or No-Contest In Shoplifting Case

    Based on what your saying you now have a criminal record. If you had opted for an Attorney you very likely would have qualified for Diversion and thus not have a criminal conviction

  4. #4
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Posts
    6

    Default Re: Should I Plead Guilty Or No-Contest In Shoplifting Case

    yea i would try for diversion if i were you

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