Results 1 to 9 of 9
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    michigan
    Posts
    2

    Default Retail Fraud

    Hello me and my friend have recently been charged with retail fraud we are both 19 years old and have nothing on our record. The value of the items came to maybe like 16 dollars for me and like 25 or 30 for him this is our first time ever doing anything like this and definetly our last. Heres my question what should we do on our court day so many people are telling us so many diffrent things. Some are saying just plead guilty some are saying plead not guilty i really need some help im so scared. I really dont have money to get an attorny. I just dont want to go to jail and lose my job and everything i got going for me. I was wondering if you guys thought i will get any jail time or if i will get like fines. :cry:

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Posts
    758

    Default Re: Retail Fraud

    Quote Quoting jeremysnissan
    Heres my question what should we do on our court day so many people are telling us so many diffrent things. Some are saying just plead guilty some are saying plead not guilty i really need some help im so scared. I really dont have money to get an attorny.
    You should consider petitioning for a court appointed attorney. You should at least consult with an attorney about your situation, and what the judicial practices are in your county, so you can know what to expect.

    Quote Quoting jeremysnissan
    I just dont want to go to jail and lose my job and everything i got going for me. I was wondering if you guys thought i will get any jail time or if i will get like fines. :cry:
    For a first offense with no record, jail time is very unlikely - community service or a county work program would be more likely, if the judge didn't want to sentence you to "only" a fine. On a guilty plea, a fine and an assessment of court costs, and some statutorily mandated fees, would be inevitable.

    Depending upon your age and the court, there may be sentencing options (such as the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act (HYTA)), which may be available if you ask for them, but are unlikely to be offered without a proper and timely petition. If available, and if you successfully complete a period of probation, you might be able to avoid a criminal conviction.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Posts
    7

    Default

    I have a family member in a similar situation as jeremysnissan and was wondering what the most likely ruling/punishment the judge usually gives for people's first criminal offense?

    You said jail time is very unlikely for first time offenders and community service/fine is more likely.. how about the charge appearing on his record?

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Posts
    758

    Default

    Quote Quoting Masx
    I have a family member in a similar situation as jeremysnissan and was wondering what the most likely ruling/punishment the judge usually gives for people's first criminal offense?
    Usually a term of probation, plus fines and costs, possibly with a community service or work detail requirement. It depends upon the jurisdiction and to some degree on local policies.

    Quote Quoting Masx
    You said jail time is very unlikely for first time offenders and community service/fine is more likely.. how about the charge appearing on his record?
    For a criminal conviction, absent special circumstances (e.g., a delayed disposition) the conviction will appear on the defendant's record.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Posts
    7

    Default

    Quote Quoting aaron
    For a criminal conviction, absent special circumstances (e.g., a delayed disposition) the conviction will appear on the defendant's record.
    I'm sorry for bothering again, but what do you mean by "absent special circumstances (e.g., a delayed disposition)" ? Does that mean there is no chance of it being prevented from being on record? I know nothing is ever guaranteed but was just wondering if there is a chance for it happening that way? Being that it's his first offense ever and he truely regrets his actions.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Posts
    758

    Default

    Unfortunately it is difficult to be more clear. If you plead guilty to a crime, and there are no special circumstances such as a delayed disposition to help you avoid having the conviction entered on your criminal record, you will have the conviction entered on your criminal record.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Posts
    7

    Default

    Ah, he has a lawyer for the case, will that give him a chance?

    thanks again for the help

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Posts
    758

    Default

    Quote Quoting Masx
    Ah, he has a lawyer for the case, will that give him a chance?
    His lawyer should certainly be able to advise him of his options, and the likely outcome, with regard to sentencing and possible alternative sentences which might help him avoid having his conviction entered.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    michigan
    Posts
    2

    Default

    Guys thanks for the help i got a court appointed attorny that knows the judge we are to go in front of. Thanks for all your comments.

    1. Sponsored Links
       

Similar Threads

  1. Retail Fraud / Shoplifting: Is This Retail Fraud?
    By zach15748 in forum Criminal Charges
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 10-21-2008, 03:50 PM
  2. Retail Fraud / Shoplifting: Retail Fraud2nd 4days Later Retail Fraud 2 Again
    By missheather in forum Criminal Charges
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 10-14-2008, 11:38 PM
  3. Retail Fraud / Shoplifting: What Is Retail Fraud
    By ahnieves in forum Criminal Charges
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 04-24-2007, 04:45 PM
  4. Retail Fraud / Shoplifting: Retail Fraud III in MI
    By helpme21 in forum Criminal Charges
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 02-23-2007, 08:37 AM
  5. Retail Fraud / Shoplifting: Difference between retail fraud and attempted retail fraud
    By RobinBoro in forum Criminal Charges
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 11-01-2005, 12:56 PM
 
 
Sponsored Links

Legal Help, Information and Resources