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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Posts
    3

    Default Shoplifting Arrest in New Jersey

    I was recently arrested for shoplifting in New Jersey. It is my first(and last) offence, I am 18, the total was $90.80 and I want to handle this without my parents getting involved. My court date is on March 18th and I don't know what to do.
    My main concern is to settle this outside of court if possible with the store, how can I go about doing that?
    I do not want this to follow me around for the rest of my life, should I plead guilty or not guilty?
    Do I need a lawyer or can I get a public defender even though I still live with my parents?
    What should I do?

    Any advice would be greatly appreciated, Thank you so much.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Posts
    758

    Default Re: Please Help Me

    Quote Quoting ebaumann
    I am 18, the total was $90.80 and I want to handle this without my parents getting involved.
    Your parents don't have to be involved, as you are an adult.

    Quote Quoting ebaumann
    My main concern is to settle this outside of court if possible with the store, how can I go about doing that?
    It would likely be difficult for you to negotiate with the store under these circumstances, particularly now that charges have been filed.

    Quote Quoting ebaumann
    I do not want this to follow me around for the rest of my life, should I plead guilty or not guilty?
    If you plead guilty, and you have a conviction entered on your record, the conviction will remain there unless you later successfully have it expunged.

    Quote Quoting ebaumann
    Do I need a lawyer or can I get a public defender even though I still live with my parents?
    You probably can. You may petition for appointed counsel, and see what happens. At a minimum, I suggest you consult with a local lawyer about your situation.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Posts
    3

    Default thank you, one more thing

    i did some research on new jersey law, and to my disappointment i learned that i am not eligible for PTI because of my crime. Is there any other similar options I should explore or should i just resign myself to the punishment and plead guilty.

    the reason that i keep asking about my plea is because i have to register my plea, if not guilty, one week before my court date, that gives me 3 days to decide, it is incredibly urgent that i make a decision.

    can i plead not guilty?
    i just need to know what my best option is in this situation, im getting really worried.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Posts
    758

    Default Criminal Charges

    Have you petitioned for an attorney yet? If not, do so. If it is too late, you are probably better off telling your parents and having them help you get a lawyer than digging yourself into a giant hole by trying to keep this secret.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Posts
    3

    Default after arrainment

    i went to court on friday, plead not guilty and petitioned for a public defender which i was approved for by the judge. I am assuming that a follow up court date will be mailed to me shortly. Just wondering what I should be hoping/pushing for in my next court appearance.

    also, "10 days community service": what does that entail? 240 hours?

    thanks again for your help before

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    28,906

    Default Community Service

    Within the context of community service, "days" would ordinarily refer to work days, or 8 hour days. Judges sometimes remove the ambiguity by ordering a specific number of hours of community service to be performed.

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