My question involves criminal law for the state of: Michigan, in Macomb County
I'm 21 years old and I was caught and charged with Retail Fraud Third Degree. I was sent a letter yesterday saying I have a warrant for my arrest and to surrender myself and be arraigned. I don't have the means to get a lawyer, am I looking at jail time? How do I ask for the diversion program, if possible? Can I ask for a public defender before the arraignment or would I have to plead not guilty first? I have no problem taking responsibility because I know I was wrong, and it was a big mistake. I paid the $200 in restitution already. I've just never been in trouble with the law before and now I have a warrant and I'm terribly scared![]()

