First Offense

[scared089]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: My friend just got caught shoplifting in PA, for a 20 dollar item at JCPenny, this is her first offense and has never been in trouble for anything, she is 18, i was wondering how the whole public defender works, and what anyone thinks they will do as to sentencing? thanks

[LawResearcherMissy]

She may be asked to pay a civil demand in addition to having to go to court over the matter.

If she cannot afford to hire an attorney on her own, she should show up for court, plead Not Guilty, and ask for a Public Defender. S/he will help your friend sort out her options which, as a first offender, may include a diversion program that may keep this off her record if she completes all the terms of the program.

[scared089]

they did file a civil claim and it was 170 dollars. She paid this within the dates they specified, even though she admitted to the Loss Prevention officer, can she still file not guilty? how much do you think she will pay for a public defender? or anything in that matter? thank you so much

[kist]

Yes she can and should still plead not guilty. This doesn't affect the court at all, they will find based on evidence and there are legal reasons to plead not guilty. You won't get a plea deal if you just plead guilty.

PS they don't normally give you a PD for this kind of low level charge, and you're better off without one anyway.