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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    6,808

    Default My Story - Finished

    Last month I was caught stealing a $68.00 dress from Kohl's in Michigan. My first and LAST time stealing.

    I retained a Criminal Defense Lawyer. I took the Plea deal, which reduced the charge to Disorderly Person. No probation. No travel restrictions.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Toledo, OH
    Posts
    16,307

    Default Re: My Story - Finished

    Congratulations, and thanks for letting us know how it all shook out.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    6,808

    Default Re: My Story - Finished

    No problem.

    A few thoughts for others: (Bear in mind, all cases/states are different - this was my experience).

    - I felt a zillion times better having a lawyer with me this morning. And yes, I got a great deal that I doubt I would have gotten without a lawyer.

    - With having retained a lawyer, it really sped up the end of this ordeal.

    The process is usually this: Charges Filed, Arraignment, Pre-Trial, Trial, Sentencing.

    Upon retaining my attorney, we skipped the Arraignment Process. Since I was guilty and had signed the papers at the store - let's face it, a trial was not in my favor. With the agreement with my lawyer, we went directly to Pre-Trial and Sentencing, in court at 8 (with many others), home by 10:30. I just have to go have my fingerprints taken by the State Police on Wed. But....this ordeal is over with

    If I had gone about it myself....my arraignment would not have been until Wednesday, when I would have stood mute, been given a Public Defender, wait until Pre-Trial is set......it could have gone on for a few months.

    I am totally embarrassed by my actions, and my lawyer and even the judge could tell.

    The other thing that worked in my favor: I had a clear criminal history (hint, hint to repeat offenders who post here.......)

    Basically it goes like this: Once I signed the plea agreement, my lawyer had me sign a document that I understood I was waiving my rights to a trial, etc. We entered the courtroom and waited for the case to be called. We were in front of the judge for maybe 5 minutes. She asked if I understood the charge (yes); that in taking the plea I was giving up those rights (yes, I do). A quick interrogation of what happened. And did I wish to plead guilty to Disorderly Person (I do). My lawyer spoke, and I had a chance to say it was a mistake I would never make again. The judge agreed to the plea (she could have still ordered a stiffer punishment, probation, etc). Paid my fine, and that's it.

    I wish everyone else luck, and I hope this post gives some of you a little peace of mind, having an idea of what you may expect.

  4. #4

    Default Re: My Story - Finished

    Thank you so much for your story, it has helped me feel a little better. As of a few hours ago, I got a Private Attorney that was a Public Defender before.

    Reading your story has convinced me that I had made the right desicion and the money that I put down is for good use.

    thanks.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Posts
    14

    Default Re: My Story - Finished

    i really appreciate ppl who come back here and post their stories...

    its really helpful for those who are going thru the same torture...

    i know its a one time lapse in judgement, but it cud cost u a lifetime...trust me i havent slept over the last week...

    the worst thing is that i dont even know if i am getting charged or not and that suspense is killing me...

    i guess i deserve this for my acts.....but this incident has transformed me as a person....i am almost certain i will not commit another illegal deed in my life...

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    6,808

    Default Re: My Story - Finished

    That kinda frustrated me, people asking for help, but not coming back to post what happened.

    I think it makes us feel better, having an idea of what to expect.

    I've got Panic/Anxiety Disorder, which definitely kept me up at night between being apprehended and sentenced.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Posts
    27

    Default Re: My Story - Finished

    Pandorasbox, it does make it feel better to go through your story. But I have a question, when you sign a plea agreement, does that mean that you are pleading guilty? What about the criminal record? Doesn't pleading as a disorderly person make you have any criminal record? I have so many questions and would like to know more about it. Also, did you say that you hired a lawyer?? How much did it charge?

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Posts
    3

    Default Re: My Story - Finished

    PandorasBox,
    Thanks for sharing how your story ended up...I have a question...I'm in the same similar situation and got to avoid going to my pre-trial. I'm told that I have to go to court in a month though. I'm thinking this for sentencing? I'm assuming that this HAS to be done in court am I correct? I was also wondering if the prosecutor shows the tapes that the store actually caught you on (I would feel even more mortified and embarassed than I already do) ...Or does the judge just read what happened and what your consequences are? Thanks for your help.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    6,808

    Default Re: My Story - Finished

    Hi,

    It was $1500 for my lawyer.

    Yes, taking the plea deal does make me have a Criminal Record.

    I had a choice: Plead guilty to the theft, get a 6-month Deferred Sentence (during which I would not be able to leave the state), and wait 5 years for enpungment. Also check in with a probation officer.

    Or:

    Plead guilty to the lesser charge. No probation officer, I can leave the state as I please.

    Also: Which looks worse to a potential employer during their check? Theft, or Disorderly Person.

    As for the judge, there is a report from both the store and the police. If you signed papers in the L.P. room, they have enough evidence. That will all be in the file given to the judge. With having a lawyer, there was no trial, just a few minutes in front of the judge. Had to describe what happened, and that was it.

    If it was to go to trial, I imagine the video could be shown.

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