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  1. #1

    Exclamation Shoplifting, First Time Offense

    My question involves criminal law for the state of: Virginia

    HELP!!!
    About a week ago I was stopped for shoplifting at Forever 21 with the items totaling about $22. I have never been charged with anything before and I am a good student about to start my 3rd year at college. I would like to know:

    1) Whether or not it is critical to have a lawyer?

    2) How bad can the charges get?

    3) After the trial how long can the whole process take? I start school a few hours away on August 24 and have the trial August 10. Will I have problems starting school on time?

    4) If I am required to do community service will it have to be in the county where the crime was commited?

    5) How much money am I probably going to end up spending? Considering I hire a lawyer and will I have to pay for the items attempted to be stolen?

    6) How easy or difficult would it be to get charges expunged?

    Any help/advice would be GREATLY appreciated!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    6,808

    Default Re: First Time Offense

    From all I have read here, Virginia is VERY tough on shoplifting.

    I would go see a Criminal Defense Lawyer. And plan on retaining one. I can't tell you the cost, as it does vary. My case was $1500.Plus the Civil Demand. Plus the court fees. All in all, a $68 dress cost me over $2000.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Posts
    1,419

    Default Re: First Time Offense

    I agree definitely get a lawyer,they help make the whole process a lot faster too.It's not the penalty so much,it's avoiding a criminal record and a lawyer can save you time and help arrange things better. A court process can take a lot times,you might have to show up 3,4 times or more,maybe a lawyer can get you an earlier court date. It may be expensive it's definitely worth it in the long run.

    One example time wise,I went to court 1st with out a lawyer and sat there 4 hours,just to have another court date,when I hired a lawyer,I was in and out with in 20 min.Time is an issue,call a lawyer asap.Each court date is normally at minimum a week away. I went to court for a minor issue and it took a lot of time.There may be chance that the court won't be resolved by the time you have to leave for college.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    6,808

    Default Re: First Time Offense

    A lawyer can definitely speed things up! Instead of arraignment, pre-trial, trial, etc....everything in my case was taken care of in one day, just a couple hours.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Posts
    641

    Default Re: First Time Offense

    What county or city are you charged in?

  6. #6

    Default Re: Shoplifting, First Time Offense

    Fairfax County

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