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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Posts
    1

    Default Retail Fraud, Third Degree

    My question involves criminal law for the state of: Michigan

    I was recently caught stealing items from a store. the LPO took me to the office where he told me they had video of me going into the bathroom and removing items from their package. I admitted my guilt to the actions and apologized and gave all the merchandise up. I was very shaken up and they got me to sign a paper that I believe admitted my guilt, but honestly I was too scared at the time to remember what it all said.

    I know it was WRONG and I will never do something so stupid ever again. I've already sent the civil damages money in the mail. I was arrested and taken to the station and charged with Retail Fraud in the third degree, and I was released on my own accordance. I have my court date (arraignment) in a couple of days and I scared out of my mind!

    I don't have an attorney because I am broke and have been looking for a job for a while now. I am a college student and I have NEVER done anything like this, no record whatsoever. I know not having any money is not an excuse to steal. Like I said before, I learned my lesson and I dont want this one mistake to ruin my future career dreams.

    My questions are: When I go to my arraignment, should I plead NOT guilty (even though I am) because it might allow for some leniency (diversion programs...)instead of going straight to sentencing? Or will all of the damming evidence (like the surveillance video or that paper that I signed) make it impossible to plead NOT guilty? Or should I walk in and say that i "stand mute" and immediately ask for a public defender? Hopefully a public defender can advise me and maybe negotiate something so I can get into a diversion program or something for first time offenders?

    Any advice would be soo appreciated!! I have no idea of what to expect in court so please help me!! Thanks!!!!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Posts
    3

    Default Re: Retail Fraud, Third Degree

    Well with a lawyer and a clean record you're pretty much guaranteed to get into a diversion program. However I'm pretty sure you can still plead guilty and the judge will recognize the situation and put you into the diversion program. After all, he's the one that decides it either way...

    Don't sweat it too much though, as long as you do what you're told it will all work out and this certainly won't ruin your future career dreams.

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