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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
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    Michigan
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    Default First Offense Shoplifting in Michigan

    I was caught shoplifting yesterday in a Michigan K-Mart. I don't know what to do. I'm 19 and this was my first offense, I only stole about $35 worth of merchandise and I can't afford an attorney or even to pay fines and court costs. I know what I did was wrong and I can't even begin to describe how sorry and remorseful I am. I'm a good student and I was planning on applying to transfer from my community college to a university before the year was out, but now I'm afraid to send in my applications because I will have to admit to have a pending criminal suit.

    I want to know what kind of sentencing I'm looking at? I'm hoping that because the amount I stole was so small and it was my first time and because I cooperated with the police and the LPs that I will be able to get the sentence deferred or diverted.

    What about court costs? Will they accept small payments? I don't have a job and I don't think I will be able to pay up $350 in restitution to the store let alone court fees.

    And how long will it take for this to be over? The police and the LP said that that I would be getting a letter for my court date in the mail but when? The waiting is already starting to get to me. I really just want this to be over as soon as possible and I don't want it to be on my record.

    I haven't told my parents yet, I'm too afraid to. Their disappointment in me would be 100x worse than this situation. I haven't told anyone. I'm thinking about contacting the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention and taking their program. Will that help me when I go to court?

    Any advice that anyone can offer will be helpful and much appreciated. Thankyou.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
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    Michigan
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    Default Re: First Offense Shoplifting in Michigan

    Best to tell the parents now, than have them find out later.

    You will be getting a Civil Demand in the mail...it will be a minimum of $250. Pay it immediately. They can sue you for it and add in attorney fees, which basically triples the costs. And affects your credit history.

    Expect also that you will eventually have to make a trip to have your mugshot and fingerprints taken.

    If you cannot afford a lawyer, plead "I stand mute" and ask for a Public Defender. In Livingston County, the fee is $250. Expect multiple court dates to resolve things.

    Getting a lawyer is a good idea for a 19 year old. See about a Deferred Sentence and then stay out of trouble.

    Personally...I would avoid the National Assocation for Shoplifting Prevention at this time. Ask a lawyer if he feels that would be effective.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Michigan
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    Default Re: First Offense Shoplifting in Michigan

    Thanks for the advice...I think I'll wait until after the holidays to tell my parents. They're already stressed enough and I don't want to compound that will the trouble that I'm in.

    I'll stay away from the NASP.

    When I was picked up the LP they questioned me and called the police and he arrested me, read me my rights, handcuffed me, and took me to the sherriff's office to be printed. But I wasn't photographed.

    I feel like I talked a lot. I don't know if that's a good thing; I just wanted to cooperate?

    Thanks again.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
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    Michigan
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    Default Re: First Offense Shoplifting in Michigan

    Very often, that Civil Demand will come within under a month. Best to tell the parents NOW if you can't pay it on time.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Posts
    15

    Default Re: First Offense Shoplifting in Michigan

    Quote Quoting PandorasBox
    View Post
    Best to tell the parents now, than have them find out later.

    You will be getting a Civil Demand in the mail...it will be a minimum of $250. Pay it immediately. They can sue you for it and add in attorney fees, which basically triples the costs. And affects your credit history.

    Expect also that you will eventually have to make a trip to have your mugshot and fingerprints taken.

    If you cannot afford a lawyer, plead "I stand mute" and ask for a Public Defender. In Livingston County, the fee is $250. Expect multiple court dates to resolve things.

    Getting a lawyer is a good idea for a 19 year old. See about a Deferred Sentence and then stay out of trouble.

    Personally...I would avoid the National Assocation for Shoplifting Prevention at this time. Ask a lawyer if he feels that would be effective.

    Why avoid a Non Profit group that helps?

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

    Default Re: First Offense Shoplifting in Michigan

    Because then she is admitting this is not her first time stealing...just the first time being caught.

    Wait til afterwards, or she should seek private counseling, where whatever is discussed is in front of a single counselor, not a counselor and a group.

    Also remember...the roads leading up to a meeting are often public. And atleast here, I do know for a fact that some L.P. people (they need to close their mouths in backrooms) will attend these meetings just so they know who to look out for.

    Again, ask a Criminal Defense Lawyer if this would be a good idea right now.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Posts
    1

    Default Re: First Offense Shoplifting in Michigan

    Quote Quoting PandorasBox
    View Post
    Because then she is admitting this is not her first time stealing...just the first time being caught.

    Wait til afterwards, or she should seek private counseling, where whatever is discussed is in front of a single counselor, not a counselor and a group.

    Also remember...the roads leading up to a meeting are often public. And atleast here, I do know for a fact that some L.P. people (they need to close their mouths in backrooms) will attend these meetings just so they know who to look out for.

    Again, ask a Criminal Defense Lawyer if this would be a good idea right now.
    I represent the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention (NASP) and am compelled to correct this misinformation being provided in the post above. NASP is a confidential, non-profit 501 (c)(3) help organization. NASP provides shoplifter education programs to people dealing with a shoplifting problem, people who have a court case pending and people who have been ordered to complete a program by the court system.

    Participating in a NASP program before going to court is a proactive way to demonstrate that you are taking responsibility for your actions and taking steps to prevent a repeat offense. It is not an admission of guilt in your current case or an admission of prior shoplifting activity. NASP is not a punitive entity. Confidentiality is guaranteed to all participants in a NASP program.

    As for "roads leading up to a meeting" being public, I cannot speak for other organizations but all roads to and from NASP are completely confidential - at all times and in all cases.

    Anyone seeking help is welcome to visit the SAFE self-help page of our website and click on the court case pending button on the left.

    It is also important to note that NASP's shoplifter education/prevention programs are home-study programs that you complete in the privacy of your home - further protecting your privacy and maintaining confidentiality.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    3

    Default Re: First Offense Shoplifting in Michigan

    It was my first time shoplifting. I dont think I have a problem and I don't want it to come across as though I do. To be honest I'm glad I got caught because if I hadn't it might have prompted me to do it again. But being escorted to lay away by an LP, crying my eyes out almost the entire time in front of numerous strangers, being handcuffed, read my Miranda Rights, riding in a police car, getting printed, and living with this perpetual guilt of having done something so out of character and reprehensible have kind of turned me off crime of any kind, even speeding tickets. I don't want to be in this position again and I just want to do everything in my power to make things right with my community and with the law. I don't want this on my record, I don't want this to affect my future, I just want it to be one of those really hard lessons that will make me a better person in the long run.

    In the mean time should I be doing something besides waiting for my civil demand, court letters, and saving my pennies?

    I planning on having a consultation next week with a defense lawyer to see what they have to say, I won't be able to afford one but I might as well get some idea of what I'm looking at. But should I be collecting character evidence for myself, like letters from people who know me and what kind of person I am, or transcripts from school?

    I just feel like I'm not doing enough right now to fix this.

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