Caught Shoplifting, Exceeds $400, California

[Yaytina]

The police cannot offer you any deals. Only the prosecuting attorney can offer you leniency. Do not be fooled by anything the police say. The previous poster is right. The case against you might not be as strong as you think. All you can do by talking to the police is give them evidence to use against you, which will weaken your bargaining position later.

They read me my rights and asked me if I wanted to talk about it.. They gave me a paper and I basically admitted that I stole it..

I didn't know what else I had to do. I thought the best thing to do was be honest. Now I'm guessing they will use this against me. I'm so scared..
My parents said they will get a lawyer after we go to the detective on Tuesday..

I'm guessing since we're moving out of state at the end of January, we have to fly back for the courtdate?

[PandorasBox]

Tell your parents to not wait until Tuesday. YOU should be helping them search for a lawyer and be getting on the phone today so your message is on an answering machine when a receptionist checks the messages....

[Yaytina]

My parents are keep saying we don't need a lawyer until we speak to the detective and see what he will say and what will happen. They believe that it is not necessary to get a lawyer right now since we don't know what's going to happen yet.

[LawResearcherMissy]

Your parents are terribly mistaken.

As Pandora says, you should be helping them find one - since you're the one in trouble, here - and you should be doing so now.

The detectives are NOT on your side. They are NOT going to be able to offer leniency. They are NOT going to be able to keep you out of jail. They are NOT going to make any effort to help you, and will make every effort to see to it that you are punished.

It's their responsibility to gather evidence to give to the prosecuting attorney so s/he can prosecute the living hell out of you. They will absolutely use everything you have said against you. This is why, when you're accused of a crime, you shut your mouth and let your attorney do ALL of the talking.

[iceblink]

What you say to the detective WILL be used against you in court so you better get a lawyer NOW. He/She is the only one who can guide you through the interview and tell you what to say and when not to speak. A lawyer is your legal advocate and you could get yourself in a lot more trouble if you show up without one. This is SERIOUS and if your parents think they can talk their way out of your situation without fronting the money for a laywer, they are mistaken. Get a lawyer NOW or postpone the interview with the detective until you get one.

[Yaytina]

Yeah, I don't think my parents will be able to afford a lawyer now. Do I just keep my mouth closed when we go see the detective?

And I have to ask for a public defender right? What is the disadvantage of this?

[iceblink]

Why are you seeing a detective? If you already admitted fault, I don't see why this is required. If you have to go, don't say anything, tell your parents not to say anything and say you are waiting until you have a lawyer/public defender to speak about the charges against you. That is your RIGHT.

[Yaytina]

I don't know they just told me to come back to the Police Station on Tuesday to talk to a detective. They didn't say anything about court dates or fines. I won't say anything to the detective just like you guys said.

And I have a single mom who doesn't work, no income. Her boyfriend provides everything for us but he is technically not my guardian. So I guess I qualify for a public defender?

What is the disadvantage of having a public defender instead of a lawyer?

[iceblink]

Yes, you most likely will qualify for a PD. So say nothing to the detective and ask for a public defender when you go to court. Plead not guilty, even though you confessed on paper.

[Yaytina]

In your opinion, how much do you think it will cost for a lawyer on this type of case? I will try to convince my mom to get a lawyer..