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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Posts
    3

    Unhappy Going to Court for Retail Fraud, Second Offense

    My question involves criminal law for the state of: Michigan

    Can someone please help me that knows about Michigan law? I got caught shoplifting in Kmart. It's the second time but the first time was over seven years ago. I don't know why I tried it again. I know that there is something wrong, I'm severely depressed, been unemployed for over two years and have been searching for another job with no luck. I haven't received my court notice yet (it's been over a week since the incident happened). My questions are:

    Will I go to jail? I have no money, no recourse to get any money but don't want to go to jail. Can I do community service or some type of work program in lieu of going to jail or paying fines?

    Will they give me a lawyer if I have no money? I need advice. I don't know what to do. I don't want to go to jail.

    Would the judge give me a chance to find a job and delay me paying the fine rather than going to jail? I stole under $60, it was clothes and some food.

    I found a state funded program that will pay for me to see a therapist, will this help my case? What else can I do to show the judge that I'm truly sorry and want to be a better person?

    I'm so scared, I can't sleep. I'm so scared of going to jail. I don't know what to do, can someone please help me? Thank you.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Posts
    3

    Default Re: Going to Court for Retail Fraud, Second Offense

    I spent most of today trying to find a reasonable price lawyer and they all want ($1,000 or above-be forewarned). I can't afford this at all! I'm going to try for a court appointed lawyer but my hopes aren't high. I had another question - if I can't get a lawyer to help me, am I allowed to talk to the prosecutor at the pre-trial hearing without a lawyer? I'm going to a therapist next week, plan on talking to a priest, doing whatever I can to stay out of jail. I'm just so scared. Please can someone answer any of my questions and help me anyway they can? Thank you so much.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Earth
    Posts
    207

    Default Re: Going to Court for Retail Fraud, Second Offense

    If you have no money, the odds are good that you'll get a court-appointed lawyer. Keep in mind, if you really can't afford a private lawyer, the court doesn't appoint one, and you end up forced to handle your case pro se, then you can claim a violation of your sixth amendment right to counsel on appeal. Some courts appoint lawyers to oversee the cases of defendants who want to proceed pro se just to avoid any risk of appeal on those grounds.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Posts
    3

    Default Re: Going to Court for Retail Fraud, Second Offense

    I'm sorry, I don't quite understand what you mean. The court won't give me a court-appointed lawyer? I have to find one myself that will handle my case for free or low cost since I have no money? And what does pro se mean? I'm trying to calm myself down but I'm very scared. Thanks for all your help, Argumentative. I appreciate it.

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