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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
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    3

    Default Shoplifting $183 of Clothing in Massachusetts

    My question involves criminal law for the state of: Massachusetts.

    $183.91 worth of clothes at Target. This is my first offense -- ever. I've never done something wrong before. It was clearly a mistake. I was taken in for questioning, gave everything back, banned from the premises for 1 Year, and was told that I would be summoned. What? I don't understand what this means. I was doing some searching and found out I could go to jail. What? I wasn't arrested, and no one ever mentioned jail to me, they said I would have to pay a fee? I asked about it and they said probably what the amount of the clothes was. I'm panicking. I don't understand what happens next.

    Please, if anyone could help me. Please.

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

    Default Re: Shoplifting $183 of Clothing in Massachusetts

    First of all, you will be getting a letter in the mail with a notice called a "Civil Demand". It will be for more than the value of the clothes. Pay it immediately, or you can be sued and your credit history ruined.

    You were told you would be summoned, which means the store likely intends to send the case to court. Best bet is to appear with a Criminal Defense Lawyer.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Posts
    3

    Default Re: Shoplifting $183 of Clothing in Massachusetts

    Thank you for the answers.

    I started therapy immediately -- today. This is the lowest point of my life, and I won't allow it to go any lower.

    I'll pay the civil demand, and I'll go to court. What happens at court? What happens next? Do you have any idea? I intend to get a lawyer, but it's going to take me a couple days.

    Thank you, again, I truly appreciate any answers.

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

    Default Re: Shoplifting $183 of Clothing in Massachusetts

    A lawyer is the best thing you can do. Aside from the lawyer being most knowledgeable....it speeds up the whole process. In my case, one visit to court with the lawyer and the whole thing was done - plea deal, sentence, pay the court costs/fines and it was over with.

    Your lawyer will give you instructions on when to appear in court. He may ask that you bring proof you paid the Civil Demand, and be prepared to pay your court fine at the the conclusion of sentencing.

    Expect to have to go to the Police Dept to give fingerprints and mugshot afterwards (here, they do it only on a certain day, so they gave me 3 weeks to go have it done and be sure it was turned in to the Court Clerk, but the State Police submitted it for me)

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Posts
    3

    Default Re: Shoplifting $183 of Clothing in Massachusetts

    Thank you. You've been extremely helpful.

    Now, I had to sign an admission statement, this means I have to plead guilty -- doesn't it? Does that mean I'll get the maximum punishment -- which I've read could be jail? I'm trying not panic, but it's difficult. Until I get a lawyer, the help I'm recieving from you is allowing me to breathe, focus on what I need to do, and focus on getting through this. Really, I know you're some stranger on the internet, but I truly appreciate you answering my questions to the best of your ability. I was reading the other forums and you help a lot of people, it's so kind of you to share your knowledge with others. Thank you.

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

    Default Re: Shoplifting $183 of Clothing in Massachusetts

    You want to plead "Not Guilty". The lawyer will enter the plea for you.

    If you plea guilty, you leave the judge with no choice but to impose the minimum sentence.

    Not guilty = chance of plea deal where you plea guilty to a lesser charge and lesser punishment.

    I've been through this myself, almost a year ago. I know the fear, the anxiety...that's why I help here.

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