What to do if I got caught shoplifting and need to move court date as I am leaving the country before the scheduled date?
Question Details:
I just got caught for shoplifting a 20 item and i got a ticket to appear in court about 3 weeks from now. However, I have to leave the country in 2 weeks for my work plane tickets and schedules are already set. What are my options in terms of moving my court date or getting a public defender to represent me? Also, what usually happens if this is my first-time offense?
If you cannot make the court date, you should go to the court immeidately and file a motion to advance/continue the arraignment for this matter. They may be able to reschedule for a date prior to you leaving, or after you return.
If you received a summons arraingment notice, it is possible to hire an attorney and have them appear at this court appearance in your place under Rule 7 of the Massachusetts Rules of Criminal Procedure.
In MA, whether a court appointed lawyer is assigned depends on your income level, and whether there is potential jail time for the offense. When you go to court, you would have to interview with probation, and they determine whether you are elligible for the court appointed lawyer.
For a first time offense, you may be looking at a dismissal with court costs and restitution, or perhaps a period of probation. It is hard to determine without more information.
