What canI expect to happen with a first offense shoplifting charge?
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
What canI expect to happen with a first offense shoplifting charge?
I have never been in trouble before; they tell me it is a misdemeanor. The merchandise totalled under $100. Any idea what might happen to me? This is so embarrassing; I have definitely learned my lesson.
Asked on December 27, 2010 under Criminal Law, Wyoming
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
As you are aware a shoplifting lifting charge is a misdemeanor, thus making it a criminal offense. Accordingly you should without have legal representation in this matter. An experienced attorney might be able to get the charge dismissed on a technicality or at least possibly reduced.
You are a first-time offender which will be of help. Accordingly you will be eligible for "diversion" (or your state's equivalent). This is an alternative program whereby you plead guilty to the charge, receive a special probation, and upon successful completion of the probation the charge is withdrawn and the case dismissed. Your record should be automatically cleared.
Note: Typically diversion allowed only for a first offense, so if you again get into trouble it will not be available to you. This is why if you get an attorney is important. If they who can get the charge dismissed, you will be eligible for diversion in the future if you should ever need it.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.