If I’m a first time offender and I have been charged with petit larceny of $155, what are my options?

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If I’m a first time offender and I have been charged with petit larceny of $155, what are my options?

Again, I have no criminal record at all. The problem is that I can’t afford an attorney and I work so I don’t qualify for assigned council where I live.

Asked on October 13, 2014 under Criminal Law, New York

Answers:

M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 9 years ago | Contributor

Ok.  If you have a clean record and have never been arrested for this before, you can see if the DA's office has a diversion program for shoplifting and will allow you to take it.  I bet that they do. Most counties in New York have them.  the court can be taken online even for a fee of $75.  This will allow you to get an "ACD": adjournment contemplating dismissal.  That means that after a certain period of time (usually 6 months) the matter goes away and you will not have a record.  You need to have your arrest record sealed and get your prints back after you stay clean for 6 months.  Please consider hiring an attorney if you can. If you are convicted it will follow you on every job application from then on.


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