Is it better to appear in court and plead no contest to a charge of misdemeanor theft or plead guilty, pay the fine and by-pass a court appearance?
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Is it better to appear in court and plead no contest to a charge of misdemeanor theft or plead guilty, pay the fine and by-pass a court appearance?
My $20 year old daughter was caught shoplifting an $8 eyeliner. The fine is only $98. She will be graduating from a salon school in the next month or so and will be looking for a job. Will this have a negative impact on job prospects?
Asked on August 4, 2011 Ohio
Answers:
Jack Moser, Jr. / Jack Moser Law
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
It is advisable to plea not guilty, rather than no contest (usually found guilty by court anyway) or guilty (unless you have an attorney who worked out the guilty plea before the arraignment). More often than not the state charges the defendant with a crime that is heavier or more severe than the evidence demonstrates. A knowledgeable and skilled attorney may be able to convince the prosecutor that the charge brought should be negotiated down to something not so severe. Keep in mind thought that not all prosecutors are willing to plea bargain a charge to a lesser offense. If you are in the central Ohio area and have more questions, visit the website of Jack Moser Law at http://jmoserlaw.com for more information. ... Good Luck!
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