What to do if while on vacation I walked out of a store with a pair of $20 sunglasses and 45 minutes later was arrested?
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What to do if while on vacation I walked out of a store with a pair of $20 sunglasses and 45 minutes later was arrested?
The shop owner refuses to settle out of court, and they are pressing charges. Should I plead guilty or not guilty? What will be the sentencing for a first time offender? What should I expect as far as fines and court fees go?
Asked on August 4, 2013 under Criminal Law, Maryland
Answers:
Anthony Van Johnson / VANJOHNSON LAW FIRM, L.L.C.
Answered 10 years ago | Contributor
You should definitely retain the services of an attorney. A "theft" related conviction could haunt you for the rest of your life, especially in the area of employment or even applying to certain schools. I once observed a young lady in court who was charged with stealing a $1.20 pair of tweezers. She was not represented by an attorney, and she thought it was no big deal. The judge gave her 10 days in jail arguing that it is the aggregate of the thefts that cause merchants to suffer. Retain an attorney. The attorney may be able to negotiate a dismissal.
Tricia Dwyer / Tricia Dwyer Esq & Associates PLLC
Answered 10 years ago | Contributor
Hello. You are in need of attorney assistance, so do contact an attorney for help right away. If you are low income or poor, do apply for a public defender for help. It is unwise to post on a public website. Hello. Do contact an attorney licensed in the involved state.This website provides general information and general principles of law and does not provide private legal advice. Some attorneys are available seven days for emergency legal needs. Many attorneys will confer initially at no charge. Then, if legal work is performed, some attorneys will provide a reduced fee for financial hardship. Some attorneys may also assist you in limited scope manner to conserve legal costs. All the best.
Tricia Dwyer, Esq.
Phone: 612-296-9666
CRIIMINAL DEFENSE
Stan Helinski / McKinley Law Group
Answered 10 years ago | Contributor
It's just a fine if it's your first offense and charged as shoplifting. You should still speak with a lawyer to see if you may have a defense, but it's really a very small issue that will likely be dismissed. The problem is whether you're an immigrant, the fact that it will show up on your criminal history, etc. If you haven't reached a clerk's hearing yet and criminal charges haven't formally issued, i would speak with a lawyer to see if you could reach a resolution prior to it hitting your record.
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