What happens to an adult if they are arrested for shoplifting?
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
What happens to an adult if they are arrested for shoplifting?
Asked on November 23, 2012 under Criminal Law, Kentucky
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
Shoplifting is a criminal offense. Accordingly you should have legal representation in this matter. An experienced criminal law attorney might be able to get the charge dismissed on a technicality or at leasr get it reduced. If you are a first-time offender, you will probably be offered "diversion" (or your state's equivalent). This is an alternative sentencing program whereby you will plead guilty to the charge, receive a special probation, and upon its successful completion the charge will be withdrawn and your case dismissed. Diversion, however, is only allowed for a first offense. Therfore, if you get into trouble again, it will not be available for you regarding any subsequent charge. That's why if you get a lawyer who manages to get your case dismissed, you will be eligible for diversion in the future if you should need it.
If you are eligible, a PD (public defender) may be assigned to your case. If so, plead "not guilty" at your court date. If you are not eligible for a PD but money is an issue, see if you qualify for representation by Legal Aid (there are income limits) or see if it can recommend someone to help you. Also, check if there is a law school in the area of where the charges where brought; they typically run free/low cost clinics that handle these type cases. Finally, you can contact the local Bar Association in the applicable county; it may have a list of attorneys who will take your case "pro bono" (for free) or at least for a reduced fee based on your income/circumstances.
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.