What can I expect in court for a first-offense shoplifting offense?

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What can I expect in court for a first-offense shoplifting offense?

I was arrested for stealing $50 worth of items at a retail store. I am a college student. What will happen in court? Should I speak with an attorney? I’m in Daytona Beach, FL.

Asked on September 26, 2010 under Criminal Law, Florida

Answers:

M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 13 years ago | Contributor

Since criminal charges are involved yes you should consider having legal counsel represent you on this.  An skilled attoreny can might be able to get the charge dismissed on a technicality or at leased get it reduced.  Having a criminal record is something that can impact your life for years. Since you are a first-time offender, they may also be able to arrange 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plead guilty to the charge, receive a special probation, and upon successful completion of the probation the charge is withdrawn and the case dismissed.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 cleared automatically, if not your arrest record may be "expunged" or "sealed" (ie cleared).


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.

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