I was not thinking and stole $130.00 shoes and was caught. I am 22 years of age, and this is my first offense. I was given a citation which they marked as a Misdemeanor. I am graduating soon from college and want to become a teacher and do not want this misdemeanor to effect my chances of getting a teaching job. Are there any other loop holes that can improve my chances or this not to go on my record and ruin my chances on getting a teaching job. And what would improve my chances as far as a 'Public Defender', or an 'Attorney.' My court date is on Jan. 22, 2007. What can i say to the judge?
2006-12-29 11:57:14 · 9 answers · asked by Randy A 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
attorney, apologize but as a teacher you are not going to get hired.. sorry!! bad mistake
2006-12-29 11:59:17 · answer #1 · answered by Irie 123 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can check with the prosecutors office and see if they offer some type of alternatives such as youthful offender status or trial diversion. In Alabama both are offered for young people who make 'mistakes' and neither can be held against you as they are considered somewhat similar to juvenile records which can't be revealed. Offer community service etc as part of your punishment to prevent the record from being used against you. The other issue you have is getting the record removed. Your citation is a criminal record and is also public record. Since teachers are now required to get printed and criminal records checked your 'mistake' will now follow you the rest of your life unless you have a judge issue an order to expunge your record...good luck with that. Or you can hire an attorney and take your chances but I'm sure the store has some kind of video as most do so you are screwed in that regard. Hat in hand with a sincere heart felt apology is a good beginning. Maybe the store will drop the charges but I doubt it.
2006-12-29 14:16:10 · answer #2 · answered by Leigh P 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The laws vary by state. Different prosecutors have different standards (and they are the ones who make the decisions).
Get yourself a good attorney. Find out the attorneys who are considered the best in your area and cough up the money to hire one. It will be well worth it in the long run.
Let your attorney do the talking to the prosecutor and the judge. When it's time for you to talk, your attorney will be the one who will tell you what to say.
Until you find your attorney, keep your mouth shut about the whole thing. S/he will not want you talking to everyone about the case.
A public defender is unlikely to get you the results you need.
2006-12-29 12:11:49 · answer #3 · answered by Louise M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you can still get it marked down. An Attorney is the way to go. If you want a miracle you need to pay for one. With a higher costing attorney he can negociate a better deal for you based on your record and the charge. As for it no posing much of a problem with your employment you need to try to get it expunged from your record which costs more money. No matter what it will come up in the future. You simply need to have an answer ready that explains that you are not that person anymore and it was a lapse in judgement.
2006-12-29 12:10:19 · answer #4 · answered by ? 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow. You are in a mess. What do you mean you were not thinking and stole shoes? Are you saying that when you dont think it causes you to steal things? Maybe you need to remind yourself to think more often.
Also I think you can only get it reduced if you stole under $50 or so, but it caries with each state. You can ask for an "intervention", this is most likely the only way to get it reduced if yor state allows it. That is unless your related to the judge or posecuting arrornoey or any of their cohorts.
Otherwise you will have to suck it up and face the consequences of your actions. Yeah it sucks but ithen again why did you need a pair of shoes that cost $130.00 ? Most of all you need to get your priorities straightened out. If ou dont get your misdemeanor reduced you will have to write it down on every job application you fill out for the next several years and not to mention trying to explain to everyone you fill an appication out for. Were the shoes worth it? Nah. But now you know better.
2006-12-29 12:04:28 · answer #5 · answered by ? 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Every city has a ex-prosecutor now defense attorney that you can give money to and problems go away. You have to find that lawyer in your city.
If you can't find a lawyer call the owner of the store and apologize. Have your Mom or someone that is a good talker to call the store and ask them to drop the charges. That is what I would do. The thing is if you do ask the store to drop the charges and you turn out to be a scumbag thief your wages of sin will be a swift death.
2006-12-29 12:06:54 · answer #6 · answered by Stop K 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Youre working towards a teaching degree and do this?
Man.........
I would be asking an attorney. Spend a few bucks...it will be worth it in the long run.
2006-12-29 12:02:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do the Crime, Do the Time. Should have thought about all that stuff before you criminalized yourself. Best of luck to you.
2006-12-29 12:13:02 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
That's up to the judge.
2006-12-29 13:01:10 · answer #9 · answered by gablueliner 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋