I'm 20 years old and have no prior criminal history, I have a clean record until now. I'm scared and I know what i did was WRONG and i really regret it. I know this will stay on my record forever. Im just scared because I was given a citation to appear in court next week, I still live at home with my parents, I'm a fulltime student and have NO job. I dont know if i should get a lawyer, anyways I cant afford that either. Basically since I'm an adult I should know better than a minor, I'm scared that I might get arrested on my court date and go to jail. The thing i stole was 520. The citation said 3rd degree felony on it, does anyone know what will happen. I also got let free the same day i got arrested and i didnt have to pay for bail. Has this happened to anyone, if so what happened? how much was the fine and/or other cost. Do you think the judge will arrest me for this knowing that i have a clean record. Do you think I will have a good chance without a lawyer to represent me. Will my fine be under $ 1000. Thanks 2 all for the advice.
2007-01-23 05:49:51 · 7 answers · asked by george m 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I would talk to a lawyer. With a lawyer you have a better chance of getting a plea bargain. Chances are you could get a deal and plead guilty to a lesser misdemeanor charge. It's not good to have a felony on your record.
2007-01-23 05:56:23 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
WIthout knowing where you live, this answer is provided for purely informational purposes and is not intended as legal advice.
Since you have stated that you can't afford an attorney, you should know that you will be appointed one if you request. This will typically happen at your first court appearance. Unless you are up first, you will see the process of what is going on at your court. Ask to have an attorney appointed, and request advice from your public defender. He or she is better qualified to advise you of the consequences of any deal that you might be offered, or to advise you of any defenses that you might have. Although they get a bad rap, many public defenders are actually very good at their job, but their heavy case load gives them a less than pleasant "bedside manner."
Show up to your hearing. If you do not show up, a warrant will be issued, and then you will be arrested. Remember, they've released you once already, trusting you'd come back. Unless there is some reason to believe you will flee, expect to be released or offered a reasonable bail.
Good luck!
P.S. Don't discuss details in criminal cases in public forums, as your words can be used against you. If, for example, this question were found by the police or D.A. and traced back to you, it would be used as an admission that you stole (you stated you were caught stealing).
2007-01-23 14:01:52 · answer #2 · answered by Eric 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
"felonies" are very serious crimes that carry punishments of more than one year in prison. If you commit a felony you will have to go to prison for at least a year. The more serious the felony, the longer you will have to go to prison. I know in my state a 3rd degree felony is minimum 2yrs upto a max of 10yrs prison and or a fine not higher than 10,000
If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be provided for you at government expense. call the courts as soon as possible
2007-01-23 14:13:50 · answer #3 · answered by topgunpilot22 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What are the Charges exactly and it's all about the money. Always get Lawyer
2007-01-23 14:01:17 · answer #4 · answered by baltic072 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What Eric said is right on the money. Sage advice that you would be wise to heed.
2007-01-23 15:27:39 · answer #5 · answered by Team Chief 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dude you were caught stealing... it's not that big of a deal. just give back whatever you stole after you are done using it and you should be alright
2007-01-23 13:57:26 · answer #6 · answered by Jennifer S 4 · 0⤊ 4⤋
find a new hobby...you suck at this one.
2007-01-23 13:57:16 · answer #7 · answered by melissa 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋