What are my odds of being sentenced to a year in jail? I did something really dumb and now I have to go to court. I can't receive a one year sentence or more as I would face deportation because I'm a permanent legal resident and not a U.S. citizen.
2007-11-29 03:31:15 · 29 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
In my state you'd lose your privilege (license) to drive, not to mention, that there would be a ding on your record for theft.
Your right, you did something dumb, maybe even stupid.
The question is this; What are you going to do about it now?
Be straight forward with the judge, and don't try the BS route of telling him you forgot. These judges hear the excuses (lies) all day, it gets pretty old. It's refreshing to get someone who owns up to their mistake (honest), in front of the bench once in a while.
I worked in military law enforcement and you could almost know what the person was going to say, in their defense for certain offenses, before they said it.
It was always a pleasant surprise to get somebody who owned what they did. Mind you, it didn't guarantee they would get off, but it sure didn't hurt their chances.
Good luck and quit making left turns, drive straight.
2007-11-29 03:53:21 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Be totally honest with the judge. Tell him that you honestly forgot and that you had no idea that this happened until you were arrested. Express your remorse for the situation and ask if there is anything you can do to prove that it was an innocent mistake. Explain to him the stress that was going on in your mind that day.... final exam, death of a friend, anything big! Tell him that yes, you were wrong however, you are totally honest in stating that you never even realized you didn't pay. Tell him what an embarrassment it is because you pride yourself on your honesty and morals. Tell him that you understand how this hurts companies and that it was never your intention to do this. Beg for forgiveness and ask that you be able to make restituion and have this stricken from your record. Explain that you love America and that you never would do anything to hurt your name or anyone in this country. Tell the judge you are planning on becoming a business owner yourself and certainly would hate for this to happen to you and you are mortified this has happened.
Sincere overkill is good but sucking up isn't.
Also, the person above me said to go back and try and pay the gas station. I agree. At least attempt to pay the gas station. What I would do is find out the owners name.... send them a registered letter where they have to sign for it. Place a Check not a money order... in there for the amount owed PLUS $30.00 for the bank fees they may have had to pay etc... Ensure that you write on the check that it is for the gas purchase on the date of the incident. Make a copy of the check before you send it. IF he cashes it, you will have a cancelled checked as proof he accepted the restitution. And then when you get to court as the person above me stated when you have a chance let the judge know you have attempted to pay.
2007-11-29 11:41:23 · answer #2 · answered by sammie_miles 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, admit your guilt (and how dumb you were) in court and ask for leniency from the judge. If it is your first offense and you get a liberal judge, you might get lucky.
Contact the gas station owner before the court date and see if there is a way you can work off your 'debt' with him. That way when you are in front of the judge and admit guilt, you can say that you are already trying to be a good citizen and provide restitution to the gas station owner for your idiotic crime.
You might get lucky, you might get a year and deported. Either way, you have nothing to lose at this point by trying to make amendments for your crime.
2007-11-29 11:37:20 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think that the odds are very low that you would receive a punishment that severe. If you walked into a store, put something in your pocket that was worth $30, and walked out without paying for it, you would probably get probation. This is the same type of crime. Unless you have a significant prior criminal record, I would say you would likely not get any jail time at all.
2007-11-29 11:34:46 · answer #4 · answered by Tony M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's more likely, with the jails as full as they are, they will give you 12 months suspended sentence (no time unless you're arrested again), restitution (pay the $30) and a fine and court costs.
Thanks for coming as our guest and then not following our laws, we really appreciate that.
2007-11-29 11:35:32 · answer #5 · answered by oklatom 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If you did it on purpose you should be punished. In Georgia, you will lose your license for 1 year if you pump and leave. The jail sentence will probably end up being probation.
2007-11-29 11:35:04 · answer #6 · answered by Chris B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had my card used last week for this... people like you should be punished. I dont know about a year in jail, that seems harsh, but certainly something to make you think about what you have done. $30 doesnt seem like a lot to you, but when the person you charged it to doesnt have the money to pay their bills... stealing is wrong. shame on you.
2007-11-29 11:35:56 · answer #7 · answered by wild's 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Fess up and pay up. The gas station want's it's money. It don't want to spend a whole bunch more in court. Have your lawyer work out a deal with them. i.e. money in exchange for dropping the charge.
2007-11-29 11:36:19 · answer #8 · answered by Ricky J. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you did it in the US, you might also lose your driver's license. If you broke the law deliberately, you will have to pay the consequences.
If you forgot to pay and drove off, you might be able to get off by paying for the gas and any court costs.
2007-11-29 11:35:37 · answer #9 · answered by regerugged 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Different states have different laws. Many of them now take your license from you and they can also give you jail time. It all depends on where you are at, and what kind of mood the judge is in that day.
2007-11-29 11:34:58 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋