- 2,123
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- Joined
- Nov 28, 2007
Okay, lets get it out the way. Yes,I was stupid and Yes, I thought I could get away with it.
Anyways, I'm 20 years old and I got caught stealing $65.00 worth of Polo Shirts from Macys in Flushing in August. I was led to the backroom, where in apanic and not knowing what to do confessed to what I did and signed a paper that was handed to me by Macys employees. Cops came, arrested me, took me to theprecinct. Got fingerprinted and what not, was held in a holding cell for 3 hours until they told me I can go with a Desk Appearance Ticket that I would have toattend after they found out I had no criminal record. Well, the court date appearance is in 2 days and during the meantime, I researched online about similarcases and what to expect. I've read that since I'm a 1st time offender, I could ask for a ACD and pay restitution, do community service, take ashoplifting class and stay out of trouble for the next 6 months and have the charge stricken from my record.
My question is:
- Do I need to have a lawyer for this? I spoke to my parents and they told me that since its a misdeamenor crime, we dont really need to hire one. Would I beassigned a public defender when I go to court?
- What should I tell my PD to get an ACD for my case? If I'm not assigned a PD, how should I go about it in court?
- I recieved letters from a "law firm" from Florida that represents Macys, telling me that I would have to pay $350 to avoid a civil case and when Idid not pay that, they sent another one asking for $550 this time. Do I REALLY need to pay this? or would paying restitution that the court gives me enough?
- I've read online but I want to confirm what my options are in this situation?
- What punishment should I be expecting?
Serious answers are needed here, please.
Thanks
Anyways, I'm 20 years old and I got caught stealing $65.00 worth of Polo Shirts from Macys in Flushing in August. I was led to the backroom, where in apanic and not knowing what to do confessed to what I did and signed a paper that was handed to me by Macys employees. Cops came, arrested me, took me to theprecinct. Got fingerprinted and what not, was held in a holding cell for 3 hours until they told me I can go with a Desk Appearance Ticket that I would have toattend after they found out I had no criminal record. Well, the court date appearance is in 2 days and during the meantime, I researched online about similarcases and what to expect. I've read that since I'm a 1st time offender, I could ask for a ACD and pay restitution, do community service, take ashoplifting class and stay out of trouble for the next 6 months and have the charge stricken from my record.
My question is:
- Do I need to have a lawyer for this? I spoke to my parents and they told me that since its a misdeamenor crime, we dont really need to hire one. Would I beassigned a public defender when I go to court?
- What should I tell my PD to get an ACD for my case? If I'm not assigned a PD, how should I go about it in court?
- I recieved letters from a "law firm" from Florida that represents Macys, telling me that I would have to pay $350 to avoid a civil case and when Idid not pay that, they sent another one asking for $550 this time. Do I REALLY need to pay this? or would paying restitution that the court gives me enough?
- I've read online but I want to confirm what my options are in this situation?
- What punishment should I be expecting?
Serious answers are needed here, please.
Thanks