Re: Retail Theft / Shoplifting

The only way to ensure your rights are protected and give yourself the best opportunity to achieve the best outcome in any criminal case is to hire a Criminal Defense Attorney to represent you. Your Attorney will appear in court for you and with you at every step. Good Luck.

Re: Retail Theft / Shoplifting

It is always smart to retain a lawyer to make sure everything goes smoothly. If you have no prior record, you will probably qualify for a diversionary program (usually called pretrial intervention or "PTI"). I would recommend that you retain an lawyer and look into this program. The advantage of this program is that after you complete a short probationary type period, the State will DISMISS the charge against you. As a result, you can keep your record clean. Don't get all concerned about the fact that you were "never read your rights." That only becomes an issue if the police took a statement from you while you were in custody.

Re: Retail Theft / Shoplifting

The diversion program is the only way to guarantee that the charges will be dismissed. Sometimes these diversion programs can be a little demanding so you should make sure that the state will be able to prove that this "crime" occurred, if not then it could be worth fighting.

Another option could be resolving the case with other terms and having your record expunged.

A big benefit of hiring an attorney is that they will be able to go to court for you. I'm not sure if you are working, but the potential time away from work may cost you more than an attorney would charge.

Feel free to give me a ring if you have any other questions; I handle cases in West Palm.

Good luck,

-Leland- 888.524.2426

Re: Retail Theft / Shoplifting

Yes it is important to have a lawyer. My office is in downtown West Palm Beach. Please give my office a call if you would like to discuss hiring a lawyer to represent you.

Re: Retail Theft / Shoplifting

Yes it is smart to retain an attorney. Before accepting any kind of program or plea offer, you should have your attorney sit down with you and the evidence in the case to discuss your defenses, if any. If you have any further questions, please contact me at 305.798.5563.

Good luck!