Legal Question in Criminal Law in Georgia

35 year old relative was caught shoplifting. 1st offense ever! $100.00 worth of merchandise. She signed a paper to never enter any of their stores again and name in retail data base so will never be able to apply for a job in retail. Stiff consequences right there! Should she contact the prosecuter and fine out if she can plead 1st time offense.


Asked on 10/05/11, 7:45 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

Lawrence Lewis Lawrence Lewis, P.C.

Why do non-lawyers insist on trying to play lawyer. If you want to play lawyer, go to law school. If not, retain an attorney and stop pretending. 35 year old relative never been arrested before. She signed a criminal trespass notice, which means that she should not re-enter that particular store. If she stole from Walmart, Publix does not have any access to that information. So, you are absolutely incorrect that your relative will never be able to apply for a job in retail. Therefore, you are incorrect that those are stiff consequences right there. The prosecutor will be happy to accept a guilty plea to 12 months on probation, $ 1000 fine, 40 hours of community service, etc. and allow your relative to use his/her first offender. There are at least three better alternatives, but your relative can burn up his/her 1st offender on a misdemeanor. See website for information from a real attorney: www.lawrencelewispc.com Good luck

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Answered on 10/05/11, 8:44 am
Glen Ashman Ashman Law Office also dba Glen Ashman Attorney

The absolute worst disaster to do is to play lawyer and call the prosecutor. There are several far better alternatives where she will not carry any record, not burn her first offender on a misdemeanor, and probably will save money. She needs to call a real lawyer and stop playing lawyer, and if she does it right, she can work in retail.

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Answered on 10/05/11, 9:26 am


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