Legal Question in Criminal Law in Nevada

No contest or Not Guilty

A clerk at JCP overlooked some of my merchandise and I failed to notice these items on reciept. Items equaled $69. It was xmas eve, i just bought $300 plus of merchandise and was going back in for round two. I overlooked these items. Should I plead not guilty or no contest. If I cannot prove this was a oversight not an intent will not guilty be worse than no contest. It is my first offense of any kind. The arresting officer felt the judge would just pass community service was he heard my story. Any suggestions.


Asked on 1/20/98, 12:01 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Scott Pearce Law Offices of Scott Pearce

Make them prove it!

Don't admit guilt if you are not guilty! Thereis no difference between pleading guilty andno contest. If you have a clean record now, keep it that way!

The system makes it convenient to plead guiltyor no contest - but it's not good for you, evenif you get community service.

Make the prosecution prove every element ofthe charges beyond a reasonable doubt, evenif it costs you time and money.

Respectfully,

Scott Pearce

Read more
Answered on 1/22/98, 1:55 am
Patrick A. T. West Ohio Ticket Defense Patrick A. T. West, Attorney at Law

Accused of shoplifting

By all means plead NOT GUILTY and ask for ajury trial. There is no way a jury of yourpeers is going to find you guilty of theftwhen all you did was make a mistake.

What the friendly policeman did not tell youis that if you plead NO CONTEST you will befound GUILTY and you will be branded as athief for the rest of your life. There willbe jobs you cannot get because you have acriminal record for stealing. You may not beable to work in the public sector, includingteaching. If you are convicted, you may losewhatever job you have, now.

It is vitally important that you hire competentdefense counsel to represent you. Check withthe Michigan Association of Criminal DefenseLawyers - there might even be a website you can check.

Do not let your life be ruined because of aminor mistake of omission made on a busyChristmas Eve!

==========================================================If applicable to this message: "This transmission does not create an attorney-client relationship. I will not be rep-resenting anyone without a written agreement signed by all parties. Answers to questions are for general information only and should not be construed as legal advice in any particular jurisdiction. If you need legal advice for a specific legal problem seek the services of a knowledgable attorney in your area or locale."===========================================================Where people fear the government, you have tyranny. Where the government fears the people, you have liberty. Thomas Jefferson===========================================================

Read more
Answered on 1/25/98, 12:51 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Criminal Law questions and answers in Nevada