What to do if I am 17 years old and was arrsted for shoplifting?
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
What to do if I am 17 years old and was arrsted for shoplifting?
I attempted to steal 2 pants equaling about $170. I would like to know what the charge would be? What degree of larceny is this? Can I get it erased from my record the same day?
Asked on October 21, 2012 under Criminal Law, New York
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Since shoplifting is a criminal offense you should have legal representation. A lawyer might be able to get the charge dismissed on a technicality or at least get it reduced. However, you are a first-time offender so you should be eligible for what is called "diversion". This is an alternative sentencing program whereby you will plead guilty to the charge, receive a special probation and upon successful completion your plea will be withdrawn and the case dismissed. Additionally, your record should be automatically cleared.
However, diversion is typically only allowed for a first offense. Therefore, if you ever get into trouble again it will not be available to you at that time. This is why if you get an attorney who gets the charge dismissed, you will be eligible for diversion in the future if you should need it.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.