If I’m required to appear in court for shoplifting but the incident was an accident, will I have the opportunity to tell this story to the judge when I appear?
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
If I’m required to appear in court for shoplifting but the incident was an accident, will I have the opportunity to tell this story to the judge when I appear?
Is that something that usually happens at the first appearance for these types of charges? I accidentally left a birthday card sticking out of my pants while leaving a bookstore, and was detained by bookstore security until a police officer appeared. He issued me the court date. I understand that I broke the law, but not knowingly.
Asked on April 28, 2015 under Criminal Law, Colorado
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 9 years ago | Contributor
Yes, when you appear in court, you'll first have the chance to tell your version of what happened to the prosecutor, who may be willing to dismiss the charges or cut a very favorable deal; and if that doesn't work, to the judge, who may believe you and find you not guilty. You are not guaranteed that either or both will believe you, but you definitely will have the chance/right to tell you version of events.
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.