Legal Question in Criminal Law in Florida

im 18 and this is my first offense i stole from walmart 3 times not knowing they were watching the first 2 i got caught the 3rd time doing it and my arraignment is in 10 days and i leave for college 5 days after the arraignment will i be able to tell the judge that i can't come for the trail till February my first break will i be able to leave to college and all of the offenses are petty theft can i leave and come back in February for the actual trial


Asked on 9/02/15, 9:05 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Craig Epifanio Craig Epifanio, P.A.

An emphatic NO! You must take responsibility by either going to court yourself, but in light of the circumstances, the responsible thing to do is get an attorney. You are facing over a year on these counts, and potentially a felony because a third petit theft is a third degree felony punishable by up to 5 years in State prison. I am not telling you to plea guilty as you may have defenses, but I am saying take responsibility by not putting this off and get yourself an attorney. Finally, you should not discuss this case at all on this public forum as a prosecutor may view your statement as an admission. GET AN ATTORNEY NOW.

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Answered on 9/03/15, 8:21 am
Joseph Justice The Justice Law Firm

Nope it doesn't work that way at all. Being charged with a crime just became the most important thing in your life. Talk to a lawyer. This is serious, but there is probably still an outcome available that will keep you from life altering repercussions. Depending on where you are, your attorney may be able to handle most of your case without you being present because of the school issue, but that one is going to be dependent on your situation.

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Answered on 9/03/15, 9:59 am


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