Legal Question in Criminal Law in Florida

shoplifting-misdemeanour first degree

I was arrested for shoplifting in a dept store, and bailed out with a 500USD bond. I have been charged for theft of jewellery and purse 155 USD. this is my first time ever doing such a thing and I dont know what I was thinking I am so ashamed. I admit I took some earrings and bangle,and a small poketbook from the purse but did not take the whole purse. THe things I took could not have cost more than 50 USD. SInce I was in Florida on Holiday, I was carrying a small pouch in my purse with extra jewellery that I could wear. This is the truth. But the store charged me with stealing that too.Can they do that? What I want to know is that will I have to go to court. Can I settle by pleading guilty and paying a fine?

I am on an H4 visa here with my husband who is on an H1 our GC is being processed. Will I be deported? We reside in Virginia, so will we have to come back to florida to appear in court? Should I hire a lawyer to plea my case? I am so sorry and ashamed. Please help me. I have never done anything like this before


Asked on 8/27/04, 10:05 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Adam Frankel Adam Frankel, P.A.

Re: shoplifting-misdemeanour first degree

I would recommend that you consult with an attorney about your case as this could affect your immigration status. An experienced attorney could possibly assist you in resolving this matter without a criminal conviction.

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Answered on 8/27/04, 10:33 am
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: shoplifting-misdemeanour first degree

You should retain competent Florida criminal defense counsel who is also knowledgeable as to how the resolution of the criminal charge in Florida is likely to affect your application for a resident visa(Green Card). It's my understanding that even a disposition of a charge involving moral turpitude(such as petty larceny) without record of conviction(probation before judgment or something similar) can currently result in either exlusion or removal proceedings of the defendant who in the view of U.S. immigration officials is guilty of commiting such an act(even though there may be or will not be any official record of a conviction).

You will need to appear in court in Florida in order to dispose of the criminal charge.

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Answered on 8/30/04, 9:25 am


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