Legal Question in Criminal Law in Georgia

Charge with Shoplifting

I was recently charged with misdeamor shoplifting. This is my first shoplifting offense, in fact, my first run-in ever with the law in my 48 years of life. The item was a $16.00 electronic component. I have a court date scheduled. What sentence am I looking at if I plead guilty? Would there be any possibity of jail time considering this is my first offense? How should I plea? Should I plea ''No-contest''? What would the consequences be if I plea quilty, not-guilty or ''no contest''? Should I hire a lawyer? The compnay I used to work for 18 years has ''let me go'' due to downsizing and outsourcing so I'm currently searching for a job. I hae two little daughters. Hence, I'm conerned of how this situation will affect my chances of finding another job so I can provide for my two kids. There are extenuating circumstances for such accion on my part which I believe might explain my aberrational conduct, I am being treated for OCD (obssesive compulsive disorder). That might explain my conduct. Also, when I was detained by the store's security personnel I had passed the cash registers but I was still in the store and was having second thoughts and was about to return the item and pay for it when the guard appearded.


Asked on 12/30/05, 3:06 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Billy Tomlinson Tomlinson & Associates, LLC

Re: Charge with Shoplifting

There are many things that can be done. Much of these depends on your local judge and prosecutor. You should ask the court for a public defender. You sound as if you might be eligable. Bottomline, you need a local attorney to help you.

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Answered on 12/30/05, 3:35 pm


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