Legal Question in Criminal Law in Georgia

Shoplifting question

I was arrested for shoplifting mnth back and my arraignment is schedualed for next week.I am 50 and have never had a run in with the police.I was at a discount store & after paying stopped by security.A clerck was given items to price checked. She could not find 2 items so brought back ''similar'' items that were not at all the same. Since the ''similar'' items cost more I was told I have changed the prices and arrested for shoplifting (MM). I hired an attorney within a few days after the arrest and he said he would try to work somthing out w/ solicitor general to have dismissed. I called his office a week ago and found out he had not talked to anyone and secty said he is now tied up in court on a capital murder case for next 3 months and they will file somthing asking for my case to be delayed. Will they automatically delay my case? How will I know? What do I do if they do not delay? the OJ web does not list an ''accusation'' yet. I am very worried as to what the outcome will be. I am not guilty and have a prof career that does a background check annually.Can I plea a 1st offender or some kind of diversion in dekalb? Can they be exspunged after a accusation? After whathappen in store I am very afraid of our legal system.Please advis


Asked on 1/20/06, 4:21 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Kendall Carter The Law Offices of Kendall W. Carter, LLC

Re: Shoplifting question

It appears your attorney may be overextended. It is up to the judge to grant an extension or reset in your case, but given the fact that your attorney has a capital case on his calendar, you have a better than 50% chance of a reset. In light of your lack of criminal record, I think it is safe to say that you could probably work out some sort of conditional dismissal of the charges or a referral to a pretrial diversion program. Both of these could involve some kind of community service, a fine, restitution to the victim (of which there is none) or all of the above. Just to be on the safe side, I would call the Judge's case manager, explain your circumstances, and see about a reset for your case. If things don't work out, feel free to contact me. 4045422261.

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Answered on 1/20/06, 7:38 am


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