Legal Question in Criminal Law in Kansas

Theft/Diversion/Fees

Hello, I have already read some

answers and they have helped me

greatly. I recently got caught

shoplifting in Manhattan, KS and the

amount of the

product was about $50. It is my first

offense. I told the cop I took the

items (they already knew I did it, I

took the items out of my bag) but he

didn't write up a police report, just

gave me a ticket as a notice to

appear in court.

I am going to get a lawyer, but I

have the following ?'s:

1. What is the total approx. cost for a

decent lawyer for a case like mine?

2. How likely is a diversion for a 1st

time offender? If I can't get a

diversion, how likely is it that I will

get probation (and for how long) or

jail time?

3. I stole from JCPenney's. How likely

is it that a big company such as this

will follow through with pressing

charges and going to trial? (I signed

a paper saying I would pay them

back for the items)

4. The college I go to offers a free

student lawyer. Should I go with her

or a lawyer with a good reputation in

town? In a small case like this, will it

really matter?

Thank you very much in advance.


Asked on 3/31/07, 1:09 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Grant Griffiths Grant Griffiths

Re: Theft/Diversion/Fees

I actually practice in Manhattan. If you don't have a record and it was only a small crime, go to the Riley county attorney�s office and ask for a diversion application. I see no reason you can't get one and you don't need an attorney to do that for you. Save the money.

Read more
Answered on 3/31/07, 8:54 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Criminal Law questions and answers in Kansas