Legal Question in Criminal Law in Maryland

I am 18 years old and I got caught shoplifting a month ago at JCPenney with something that cost $25. Security took me in the back and called the police who gave me a citation. Now I have court in a few days. Im so scared because this is my first offense ever. I hired a lawyer to help me out but I am still really scared because I am a full time student and I have a job. So I just really want to know what is going to happen to me. I cooperated with the security and the police so what is going to happen? I also got a letter from JCPenney saying I have to pay them $80. What should I do I am really scared.


Asked on 10/18/09, 11:28 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
William Welch William L. Welch, III Attorney

Your lawyer should be answering all your questions.

You will probably be offered probation before judgement, which avoids a guilty finding. You would be on probation. If you violate probation, then the judge may impose the guilty and put you in jail, and you could not appeal that. In order to receive pbj, you would have to agree to waive your right of appeal. For most people, it is an excellent way to avoid jail and a criminal record.

Either JCP got the property back, or you owe them its value in restitution. However, JCP would have to provide a basis for the $80 claim.

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Answered on 10/24/09, 9:11 am


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