Legal Question in Criminal Law in Michigan

Retail fraud in Michigan.
I was caught shoplifting at sears. I attempted to steal an item worth 9 dollars. This is my first time and the only other thing that I have on my record are some traffic tickets. I just graduated college and plan on going back to work on a teaching certificate. My main concern is to keep this incident off my record. Should I just plea guilty and beg the judge not to put this on my record or are there any lesser sentences that I can ask for. I am 22 years old.
Thank you.

Asked on 5/13/09, 2:58 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Daniel Hajji Daniel Hajji & Associates

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Re: Retail fraud in Michigan.

Pleading guilty to the charge should not be your only option. Retail fraud is a misdemeanor. Its a criminal offense and you may be sentenced to jailtime, probation, fines or all of these. Retail Fraud 3rd(I am assuming its 3rd degree because the item was selling for $9 at Sears)is a crime of dishonesty and can have adverse effects on your future, namely employment. And if you are not a US citizen, you may have serious problems with immigration. There alternate pleas available to defer the charges and get it dismissed from your record, however, I will need more information from you, such as which court you're in... It's not as simple as you suggest. The problem is not so much what the Judge will do to you at sentencing but more so having a criminal conviction on your record for the rest of your life.

Answered on 5/14/09, 4:50 pm

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