Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in New York

Re: shoplifting

My philosophy is that only fools go to criminal court without the benefit of a lawyer especially if you have the means to pay for a lawyer or the opportunity to have a public defender. A so called simple criminal charge can have devastating effect on future or present job opportunities . . . . and even future credit (there are reports that criminal convictions are showing up on credit reports). As a person convicted of a crime of dishonesty, you could be excluded from working where money is present. Just think, you could be excluded from getting a job as a cashier at Walmart because of a conviction involving theft. Therefore, this is not the time to be penny wise.

Re: shoplifting

You most definitely need a lawyer. You are charged with a crime which if you are convicted will follow you the rest of your life. It can deny you the right to enter Canada and if you are an otherwise legal resident of the US can result in your deportation or denial of citizenship.

The likelihood of a 300 dollar petit larceny is an offer of a violation and a fine. You also become open to a 1500 Dollar civil suit. Finally you might want to consider that a good lawyer might be able to wrangle you a dispositon where your case will be dismissed.

Remember what Abe Lincoln said:"a person who has himself as his lawyer, has a fool for a client."

Hire someone. If you are interested, you can reach me through the links below.

Good Luck,