Legal Question in Criminal Law in North Carolina

Accused of embezellment need help

Where i work the manager changed some prices on merchandise which he purchased. I knew he had changed the prices and when i went to purchase some items the price rang up cheaper. I paid for my items and left. The manager was arrested and i was brought in for questioning and charged with embezellment. The items totaled around 55.00 ( the real amount ).

I was told to pay restitution and go to court. Should i get a lawyer? What will happen? I feel embarrassed and ashamed. I've never been charged with anything.


Asked on 7/25/01, 7:55 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Donald Gillespie Attorney at Law

Re: Accused of embezellment need help

Do you need a lawyer? Depends on that nature of the deal you hae been offered. You mention approx. $55 restitution. That is not a problem for you. The basic question is if you are pleading to a felony embezzlement and will be convicted of the felony. If the State is proceeding with the felony do not plead until you have a criminal defense lawyer. You will mess up your world if you get a felony conviction which smells like stealing on your record. It will stay on your record for years and any job search will be a problem. If you have a clean record prior to this the State may be allowing a deferred prosecution or first offender program. Either of those would help you. Due to the relatively small value of goods involved, the State may also allow some reduction in the charge to misdemeanor something and allow Prayer for Judgment Continued (PJC) if you repay the money.

Don't just plead to the felony without serious thought. Good luck.

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Answered on 7/26/01, 6:03 am


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