Legal Question in Criminal Law in North Carolina

Today, I was caught shoplifting from a department store in a mall. I am 23, and this is my first offense. I was given a citation and court date, and was told that I was being charged with a misdemeanor. My court date is set for the end of March -next month. I moved here, to North Carolina, six months ago for Medical School -I start this fall, and am fearful that this may interfere with me getting loans, future jobs, etc. I have no idea where or who to go to, or what to do in preparation of my court date. What can I expect? What can I do to prepare?


Asked on 1/31/12, 5:28 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Bob Bollinger Bollinger Law Firm PC

You need a really good criminal lawyer. Your medical school admission is likely to be withdrawn, too. Perhaps a good lawyer with a compassionate prosecutor and a compassionate judge may be able to get you a PJC and that outcome may not ruin your plans. But I suspect that no professional school will allow a convicted shoplifter to enroll as a student. And with a conviction, you may have trouble getting a US medical license even if the med school lets you attend. A shoplifting conviction at age 23 would certainly disqualify you from becoming a lawyer, but the legal profession has very strict rules about character and integrity. Good luck.

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Answered on 2/02/12, 12:49 pm


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