Legal Question in Criminal Law in Pennsylvania

2nd Arrest, Theft for under $10

About the case:

24-year-old female

No criminal record history.

Arrested in 2004 for Retail Theft (under $50), case dropped later.

Arrested on 10/16/2007 at Wawa in Ardmore, PA for Retail Theft (under $10), citation given and awaiting for court appearance.

Goal: Plea Non-Guilty, No Criminal Record History.

Background:

This is no excuse for doing wrong deeds, which I fully regreted, and would like to move on, or at least minimize the disastrous outcome as much as possible. It had been a very very stressful and intensive, and I often considered as myself being suffering tremendously.

In any case, I would love to know what would, or might happen in the future of this case, best or worst scenario. And I would like to work with experienced and competent legal professional to help myself.

Thanks


Asked on 10/17/07, 1:53 am

3 Answers from Attorneys
Brian Zeiger Levin & Zeiger LLP

Re: 2nd Arrest, Theft for under $10

In regard to the Ardmore case, did you hire anyone? When is the next court date? Where is the next court date? Have you had a preliminary hearing? Did you waiver it? If so why? Is there a drug problem? Have you ever heard of section 18? Did they offer you that? Whats going on here? These are all the questions that I would like to know before voicing an "experienced" opinion. Feel free to email [email protected]

Good Luck

Brian

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Answered on 10/17/07, 6:42 am
Jay Hochberg

Re: 2nd Arrest, Theft for under $10

Because your arrest was just yesterday, I'm sure you haven't had a preliminary hearing yet - you might not even have notice of when it is. That will be the first step, by the way. Getting an experienced attorney right at the outset of the case will increase your chances of having the case negotiated early on. You could potentially qualify for a diversion program, such as Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition, which would result in no conviction and allow an expungement of the arrest afterwards. A.R.D. is by no means a given, however, as the program is run by the District Attorney's office and they have total discretion as to who enters.

If you have funds to retain an attorney, do so immediately. If not, get in touch with the Public Defender's Office right away. The key is to move quickly to protect all of your rights and maximize your opportunity to end this the right way.

I wish you good luck.

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Answered on 10/17/07, 9:30 am
Jef Henninger, Esq Law Offices of Jef Henninger, Esq.

Re: 2nd Arrest, Theft for under $10

I suggest you get an attorney to help you. I do not practice in PA, but I can refer you to a good attorney in your area.

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Answered on 10/17/07, 4:54 pm


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