Legal Question in Criminal Law in Pennsylvania

Urgent
A relative and myself were caught at the local mall for shoplifting and charged with a first degree misdemeanor because the amount totalled approx. $430.(in Pennsylvania) The case worker for us has told us we will most likely get a fine and ARD. One question is what are the chances that I will not get ARD and the charge will stay on my record forever. My relative is from out of state(California) and she has went and gotten a lawyer rather than a public defender. Her lawyer is trying to get her charge dropped down to a summary charge where she would only have to pay a fine and have no probation involved and then she can go home. My ultimate question is should I be expecting her lawyer to push the blame onto me, and will that effect my chances of a fine and hopefully ARD? And if I should expect her lawyer to attempt to push the blame should I seek private representation from a lawyer rather than the public defender?

Asked on 6/28/06, 3:25 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Mark Johns Mark Johns, Esquire

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Re: Urgent

The lawyer trying to shift the blame may well be his strategy. A private attorney will generally have a lighter case load and will therefore be able to devote more time to a case than a public defender. I would suspect that if you are ARD eligible the success rate would be similar for both. I offer free consultations.

Answered on 6/28/06, 6:55 pm

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