I live in Vancouver BC, Canada , I’m Canadian, on Jan 8 I was caught shoplifting at Costco at Burlington,WA, this is my first time Shoplifting, I don’t know why I did it, a moment of weakness !!! I stolen $149 computer memory box ???
they brought me (before cashier) to the back room to process me, and they called the police and give me a ticket, and show I need “Mandatory Court Appearance” on 27Jan,2010 at Municipal Court of Burlington.
the Violation /Statute Code RCW 9A.56.050.
I have no criminal background history, Would you let me know what I should do now ???? I'm very nervous about having to go to jail and having this on my record. Do I need to get a lawyer? Do I need to plead guilty, no contest or not guilty? I feel that since I already admitted, I need to plead guilty or no contest.
Hope you can reply me early …..
What would be happened in Court day ??
(2 posts) (2 voices)-
Posted 6 months ago #
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Dear Monmon: Askthejudge.info does not provide legal advice and we cannot tell you what you should do. You could always speak with a local defense attorney before your first court date, but you may also want to wait until after court so that you have a better idea what to expect and whether you feel it's necessary to hire an attorney. The consequences you face depend on the laws of the province you live in. The court process will most likely be explained to you at your first court date. In the U.S., a similar shoplifting offense for someone with no criminal record could result in a diversion program. This means that after community service hours are completed, a fine/restitution is paid and a class or counseling session is completed, the case would be closed. Again in the U.S., a probation period may also be imposed, but jail is not normally imposed for the first offense; however,every state/province has its own laws and every court/jurisdiction has its own sentencing policies. Be sure to show up at your first court date and you will find out then what you can expect as the case moves forward towards a resolution. Good luck.
Posted 6 months ago #
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