Felony Shoplifting Consequences Explained

Summary

Shoplifting goods over $750 in Florida is a felony, with penalties including up to 5 years in jail and a $5,000 fine. First-time offenders may qualify for diversion programs, which can lead to charges being dropped or reduced. The choice between a private attorney and a public defender depends on your financial situation. A diversion program can help avoid a criminal record, but the arrest may still be on file. Expungement or sealing can remove the arrest from your record. Criminal charges can affect your tourist visa, so consult an immigration attorney. Pleading not guilty doesnt disqualify you from diversion programs. Paying Macys wont drop charges; its up to the prosecutor.

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I was caught shoplifting in Macys and the worth of the goods was *$. It is my first time having a criminal charge. What can I expect
Hi Monika, could you please confirm your location so I can provide more accurate information?
Miami Dade County, Florida
In Florida, shoplifting goods over $* is a felony. Possible consequences include:
- Jail for up to 5 years
- Fine up to $*,*
- Civil damages to store
However, as a first-time offender, you may be eligible for diversion programs. Consider seeking legal counsel.
How can I get in the diversion programa
In Miami Dade County, Florida, you can apply for a Pretrial Diversion Program through your attorney. Here are the steps:
- Your attorney requests your inclusion
- The State Attorney's Office reviews your case
- If approved, you abide by the program's conditions
Consult with a local attorney for assistance.
Is it better to get private attorney or public defender
The choice between a private attorney or public defender depends on your financial situation and the complexity of your case. Public defenders are free but often have heavy caseloads. Private attorneys can give more personal attention but come at a cost. Consider your needs and circumstances.
What is a diversion program
A diversion program is a sentencing strategy that redirects offenders from traditional criminal justice processes to rehabilitation programs. Here are the key features:
- Offenders avoid conviction and jail time.
- Programs may include therapy, job training, and community service.
- Successful completion can lead to charges being dropped or reduced.
If the charges are being dropped or reduced will i have a criminal record
If charges are dropped or reduced through a diversion program in Florida, and you successfully complete the program, this typically does not result in a criminal record. However, the arrest may still be on file. It's advised to consult with a lawyer for specific details.
How can u get the arrest out of my file
In Florida, you can apply for the process of 'expungement' or 'sealing' to remove or hide the arrest from your record. This involves:
- Eligibility verification
- Applying to Florida Department of Law Enforcement
- Petitioning the court
Please consider consulting with an attorney for the process.
If i am a tourist would this all affect my tourist visa
The criminal charge could potentially have implications on your tourist visa. A conviction, particularly for a felony, could make you inadmissible to the U.S. in the future. It's essential to consult with an immigration attorney to understand your specific circumstances better.
If I have an arrest on my record but no charges can i lose my tourist visa
If you have an arrest but no charges or convictions on your record, it generally should not affect your tourist visa. However, each case is different, so you should consult with an immigration attorney to ensure.
How big are the chances to get into the devrsion program as a first time offender
In Miami-Dade County, Florida, first-time offenders often have a good chance of being accepted into a diversion program. However, acceptance depends on various factors like the severity of the offense and the prosecutor's discretion. Consult with an attorney for personalized advice.
If I pledge not guilty can i get into the diversion program
Pleading not guilty doesn't disqualify you from a diversion program. Discuss this with your attorney as they can guide you on when and how to apply for the program during your court proceedings.
Is it better to plede guilty or not
Whether to plead guilty or not is a decision that should be made after consulting with your attorney. It depends on many factors, including the evidence against you, your individual circumstances, and the potential penalties or diversion programs available.
Can I pay macys money so they drop the charges
Paying Macy's will not drop the charges. Once a report is made to the police, it's up to the prosecutor's office to press charges, not the store. However, Macy's might send a civil demand for damages, which is separate from criminal charges. Consult with your attorney.