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I was arrested for 3rd degree retail fraud.Should I get a public defender and plead not guilty or go by myself and plead guilty?
Anonymous5 views7 answers
I was at Walmart and made the major mistake of trying to take an xbox controller. they caught me and forced me to go into this little office. the guy asked me questions, took my picture, and promised me there will be no police involvement and told me all i would have to do is pay a civil demand. He lied. He called the police they handcuffed me and took me to the police station. I was not read my Miranda Rights, they told me they didn't need to read them for misdemeanors. I don't know if this is true. they took my picture and prints and made me pay 100$ to get out.
Yes, if you cannot afford a retained attorney, which is your best option, then you should ask for a public defender (you will have to pay for the public defender, over time).
This is a serious charge and can have major ramifications over the rest of your life, especially on employability. Do not take it lightly, seek to have some form of diversionary program which, if successfully completed will not appear on your record.
I agree with Mr. Brennan. Hiring a private attorney would be best if you can afford it. If you cannot afford to hire an attorney, having an appointed lawyer is a much better alternative than self-representation. You do not know the rules and you do not know what can be done to reduce the charges, get the charges changed, have the charges taken under advisement, etc... An experienced lawyer will undoubtedly get you better results than you could get for yourself. A retail fraud conviction can be life-changing. Employers frequently decline to hire someone with a theft conviction. Paying for a good lawyer can be expensive but not having a good lawyer can cause financial and other problems that can last a lifetime.
Many criminal defense lawyers will offer a free consultation if you decide you want to hire an attorney and want to talk to one or more before you decide who to hire.
Sincerely,
Mr. Loren Dickstein, Esq.
LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C.
2000 Town Center, Ste. 2350
Southfield, MI 48075
(248) 263-6800 - Fax: (248) 357-1371
Email: [email protected]
www.NotAfraidToWin.com
National Super Lawyer
Rated: 10.0 Superb
Martindale Rated: Preeminent - AV
Best option hire an attorney. Next best plead not guilty and request court appointed counsel. Worse optiin is no lawyer and pleading guilty. That will get you the absolute worse outcome.
Yes, as stated by the other attorneys, hire an attorney if possible. Also, speak with your attorney prior to paying any civil demand they may mail to you. Definitely DO NOT plead guilty on your own.
Call an attorney in the area as soon as possible. Don't just plead guilty. Most attorneys offer free consultations.
Kennedy Law Office, PLLC
586-580-1942
Free Consultations
As others have said, you should consult an attorney. Depending on the case load of the attorney and their experience, a court-appointed attorney can be just as good as a retained attorney. Most attorneys who are on a court-appointed list are also attorneys who can be retained by a client. Most attorneys are on their respective county's court-appointed list as a way to give back to the community.
Your best option is to have an attorney with you at your court date. If you can afford a retained attorney then find and retain one so that he or she is there at your first appearance. If you cannot afford a retained attorney, request court-appointed counsel at your first appearance before you enter into any plea agreements.
