AboutCommander Chris Wagoner Expertise I have been a police officer for 28+ years and still going! I am the Police Academy Commander at a Law Enforcement/ Corrections Academy in North Central Florida. I can answer most questions concerning law enforcement procedures, law enforcement training and general questions about law enforcment. I can also answer questions about becoming a law enfocement officer. I teach the following subjects: RADAR/LASER, Law Enforcement Driving, Law Enforcement Firearms and Patrol Techniques, Officer Safety, WMD's for Patrol Officers, Application of Law, Communications skills, Dealing with the Mentally and Physically handicapped, and many more subjects. I have worked as a subject matter expert for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and helped to write the police officer curriculum for the State of Florida. I like answering questions about how to become a police officer, and questions about why did an officer do this or that type questions. I also like answering any questions you may have about police work in general. I do not mind helping with homework questions or trying to answer your questions about legal subjects that I have knowledge of. You will never know the answer until you ask!
Experience I am a 26 year veteran police officer, I am currently the Police Academy Commander of an Academy in North FLorida. I have been training police officers since 1993 and have trained them in all aspects of law enforcement, including firearms, Driving and legal subjects including patrol techniques and others. Ihave served on Road Patrol, Traffic Homicide, Dive Rescue and other units.
Publications I am a published author in Accident Investigation from the University of North Florida, Institute of Police Technology and Management.
Education/Credentials I have 2 degrees, an AAS in Criminal Justice Technology from Santa Fe Community College, and a AA from Santa Fe Community College in Criminal Justice Programs.
Question QUESTION: I was charged with a felony theft for 1590 dollars in MD. my court date was postponed due to having my appendix out. long story short I never received my new date until last week and my court date is in 12 days aliitle late for an attorney? what can I do im a nursing professional and plan on pleading guilty to the offense and just paid the restitution back to the agency. what is the likely hood of jail time for first time non violent offenders. and is there anything I can do to help my case I have no past criminal record
ANSWER: Hi Heather,
While I cannot say for certain what the judge will do, more than likely you will get a fine, restitution and community service.
If you want you could ask to speak to the judge and explain how sorry you are and you are willing to do whatever he ask and you want him to know you are in school and intend of finishing and making better choices in the future.
You want to make sure the Judge understands that you really are sorry and that you will pay back the money (better if you do it before your court date) and willing to do any community service he ask of you.
You should be OK, but then again the Judge is the one calling the shots remember and they can do anything they want, thats why you want to convince him you are very sorry and such. Understand?
Be Safe..
PS> Please take a second and rate this answer. Thanks!
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: is it to late to get a lawyer
Answer Hi again Heather,
No its not to late, but you will have to act fast (like tomorrow) and make sure you have all your paperwork from the court and reports and all with you when you find one. You may have trouble finding one that will take the case on such short notice though. But it can't hurt, try anyway.
You could always ask the court to appoint one to you because you can't afford one, or you can ask for a continuance to get one, since you were notified of your court date so late. Tell the Judge that you would like to get a lawyer but due to the fact you only received the court notice 12 days before the hearing you did not have time. He more than likely will continue it for you.
Just and idea.
PS> Please take a second to rate this answer. Thanks.
