Expert: Jack Toomey - 4/10/2007

Question
I have been charged with theft under $500 for taking some items from a garden shop (some carried, some in my purse).  No idea why I did it.  About 5 or 6 years ago, I was charged with theft under $100 for walking out of a grocery store with about $5 worth of green peppers.  That charge was never expunged, and I guess that it is too late to do that now, as my court date is May 8.  Is there any point in getting a lawyer?  I plan on letting the judge know that I immediately started seeing a therapist after this latest incident, was diagnosed with depression and obsessive-compulsive behavior, and was put on medication.  I am really, really stressed about this, and am facing a $500 fine and up to 18 months in jail here in Maryland.  But I don't think that a lawyer is going to do any more than I can on my own.  Do I just plead guilty?  Or Alford plea?  Or no contest?

Answer
Betty,

   There is an old saying that a person who defends him(her)self in court has a fool for a client.  As you said you are facing a considerable amount of time in jail especially since you have a prior record.  You have no legal training and you can''t just blurt out that you have these medical issues.  I would doubt that the judge would allow you to defend yourself anyway.  My advice is to get an attorney asap.