Criminal Law/theft charges

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Expert: - 5/7/2007


Question
My friend recently got into some trouble where he was stealing cash in very small amount from a cash register a at he work over a period of a few months. he was also talking a few video games here and there the total theft probably added up to about 500 dollars ma bey less. he was arrested and let go without needing bail money and charged with one count of theft. he hasn't received and papers in the mail regarding court dates yet and has no priors at all...hes a good guy 21 years old but felt in a bind and thought he was doing what he needed to do. what i want to know is what is the worst that can happen to him considering he has no priors, and should he seek legal representation. thank you.

Answer
Ashley,

  The worst thing that could happen is that he could go to jail.  However your friend should have retiained an attorney long before this.  His entire future is at stake. He could (and probably will) have a criminal record for the rest of his life and he can't possibly defend himself.

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Jack Toomey

Expertise

Please do not ask me about potential jail sentences that you, your friends, or family might receive in court. There is no way for me to know that. Only a judge could answer a question like that. I am also NOT a probation officer or parole officer so I cannot answer questions that relate to parole or probation. Also please keep in mind that every state has different laws. If you are planning to ask a question about a specific law or criminal charge that pertains to your state only it could be difficult to answer. I also cannot give you legal advice on what to do or what not to do in court. Retired police officer with 26 years experience. Worked in the patrol division as well as over 14 years in the detective bureau. Investigated a wide range of crime such as murder, rape, robbery, theft, fraud, missing persons, and other very sensitive crimes. I am available to answer your questions about criminal law and especially as it applies to police work. I taught at the police academy for several years and am especially knowledgeable about search and seizure. Any question about criminal law is welcome! Please don't ask me to do your homework or ask me questions that obviously come from your teachers or professors. I also do not do online interviews or surveys. Young people need to gain face to face interviewing skills. Local police officers usually are very agreeable to assist in these assignments.

Experience

I am a retired police officer with 26 years experience. I investigated almost every type of crime including murder, rape, theft, missing persons, fraud, and domestic abuse. I am very knowledgeable about search and seizure and taught at the police academy for several years on a variety of subjects. I can answer questions that a lot of attorneys cannot since they do not have "street experience".

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Science degree in Criminolgy from the University of Maryland.

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