Q: Wiill i see jail time, and do I need a private attorney?
I stole a car stereo from walmart and when asked by polic i gave it to them and admitted to my crime. they arrested me for theft. i posted bail that night and in court the next day i was told i was being charged with a class a misdermeanor and a class 2 felony. this is my 1st offence and i cannot go to jail, as my girlfriend who i live with will not be able to afford our home alone and i make the most money in the household. i am 19 and trying to go to college. will i go to jail? what are my chances of just getting fines and probation, community service etc.? should i hire a private attorney or proceed forward with a public defender. i go back to court for a pretrial next month..
A: You have already admitted to committing the crime so that seriously hinders any possibility for a substantive defense. However, the fact that you did so and your lack of any priors bodes well for a plea that avoids jailtime. I suggest sticking with the public defender and relaying all of what you have posted here to him or her. The PD should be able to work something out with the prosecutor, presuming you are also willing to plead guilty to your charges in court.
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