Bensalem, PA asked in Criminal Law for Pennsylvania

Q: Will I go to jail for a first time misdemeanor theft? And could I win a case representing myself?

My ex was kicking me out so I packed all my things and left. I got a text later that day stating I stole his Xbox and cash. Now I have the police department contacting me. I have kids to worry about. I’m a single mom. I wouldn’t steal something from anyone. I have a lot to lose. I can’t afford an attorney or lawyer. So I’m very lost right now I know nothing about this law stuff. I shouldn’t be put in jail or fined for something I didn’t do.

Related Topics:
2 Lawyer Answers
Cary B. Hall
Cary B. Hall
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Norristown, PA
  • Licensed in Pennsylvania

A: If you can't afford an attorney, you *can* afford a public defender if you are formally charged with crimes. Contact your local office and set up a consultation. Best of luck to you.

Ryan L Hyde
Ryan L Hyde
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Exton , PA
  • Licensed in Pennsylvania

A: There is a lot of distance between where you stand and jail. I agree with Mr. Hall that a public defender is the best route. The challenge is you may be eligible for diversion programs which would leave you without a record. Bucks County has a number of such programs. Importantly, you may have defenses. The key to good representation is presenting those defenses at the right time and in the right place. When your future and freedom are at stake you would be surprised how affordable attorneys really are. Can you represent yourself, sure. But as you yourself state you don't have a lot of experience with the law. District Attorneys do. Explore getting yourself an attorney or applying for the public defender. It sounds like your freedom is very valuable.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.