Q: My sister got arrested foe SHOPLIFTING at Wal-Mart. She hasn't been in trouble for over at least 25 yrs or more..
I got her out on a 1094.00 bond last night.
Will she get jail time or a fine &probation. She don't have any charges on her record of shoplifting. Years ago she had a dwi that is all that is on her record..
If you could please let me know thank you
A:
All depends on a lot of facts and context. The jurisdiction matters as well. Most times a shoplifting is minor, but they get REALLY serious at times, especially if she has a job where trust is involved as shoplifting is a crime of moral turpitude. Best bet is to get a local lawyer to assist.
Good luck!
Josh
Morris Margulis agrees with this answer
A:
I agree with Counselor Schiffer.
I would expect "fine + probation" given the scenario you described, unless there are some other, egregious facts in the case.
The more severe consequence will likely be the fact of the shoplifting conviction itself, regardless of the penalty. Whatever the penalty is, it will pass with time, but the conviction will stay with her forever. Shoplifting is a crime of theft, and a conviction for that type of crime will make it difficult for employers and others to trust her in the future.
A competent lawyer in your area may be able to help your sister find a way to close the case without a shoplifting conviction.
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.
