Edgewater, MD asked in Criminal Law for Maryland

Q: Police are building a case against me for multiple counts of credit card fraud and theft.

I admitted to everything and they searched my car and confiscated evidence for the case. I was terrified because I owe many people money and I committed these terrible crimes. I have never been in legal trouble before. Will I have to pay fines and possibly jail time? I stole debit cards and items out of cars and lockers and took them to gas stations to buy lottery tickets for cash.

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4 Lawyer Answers
Eric Todd Kirk
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Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Baltimore, MD
  • Licensed in Maryland

A: This is a public forum, not protected by lawyer-client confidentiality. While it may be a stretch, it could be possible for an intrepid prosecutor to subpoena the posting information, and use your admissions as part of a case against . The better course is to seek the guidance of an experienced attorney in a confidential setting.

Michael Wilson McGraw and Scott Scherr agree with this answer

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Rockville, MD
  • Licensed in Maryland

A: First offenders in property/theft crimes typically do not get jail time, but it is unclear what the extent of the thefts amount to, how many separate counts of theft may be charged, whether the State tries to combine a series of misdemeanor thefts into a felony theft scheme charge, the total amount stolen, whether you are charged with identity theft and fraud, etc. You need to retain a lawyer, and to stop posting details and guilty admissions on public forums like this. There may be a way to avoid jail and avoid a conviction and record, so retain counsel now and begin preparing to address these charges in a way that minimizes the damage.

Scott Scherr agrees with this answer

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Baton Rouge, LA

A: I agree with the posts of my colleagues and will say what they have stated: you need to hire a lawyer sooner than later to help you through this and in hope of obtaining the best result. The lawyer you hire can help determine whether law enforcement's actions were reasonable. He can negotiate and attempt to put your situation in the best light when he communicates with the prosecutor and if there is a plea of guilty to something, he does the same thing in communicating with the Judge why you should have the most lenient sentence available.

Michael Wilson McGraw
Michael Wilson McGraw
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Annapolis , MD
  • Licensed in Maryland

A: I too agree with my colleagues. Anytime you have admitted anything to the police you have given them an advantage making it all the more important to obtain competent counsel immediately.

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