Q: I was charged with shoplifting but I feel there is something wrong with my ticket or the charge?
In Phoenix, AZ with no record at all, not even a ticket. I was charged with ARS 13-1805 for shoplifting from a Hobby Lobby for 50-60 dollars in things and noticed the ticket (printed onto a traffic ticket) doesnt have any detailed information on it, my eye and hair color are wrong, and something just doesnt seem right about it, the officer told me it would be considered a misdemeanor (lvl1) and not admitting guilt but didnt give me any details on a fine or anything. Im not sure if something is wrong because ive never been through this before, I have a court date on the 16th.
A: For misdemeanor charges, it is common for them to be charged by an officer using the Arizona Traffic Ticket and Complaint form even when it is not a traffic offense. For a first offense sometimes there is an opportunity at diversion. Regardless, you should contact a lawyer immediately to help go over your options and any possible defenses so you can make an informed decision on whether you want to hire a lawyer.
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.