If I have been cited with 1st degree theft felony, should I seek legal counsel?
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If I have been cited with 1st degree theft felony, should I seek legal counsel?
I have been cited for a 1st degree theft of a laptop. I was wondering what the next steps were and how having it be my first offense could alter the outcome.
Asked on April 4, 2012 under Criminal Law, Oregon
Answers:
Kevin Bessant / Law Office of Kevin Bessant & Associates
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Seeking the advice and or representation of legal counsel is always a wise decision if you facing criminal charges. In most cases, theft is a felony Larceny charge. In today's economy in which every employer and agency performs background checks, you cannot afford to have a felony conviction on your criminal record. This is why I advise you have a experienced Criminal Defense Attorney help navigate your case to possibly avoid have this felony charge turn into a felony conviction. The next step after a citation is to be officially arraigned on the felony charges. If this is your first ever criminal offense, prison time is unlikely, but again, the goal is to not have this charge result in a felony conviction, so speak with a defense attorney before your arraignment.
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