Can I pay my fine after having plead not guilty to theft?

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Can I pay my fine after having plead not guilty to theft?

I got charged with theft after not paying for an item valued at $1.97. I went to court and the DA wanted me to pay a $150 fine and restitution to the the store. I plead not guilty because it was a mistake on my part. Can I pay my fine after pleading not guilty or should I just go back to court and see what happens. Should I get a criminal defense lawyer if I have previous misdemeanor charges from 6 years ago? In Lincoln County, ME

Asked on August 24, 2011 Maine

Answers:

FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

Given the circumstances that you have been charged with a theft crime and you may have been convicted of a prior offense stemming from charges fiked against you six (6) years ago, prudence dictates that you retain a criminal defense attorney to assist you in resolving the current criminal proceedings that you are involved in as opposed to representing yourself.

From what you have written about your current offense, a "no contest" plea, no jail time, a $150.00 fine and restitution of $1.97 or so seems like a reasonable offer depending upon the actual charges filed against you. Strategically, the suggested criminal defense attorney for you to retain might consider a plea to a lesser charge which would be a better "deal" for you.

Good luck.


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