Can you ne jailed regarding a first-time shoplifting charge?

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Can you ne jailed regarding a first-time shoplifting charge?

I am having a meeting tomorrow concerning a first-time shoplifting charge. It was for $8.25 worth of sushi, so I believed the officer when he said I would simply need to pay the $250 fine. However, at arraignment I found out that it is possible that I get 6 months. Is this really a possibility?

Asked on January 30, 2012 under Criminal Law, Arizona

Answers:

M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

In most states it is possible but not likley to get jail time for a first offense shoplifting charge. In fact for such a charge, you may be able to be placed in a "diversion" program. This is a special type probation that, if sucessfuly completed, will leave you without a criminal history record. The specifics vary from jurisdiction-to-jusrisdiction. Your attorney can explain this all to you.


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