I am being charged with petty larceny and I plan to plead guilty at my court appearance. Should I still seek out a lawyer? I have no criminal record.
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
I am being charged with petty larceny and I plan to plead guilty at my court appearance. Should I still seek out a lawyer? I have no criminal record.
The crime was committed 6 months ago and I was terminated from my job. I have since paid restitution. Should I find a lawyer even if I am planning to plead guilty?
Asked on July 6, 2009 under Criminal Law, New York
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 15 years ago | Contributor
Have you already appeared before a judge? It sounds as if you agreed to plead guilty and pay restitution, which is usually a condition of sentencing. I would definately havea lawyer as this is a Class A Misdemeanor which carries a maximum sentence of I year in jail, even though the minimum is a conditional discharge (one year) with or without a fine. Why take the chance.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.