Class B misdemeanor for retail theft in Utah

[dayofliberation]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Utah

I was caught shoplifting 68 dollars worth of merchandise @ the Macys in Layton Utah. It was my first offense so i was "arrested", given a citation to appear in court, which is tomorrow btw. I then recieved a civil demand letter in the mail from Macys asking for me to pay a fine, which was to be up to and no more than 300. The fine was for 368, the 300 max fine and the 68 from the merchandise im assuming. So i paid that within 2 weeks and before the due date. So i have my court date tomorrow, no attorney and am planning on pleading guilty obviously since i am. Because i am a first offender, im hoping they will go lightly, although i have no idea what to expect. And please, i dont want any responses back telling me how much i need an attorney, ive made my decision an dim not going back. Thanks!

 

[donkort]

An attorney might be able to help

Hello there,

If you plead guilty to this charge, there will be a misdemeanor on your record, meaning you will have a CRIMINAL record. This leads to difficulty getting jobs, obtaining mortgages/loans, and many other things. An attorney could possibly influence the prosecutor/judge to offer you a plea-bargain to a lesser charge (not a misdemeanor/criminal offense), or offer an diversion program (where you go on probation, pay fees, then the offense disappears from your record). If you could prove you cannot afford an attorney, a public defender will be provided for you.