What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Minnesota
My friend and i were caught stealing merchandise from wal-mart a couple days ago. They told us that since my friends amount was over $50 they needed to call the police, we waited over an hour for the police to come and he gave us each a citation for first offense misdemeanor, and a court date in a month. We are both 19, and completely unaware of what we should do, we've been told just go to court and plead No Contest, and pay the fine, although Ive been reading online that it is wiser to seek a professional for advice.
So my questions & concerns; 1. Do we need an attorney? 2. Ive read about diversions, and i don't know how to obtain one, or what they even are? 3. How long will this stay on our records? (i have been told that since it is only a first offense, it will be removed in 3 years.. or when you're 21.. im not sure if that is true). 4. Are they going to play the tape of us at the store in court?
we are both really clueless as to what to do or who to talk to, i have a completely clean record, and my friend has a DUI that occurred a few years ago.
any advice will help!
My friend and i were caught stealing merchandise from wal-mart a couple days ago. They told us that since my friends amount was over $50 they needed to call the police, we waited over an hour for the police to come and he gave us each a citation for first offense misdemeanor, and a court date in a month. We are both 19, and completely unaware of what we should do, we've been told just go to court and plead No Contest, and pay the fine, although Ive been reading online that it is wiser to seek a professional for advice.
So my questions & concerns; 1. Do we need an attorney? 2. Ive read about diversions, and i don't know how to obtain one, or what they even are? 3. How long will this stay on our records? (i have been told that since it is only a first offense, it will be removed in 3 years.. or when you're 21.. im not sure if that is true). 4. Are they going to play the tape of us at the store in court?
we are both really clueless as to what to do or who to talk to, i have a completely clean record, and my friend has a DUI that occurred a few years ago.
any advice will help!