Found Shoplifting in PA: Is ARD an option for me

[kmacn007]

What is the name of your state? Pennsylvania
Age 24

No prior arrests

1 year ago I was caught shoplifting in a drug store the item was a pregnancy test.

Charges were not filed and police were not called. The store sent me a notice with a fine. 150 dollars + the cost of the item. I was also told not to return to the store. I paid the fine right away and didnt return.

But, I went back to the store the other night because I wasn't feeling well and needed medicine. It was closest to my house. They had 6 packs of coke on sale for 5 bucks for 2 so i grabbed two and put the medicine (7 dollars)in my pocket. They saw it on camera and stopped me before I left the store. Appearantly, thats considered consealing the item which = theft.

Police were not called but they did take my info down. I figured I would get another fine.

Last night the store manager called and said that because this was the second time this happened, he is going to file a criminal complaint. The charges he stated he would be placing are for tespassing and double retail theft.

I called an attorney today and he said that in PA there is an ARD program which is a second chance thing for first time offenders

Will I be considered a first time offender

How can I get into the ARD program

Im a student in college for computer science and not working. I can't pay for a lawyer. Will a public defender be able to do this for me.

Please advise Im real upset about thisWhat is the name of your state?

[FlyingRon]

Generally you need a lawyer to ask the prosecutor for ARD. If you are trully indigent (rather than unwilling) then a public defender will be assigned to you at the preliminary hearing although not being represented at the preliminary hearing is leaving out a oppurtunity to challenge the validity of the charges and/or negotiate a deal prior to heading over to common pleas.

[kmacn007]

Originally Posted by FlyingRon

Generally you need a lawyer to ask the prosecutor for ARD. If you are trully indigent (rather than unwilling) then a public defender will be assigned to you at the preliminary hearing although not being represented at the preliminary hearing is leaving out a oppurtunity to challenge the validity of the charges and/or negotiate a deal prior to heading over to common pleas.

Thank you FlyingRon for your answer. So basiclly if I don't hire an attorney, and have an appointed DA who won't meet with me or be aware of my case until the day of the hearing I will not be able to apply for ARD and may go to jail. Is that right?