theft

[kahuna123_2000]

What is the name of your state? Hawaii

A friend of mine got arrested for stealing from her work, about 500 to 800 dollars worth. What will happen to her when she goes to court? Will she be given a court appointed attorney? This is her first offense will it stay on her record and for how long? She has a doctor that wrote a note saying she has a probleme and is attending a help class. She she try and fight this?

any constructive advice would be helpful..

thank you

 

[AmosMoses]

This sounds cliched, but:

Hire a lawyer if she can possibly afford it. The state will usually appoint one without too much BS if she meets requirements, but some judges are sticklers about "being able to afford" a lawyer. She's much better off with a paid lawyer than an overworked indigent defender. Good luck to your friend.

 

[JETX]

"What will happen to her when she goes to court?"
*** She will be read the charges against her. She can plead guilty or not guilty. If not guilty, a trial date will be set. A trial held. The prosecution will present their case. She (through her attorney) will present her defense. The court or jury will render a verdict.

"Will she be given a court appointed attorney?"
*** If she requests one, an attorney will be appointed, but ONLY if she qualifies.

"This is her first offense will it stay on her record and for how long?"
Arrest and conviction records stay forever.... unless expunged. Each state determines what can be, and the processes for doing an expungement.

"She has a doctor that wrote a note saying she has a probleme and is attending a help class. She she try and fight this?"
*** This is no longer high school. Unless this is a very extreme situation, a 'doctors note' won't help.