What is the name of your state? NJ
I was charged with theft 2C:20-3a by the state based on a civil compliant from my former employer. Situation is: I was a personal assistant and this is about my use of my boss's credit cards. She and I had a verbal agreement that I would repay her for using them. She decided instead to file a police complaint because she expects the credit card company to reimburse her for charges she flagged as unapproved. I'm trying to do the right thing, but she's been quite nasty and dishonest with me, so it's hard to be objective.
I went to court expecting to get a public defender and/or apply for the pre-trial intervention program (as suggested by private attorney on the telephone.) The prosecutor came to me before I was called and looked at my paperwork. He said the best thing to do is plead not guilty and file a cross-complaint against my former employer. The public defender looked at my paperwork and said 'when they call your name go up front.' He left early.
When they called me, I went up. The prosecutor said, 'she's pleading not guilty and filing a cross-complaint.' The judge was happy with that and they gave me a court date. I tried to get hold of the prosecutor and the defender to find out what the heck I'm supposed to charge her with, but so far, no luck.
Questions:
Private attorney wanted $1500 to represent me(getting me into the pre-trial diversion program). She said public defender would cost me about $900. Money is an issue. Are these numbers reasonable?
Why did the prosecutor suggest this arrangement. Is it better for him or me?
What cross-complaint could I file? Should I?
Should this go to trial? Is it in my best interests?
Thanks for your help.
I was charged with theft 2C:20-3a by the state based on a civil compliant from my former employer. Situation is: I was a personal assistant and this is about my use of my boss's credit cards. She and I had a verbal agreement that I would repay her for using them. She decided instead to file a police complaint because she expects the credit card company to reimburse her for charges she flagged as unapproved. I'm trying to do the right thing, but she's been quite nasty and dishonest with me, so it's hard to be objective.
I went to court expecting to get a public defender and/or apply for the pre-trial intervention program (as suggested by private attorney on the telephone.) The prosecutor came to me before I was called and looked at my paperwork. He said the best thing to do is plead not guilty and file a cross-complaint against my former employer. The public defender looked at my paperwork and said 'when they call your name go up front.' He left early.
When they called me, I went up. The prosecutor said, 'she's pleading not guilty and filing a cross-complaint.' The judge was happy with that and they gave me a court date. I tried to get hold of the prosecutor and the defender to find out what the heck I'm supposed to charge her with, but so far, no luck.
Questions:
Private attorney wanted $1500 to represent me(getting me into the pre-trial diversion program). She said public defender would cost me about $900. Money is an issue. Are these numbers reasonable?
Why did the prosecutor suggest this arrangement. Is it better for him or me?
What cross-complaint could I file? Should I?
Should this go to trial? Is it in my best interests?
Thanks for your help.