I'm going to try and be very brief and short with this, as this is shattering my mind,
I can't think straight, I'm terrified.

I made a stupid mistake, even the police officer said it.
I've a theft charge for a bit over $700, 12 counts of fraud, and a shoplifting charge.
I made a terrible mistake, doing this at my old job, and I had no right to do
What I did, I just want to pay the money back, serve in a pretrial diversion program,
And continue working the only job I have now, and I'm starting a new 2nd overnight job next
Week.

I'm trying my best to avoid jail time, and possibly pay for the crime through restitution,
And hopefully a diversion program to keep a clean record so I can continue my life,
And put this embarrassing dark spot on my life behind me.

But alas, I believe I may have done something dumb as well.

I was very very co-operative with L.P. at my old job, and was very co-operative with
The police at the station before I was released shortly. I do note, that I did in writing admit
To what I did wrong, and did mark guilty on the paperwork at the police station.

I've the world on my shoulders as I am in debt, and I just want to possibly get an
Affordable lawyer or public defender to help my case, keep me out of jail, and keep
Me working, and enjoying my life.

I'm on bad terms with most of my family as is, and I can't reveal to them what I've done,
I told them I was laid off.

Although I did plead guilty, the officers did seem helpful, as they were the ones
Who mentioned to pretrial diversion program to me, and said that it's a good possibility
I'll end up in that being this is a first offense.

My arraignment is this Wednesday, I'm still shaking in my boots, because I don't want to have to hug my family, my friends, and girlfriend for the last time and not tell them why I'll be gone a while. I'm not sure what to expect... but please...

If someone out there can just let me know what's possibly going to happen,
And my current possible options (talking to a lawyer, calling the court, etc... )
Please, please let me know what I should do.

Also, I'm from New Jersey if that helps.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by miserysfool

please let me know what I should do.

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Hello fool:

Relax. They'll probably offer you diversion..

excon

1. police officers will lie to you to get you to confess,

2. they want an arrest and confession, not your well being

3. but most likely a diversion program, but it will help if your family was there to support you

I'd love for my family to be there to support me, but the ties between my family were broken during this recession,
The economic down fall of this county, and the fact I live in a poor area, turned them all mostly against each other.

I've a few close friends who're here with me through this.
But my only question now is, I can't contact an attorney today because it's Sunday, can I contact one tomorrow on Labor Day?
Or even though I wrote guilty on my paperwork, am I still eligible to see a public defender... or is it most likely just going to
End in a diversion program, and I'm worrying too much... I haven't slept, or eaten much lately. -_-;

At your first appearance you may have the right to an court appointed attorney, now I know in GA if you bail out then they consider you having enough money for an attorney.

No attorney offices will be closed on the holidy ( mots anyway)

Ok, so I still should see an attorney, but I can't pay up front, would I be better off with a public defender?
I'm sorry I'm so tense, I'm just trying to leave the arraignment on Wednesday and go do a shift at work so I can save up to pay for my mistakes and save for my goals.

I've tried calling a few offices, and I'm not getting no answer...
I'm ridiculously nervous.

You can ask the judge for a continuance and to be appointed a court appointed attorney.
You can request that Wednesday.

A continuance? Like a rescheduled arraignment?

I called the court today and was told that tomorrow's arraignment was just my charges being read to me,
And then I'd receive a date to appear in superior court. Does that sound correct? And also I was told
I would have the chance to obtain a public defender on that date as well

UPDATE : I was offered PTI!