Ok so I went to target and stole $116 worth of stuff.I got stopped an received a letter the same day about my court date in July. I'm leaving for college on tj

Sorry about the cutt off,but ill be leaving for collefe on Tuesday.ill make the trip down for my court date.But I'm scared something really bad is going to happen. This is a first offense. I have to go back to school,that's so important to me.Can I just pay a fine or something and they leave me off the hook?

ANY question on law needs to include your general locale as laws vary by area.

For a first offense, there will probably be a fine and/or restitution. There may also be community service in lieu of a criminal record.

I live in fort lauderdale,Florida. But what I'm really concerned about is my college. Which is in Tallahassee.

I don't know nothing about how the system works. I just need to be prepared on what to expect.I hope I have a nice judge who lets me off the hook with a fine.

Yes you will need to come back for court but it will be just fines and/or probation.

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Originally Posted by lifecrazy

I dont know nothing about how the system works. I just need to be prepared on what to expect.I hope I have a nice judge who lets me off the hook with a fine.

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Get an attorney! A fine still leaves with you a criminal record. But jail is a remote possibility if that's what is worrying you.

Will this interfere with my school?

And should I bring a public defender ? Would it make a difference

Bring a public defender? You REQUEST a public defender and if you meet the guidelines, one will be assigned to you. If not, you're on your own.

Yes, the Court appearances COULD interfere with your school. If you are ordered to do community service it COULD interfere with your school. By the way, each City does not have its own computer system - the entire State of Florida can read your record.

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Originally Posted by JudyKayTee

Bring a public defender? You REQUEST a public defender and if you meet the guidelines, one will be assigned to you. If not, you're on your own.


Yes, the Court appearances COULD interfere with your school. If you are ordered to do community service it COULD interfere with your school. By the way, each City does not have its own computer system - the entire State of Florida can read your record.

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Ok thank you.And everything abides by the city it happen correct? I hope the judge has an alternate punishment for me where I can serve it by my college

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Originally Posted by lifecrazy

Ok thank you.And everything abides by the city it happen correct? I hope the judge has an alternate punishment for me where I can serve it by my college

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And that's why you need an Attorney.

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Originally Posted by lifecrazy

I dont know nothing about how the system works. ...

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And maybe, when and if you get up here to Tallahassee, they will teach you about the use of what they call "double negatives".

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Originally Posted by JudyKayTee

... By the way, each City does not have its own computer system - the entire State of Florida can read your record.

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Actually, it's by county. Each county clerk of court has an on-line web-site where a record of any case against you can be located.

Right - I meant that if he's arrested in one City that info is available across the State - and probably the Country.

I looked at the spelling and grammar and wondered if the OP is not American-born - ?

As a side issue - I was an English major and you certainly have me beat! - is why people begin their question with "OK." Never makes sense to me.

And this person is on his way to College. That's a hard one to believe.

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Originally Posted by JudyKayTee

... As a side issue -... - is why people begin their question with "OK." Never makes sense to me.
...

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• I would surmise that it's because that's the way many people talk. Same as "Uh, ...." or " ... you know, ...". It's a filler word. Or
• maybe it's something like a salutation used in a letter - how to start something. Or,
• (back to the verbal model), maybe it's a clue to others that you are starting to talk and don't want to interrupt someone else.