My family member is in jail and charged with a class D felony in Indiana for receiving stolen property. She was arrested 1 year ago for an unrelated misdomener and the charges were dropped. I recently found out she was arrested for shop lifting and was attending classes to avoid having it put on her record. Do we need to hire a criminal defense attorney or use a court appointed one?

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Originally Posted by gimhams

Do we need to hire a criminal defense attorney or use a court appointed one?

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Hello g:

If she has resources to PAY for an attorney, they won't appoint one. She'll be better off with a paid attorney too. She/you should shop around very carefully... Not all attorneys are the same.

excon

It is not as serious as some other felonies but still a felony, if she is really guilty a plea to a misdemeanor may be arranged some times.

She needs an attorney, in GA for example if you have the money to make bail, they assume you have the money for an attorney and will not appoint one normally. There will be forms to fill out proving you have little money or income to get one appointed