I was charged with theft under 5000 for taking 40 dollars. I'm not proud of myself for it but now I have to deal with it. I was caught on a camera that and employee of mine secretly hid in his locker at work in a locker room without posting that there was a camera in there recording which I believe is also illegal. Have a court date for this and the finger printing date as well what is the worst thing that can happen to me will I have to do jail time?

Depends upon a lot of things, not the least of which is your location (state or country).

Worst thing?

The judge might be under the influence of something and find you not only guilty of the theft charge, but a number of other things. You could be given the death penalty and be repeatedly beaten and starved while on death row awaiting execution. Then, as you are walking that last mile, the Sun could go nova and all life would be instantly extinguished.

I think a more useful answer is what is a likely outcome. That, as stated, depends on the law of your jurisdiction, and the sentencing practices in your local community. You need to consult with a local attorney to find out these things.

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Originally Posted by AK lawyer

Depends upon a lot of things, not the least of which is your location (state or country).

Worst thing?

The judge might be under the influence of something and find you not only guilty of the theft charge, but a number of other things. You could be given the death penalty and be repeatedly beaten and starved while on death row awaiting execution. Then, as you are walking that last mile, the Sun could go nova and all life would be instantly extinguished.

I think a more useful answer is what is a likely outcome. That, as stated, depends on the law of your jurisdiction, and the sentencing practices in your local community. You need to consult with a local attorney to find out these things.

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I can not afford an attorney and do I really need one for the first court date?

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Originally Posted by uncle luc

I can not afford an attorney and do I really need one for the first court date?

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Yes you do. Whether an attorney will be appointed for you depends on your location; that's one reason I asked for that information. In most states an attorney is not appointed for an indigent defendant if the possible jail time is under a certain number of weeks. So one cannot say for sure without this information.

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Originally Posted by AK lawyer

Yes you do. Whether an attorney will be appointed for you depends on your location; that's one reason I asked for that information. In most states an attorney is not appointed for an indigent defendant if the possible jail time is under a certain number of weeks. So one cannot say for sure without this information.

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I'm from ontario canada

If the camera was installed inside a locker, just to catch someone stealing from the locker, then it is unlikely it will be ruled inadmissible in court.

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Originally Posted by ScottGem

If the camera was installed inside a locker, just to catch someone stealing from the locker, then it is unlikely it will be ruled inadmissible in court.

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What does that mean Scott? I'm very ashamed with what I have done and have a very young family is my life over?

It means you were caught red handed. You can't afford NOT to have an attorney.