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I was recently arrested for shoplifting $160 worth of video…

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I was recently arrested for...

I was recently arrested for shoplifting $160 worth of video games from WalMart. This is my fifth time being caught after 10 years of shoplifting. The first time it was downgraded to an ordinance, the second time it was downgraded to theft of immovable property, the third and fourth times I pled guilty. The third time I paid a fine and the fourth time I attended a 3 hour Shoplifting class and had to do 90 hours of community service. So, here I am at my fifth time. I am retaining a criminal defense attorney this time. Do you think he could argue for house arrest or probation or any other option that doesn't involve jail time? I have an 8 year old special needs daughter. My husband works nights and I have no one to watch my daughter and do her homework with her when she gets out of school. I have a terrible addiction that I can't seem to kick. My psychiatrist told me that I need a therapist,group therapy, and a twelve step program. I don't know how my daughter is going to cope with me going to jail. We have a great relationship and I live for her. My husband disagrees totally with what I do but he says he will stick by my side through thick and thin. I will never survive jail. I'm not a fighter and I'm shy. I just can't imagine being without my little girl....she is the reason that I am alive. NJ laws states that any third,fourth,fifth,etc offense is a mandatory 90 day jail sentence....could this also be used for 90 house arrest?

Submitted: 9 years ago.Category: Criminal Law

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1/6/2011

Criminal Lawyer: Alex J. Esq., Attorney at Law replied 9 years ago

Alex J. Esq., Attorney at Law

Category: Criminal Law

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Criminal Lawyer: Alex J. Esq., Attorney at Law replied 9 years ago

What is the nature of your addiction?

Customer reply replied 9 years ago

Shoplifting 5th offense

Criminal Lawyer: Alex J. Esq., Attorney at Law replied 9 years ago

I understand that part. You mentioned an addiction for which you need treatment and a 12 step program can you tell me what type of addiction it is?

In some cases depending on the severity of the addiction, it might help your case.

Customer reply replied 9 years ago

The addiction that I am referring to is shoplifting.....and you might not consider it an addiction but this shoplifting addiction has taken control of my life...i can't go anywhere without stealing something....and know I'm facing a fifth offense for shoplifting.

Criminal Lawyer: Alex J. Esq., Attorney at Law replied 9 years ago

It is possible you might be ordered to undergo some type of psychological/psychiatric treatment and you might get alternative sentencing instead of mandatory jail time.

This would normally be possible if your attorney is able to negotiate a plea bargain deal with the prosecutor that would allow you to plead guilty to a lesser offense or if your attorney can convince the judge that you really in need of serious treatment to deal with this problem and sentencing you to serve time in jail would not be beneficial to you.

Just make sure that you hire an experienced local criminal attorney who is familiar with the alternative sentencing and had experience defending people who suffer from addictions.

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