Hello, I am a 23 year old male who has recently been caught shoplifting stupidly from a big chain in Queensland.
The amount was around $250 and I was charged with Stealing, now I've done some research and mainly found that the MAXIMUM penalty is 5 years imprisonment which is a bit daunting.
This is my first and last offence, and hopefully that helps me out here.
Basically I'm looking to see if it's worth getting a lawyer or legal aid or not? I have a good idea of what I wish to say already aside the guilty plea.
I'm willing to pay any fine, community service and include restitution to the chain I stole from for the amount of the goods taken.
However I wish to ask for no conviction to be recorded, is that plausible/possible? I don't want to affect my future career choices.
Thanks for any help.
The amount was around $250 and I was charged with Stealing, now I've done some research and mainly found that the MAXIMUM penalty is 5 years imprisonment which is a bit daunting.
This is my first and last offence, and hopefully that helps me out here.
Basically I'm looking to see if it's worth getting a lawyer or legal aid or not? I have a good idea of what I wish to say already aside the guilty plea.
I'm willing to pay any fine, community service and include restitution to the chain I stole from for the amount of the goods taken.
However I wish to ask for no conviction to be recorded, is that plausible/possible? I don't want to affect my future career choices.
Thanks for any help.