Since most any theft conviction is a near-automatic disqualifier for many jobs, the top priority in most retail theft cases is to keep these charges off the defendant’s permanent record. There are basically two approaches, and fortunately, both of them have a rather high probability of success.
After the underlying case is resolved, expunction options should probably be explored, as well, if this remedy is available, in order to permanently remove the conviction as well as the accusation.
Plea Bargain
During most pretrial negotiations, a defense attorney is focused on either reducing the charges or securing a lesser sentence. While these things are important in theft cases, especially a sentence reduction, the top priority remains keeping the conviction from staining a permanent record.
Most jurisdictions have contact a criminal defense attorney right away.
Trial Strategies
If pretrial diversion or some similar arrangement is unavailable, for whatever reason, trial is usually a good option. The prosecutor must establish the following contact Glasgow & Olsson.
(image courtesy of Brandan Church)