Role of an Attorney in a Chester County Shoplifting Case

Should an individual try to represent him or herself and/or seek out the services of a public defender albeit the person will be represented, an individual’s case most likely will be charged in the criminal court and a public defender will not be appointed until the final stages of the case.
The goal in these types of cases is to simply resolve them as quickly as possible, therefore increasing the chances that a person’s record can be ultimately expunged and the shoplifting crime will not impair an individual’s reputation or employment in the future.

Having the services of a private attorney allows such an attorney with the experience and know how to reach out to the authorities, reach out to the locations or victims, and reach out to the district attorney in order to resolve the matter in the most expeditious manner possible.

Therefore, it’s always a benefit to an individual charged with retail theft and/or a small theft crime in Chester County to get the services of a Chester County shoplifting lawyer. Only then can an individual be assured that the earliest possible resolution of their case in Chester County will be achieved and, in most cases, their record will be preserved.

At an Arraignment

The role that an attorney will play at an arraignment involves having charging documents, which are otherwise called a complaint, put together and making sure that the individual is treated fairly when it comes to bail.

Bail is the ability of a court and/or a judge to impose a monetary value in order for an individual to avoid being in custody or jail while the case is open. The arraignment is only the first step, but it’s a crucial step. Having an attorney at an initial arraignment can start the process of alleviating any difficulties in the case and moving the case forward as quickly as possible towards the right resolution.

If an attorney is present and the attorney presents to a district court in Chester County, generally, the right facts, then arraignment and/or bail proceedings can be quickly resolved in a positive way for an individual, assuring that the individual will not be in custody while fighting the retail theft or theft charges.

Hiring an Attorney

A person charged with shoplifting in Chester County should reach out to a local attorney experienced in a criminal defense area of retail theft. Only then can an individual be rest assured that all options are available for an early resolution of the case. If a person’s record is affected, the record can be restored and if a person is subject to restitution, it will be an appropriate amount.

It is imperative that an individual has the right person at their side at the very earliest possible moments of their case. By doing so, they can be sure that every option available to an individual charged with shoplifting is on the table.

Having different options can protect a person’s livelihood, record, and reputation, thereby allowing them to avoid a record which would otherwise cause problems in the future with things like schooling, employment, and, in some cases, housing.

When to Contact a Lawyer

Once an individual is charged with shoplifting in Chester County, an individual should immediately reach out to an experienced attorney.

An attorney by a person’s side will help them in preventing terms that are adverse to a person’s well-being. For instance, an attorney can help an individual avoid posting bail, expedite their case through the system in a way that it most beneficial to them and their future, and possibly even avoid the criminal process as a whole.

Having an attorney at the very earliest stages ensures that all chances of an early resolution and even a dismissal are available from the very beginning. Once a case is listed as a misdemeanor and/or felony depending on the amount involved and, at that point, will become difficult to be removed from a person’s record. Therefore, having an attorney at the earliest stages and at the district court level will assure that the case is prepared in a proper fashion and any diversionary or first-time offender programs are followed so that a person can protect their livelihood, employment, and especially their future record.