Im gonna represent myself in court tomorrow...?

I've done some research so far...in library n interent. But I'm still very nervous of wt will they question on me...I don't know any of the rules and procedures...and no body will come with me! I applied for Legal Aid b4 but there has no reply... So I need to speak to Duty Lawyer, I hope they can help...

My case simple: 19, shoplifting under$200...first time in court

What will b the penalty like? Like how much fine n others?

My preparation:
* A character reference from a friend
Telling I'm generally a good person, but lack of family care...etc
* Bank account statements( I got nearly 30,000 in my acc.)
Show Im not poor no point to steal, psychological problems...etc

>>>>all true<<<<

and I'm also scare that they don't understand wt Im saying cos English obvously not my 1st language...scare...T.T

Admit the offense if the evidence is strong but use the admission as a mitigating cirscumstance so that your penalty will be lessen.

Ask the judge for an extension on your case so you can prepare yourself more formally with the legal proceedings. Please! You must obtain Nolo Press' "Represent Yourself in Court: How to Prepare and Try a Winning Case". Locate a local law library and see if they have this book in stock. This is a must-have AND must-read book if you want to represent yourself.

You may get community service if he feels bad for you very rarely, but you may get jail time, depending in which the prosecutor chooses to press charges. But still, shoplifting looks bad for anyone going into court and representing themselves is worse, you should have a lawyer, but hopefully you do well and learn never to do it again.

If you are in the USA....read....if not...ignore as I do not know your laws or ways.

For something like that its not that big of a deal. Jails are too full of major thieves, drug runners, killers, etc to put a simple shop lifter into jail.

Best thing to do is just show up to court in your best clothes looking your best. DO NOT tell the judge you have money, or what problems or issues you have. As this will just open yourself up to the judge for him to give a stiffer penalty for the crime. Just showing up, dressed right and acting like a proper human speaks alot to a judge who see's scum of the earth all day long.

Just show up in court looking clean cut and proper, say "yes your honor and no your honor", anyone else in the court room call them sir and ma'am. When they read off the case and charges and the judge asks how do you plea? Be honest....tell him guilty. You did do it, you know it is wrong and you made a temporary mistake.

This right away shows the judge you have learned a lesson from this and 99% of them will just close the case with nothing more than a fine or at most community service of like sweeping up parks and stuff for a few hours.

To say not guilty will allow them to state your previous record, any evidence against you and causes more problems and more fines. To state "no contest", which means you agree with the facts but you are not guilty is like looking at your mom and trying to lie to her face. Judges hate this and normally will give you the maximum fine when you pull this line.

Remember...Judges see 100's of people every day....they don't care who you are, what you do.....but they do care how you act in their court room as that is their room and they demand respect.

When done and he gives you your punishment. Actually say...Thank you your Honor. Respect goes along way in court. After all, a judge is the highest form of law in our land....even higher than the president as a judge can imprission a president.

You'd be better off saying you stole it(even if you didn't) and taking the full penalty than saying you've got no reason to steal,in this country you're guilty until proven innocent,NOT the other way around ,if you said you stole because you were financially destitute,but you're sorry you did it ,they might go easy on you.

My advice is if you're not comfortable with your english, find someone to take with you that can translate. You shouldn't worry though, you seem to have it under control.

IF you DID IT and if you're offered diversion before your hearing, TAKE IT. Courts don't have much respect for people accused of shoplifting. Get there early---it's likely that the prosecutor will gather a bunch of people with minor offenses to discuss this.

If you didn't do it AND you have an alibi, don't take diversion. The prosecutor may want to talk to you before trial, don't tell him anything. He'll be looking for something to use against you in trial.

If you didn't do and you don't have an alibi that you can provide proof of, consider taking diversion if it's offered. Again don't tell the prosecutor anything if you're going to trial---especially if the cop that busted you is in the room.

Unless you DID IT AND you DON'T get diversion, don't mention the family problems and psychological problems.

You are a thieve and whatever they deem should be your punishment. RICH people also steal. When you steal in a store we all end up paying for your lack of respect.

GET A LAWYER!