Conditional Discharge Can Keep Your Record Clean
If you or your child was charged with shoplifting or possession, you are probably extremely concerned about the adverse effect a conviction could have on job opportunities and college applications. For most first offenders and in some other cases, there may be attractive options available that can prevent a damaging criminal record from impacting your or your child's future. Conditional discharge, when it is available, is such an option.
Our attorneys are adept at exploring all the possibilities at our disposal in each misdemeanor or felony shoplifting or possession cases. Our goal is always to help you minimize the damage. If a conditional discharge or another court program can be utilized, we will make sure it happens. Contact us for help with your case.
How Conditional Discharge Works
A conditional discharge, as the name suggests, presents conditions that must be met by an accused person in order for a criminal charge to be dropped. If you qualify for a program like Alpharetta's One Year Clear, there are typically several requirements that you need to complete in order to avoid a criminal record:
- You sign a guilty plea, but the plea is kept in a file by the court, rather than being entered
- You perform community service activities as prescribed by the court
- You agree to cognitive skills counseling, usually in the form of a class
- You pay a fine and/or restitution
- You stay free from arrest for a certain period of time — usually 6 or 12 months
If you successfully fulfill all the requirements, your case is discharged and nothing goes on your public record. If you fail to fulfill the program's requirements, you will be prosecuted promptly for the offense and sentenced accordingly.
Effective Defense Against Shoplifting and Possession Charges
If you or a family member has been charged with shoplifting, marijuana possession or another offense, we can help you understand your rights and options, and explore solutions. Contact us to speak to an experienced lawyer.
