Asuka
March 29th, 2008, 04:28 AM
This forum popped into my head the other day, when I realized I hadn't been online very much at all lately. I've been dealing with a variety of things lately -- health, school, etc. But most of all, I've been thinking a lot about a pending case I have.
Back in September of last year, I was with my mum when she stole from a store. It turned out that because I was the one who put the item in the cart, which she then tried to walk out with, I was technically the one who committed the crime. However, because she was trying to convince them to hold her responsible instead of me, they ended up arresting both of us.
I don't blame her, because she was at wit's end. She had been diagnosed with breast cancer and was trying to save up money for her surgery. That was her last resort to try and make the last of the money. She was emotionally strained, so I didn't blame her for the poor judgment.
However, I'm really scared now about what's going to happen. Because of the price of the item, the charge is technically felony shoplifting. Fortunately, the state of Georgia has an act that reduces the charge/sentence of first offenders. I have no experience with Georgia law, so I have no idea how it works.
I've been having panic attacks lately because of it, so I've tried to do some research to see with other people were sentenced under the act. The worst I've seen is multiple years of probation and a fine (and a warning to not go near the store in question anymore).
Would any of you have any experience with Georgia law? If not, I could just use someone to talk to. My mum keeps reassuring me, but there hasn't been a day that's gone by in several weeks that I haven't woken up on the verge of another panic attack. Also, anything out of the ordinary brings me to tears. For example, one of the maintenance men in our apartment complex was lazy (and texting on his phone) and pulled up in front of our apartment across the parking spaces horizontally. I saw this when we were driving in from the store, and I flipped out. I live in fear of the cops coming and arresting me again. Any strange noise outside is upsetting. I'm so afraid they're going to put me in jail, even though everyone's telling me that they'd never do that for something like this (because even people with serious drug possession charges have gotten off with probation under the First Offenders' Act).
It's taking forever to get a court date, and that's what's stressing me out the most. I really just want it over with, so I can get on with my life.
I could just really, really use some support. Keeping it to myself just makes it worse and worse, until I finally break down and cry it out. Then I feel better for a little while, until it comes up in my mind again. And to make matters worse, the incredible stress is making my health worse.
I'm just.. really scared. >_< Sorry..
Back in September of last year, I was with my mum when she stole from a store. It turned out that because I was the one who put the item in the cart, which she then tried to walk out with, I was technically the one who committed the crime. However, because she was trying to convince them to hold her responsible instead of me, they ended up arresting both of us.
I don't blame her, because she was at wit's end. She had been diagnosed with breast cancer and was trying to save up money for her surgery. That was her last resort to try and make the last of the money. She was emotionally strained, so I didn't blame her for the poor judgment.
However, I'm really scared now about what's going to happen. Because of the price of the item, the charge is technically felony shoplifting. Fortunately, the state of Georgia has an act that reduces the charge/sentence of first offenders. I have no experience with Georgia law, so I have no idea how it works.
I've been having panic attacks lately because of it, so I've tried to do some research to see with other people were sentenced under the act. The worst I've seen is multiple years of probation and a fine (and a warning to not go near the store in question anymore).
Would any of you have any experience with Georgia law? If not, I could just use someone to talk to. My mum keeps reassuring me, but there hasn't been a day that's gone by in several weeks that I haven't woken up on the verge of another panic attack. Also, anything out of the ordinary brings me to tears. For example, one of the maintenance men in our apartment complex was lazy (and texting on his phone) and pulled up in front of our apartment across the parking spaces horizontally. I saw this when we were driving in from the store, and I flipped out. I live in fear of the cops coming and arresting me again. Any strange noise outside is upsetting. I'm so afraid they're going to put me in jail, even though everyone's telling me that they'd never do that for something like this (because even people with serious drug possession charges have gotten off with probation under the First Offenders' Act).
It's taking forever to get a court date, and that's what's stressing me out the most. I really just want it over with, so I can get on with my life.
I could just really, really use some support. Keeping it to myself just makes it worse and worse, until I finally break down and cry it out. Then I feel better for a little while, until it comes up in my mind again. And to make matters worse, the incredible stress is making my health worse.
I'm just.. really scared. >_< Sorry..