Marybeth Thatcher
New member
My friend is on informal probation for 2 DUIs which she got a couple years ago. She's completed all the requisite DUI programs and paid the thousands of dollars in fines, but she is still technically on informal probation. Last night she made a stupid decision and got cited and released for shoplifting. Is jail automatic for her? Are the shoplifting and informal probation violation two different charges? The circumstances surrounding the shoplifting, w/out getting into detail, are very bizarre on top of everything- it's not a straightforward shoplifting situation. She's on serious psych & heart medication and absentmindedly took something out of the store. That notwithstanding, however, is jail time guaranteed? I'm just trying to figure out how to help her. I've contacted a lawyer but we're both pretty financially strapped & I'm concerned I will choose one who just takes her money and doesn't help. Any guidance would be much appreciated!
I wanted to add the reason for my query is that she really needs medical treatment and medical/psychological rehabilitation & my fear is that jail time will only throw her farther into her illness, and when she comes out of jail she'll be beyond help. I just want to try to avoid that if there's a recourse of action/something we can do to try and get her rehabilitated (isn't that the whole point of jail and the justice system?) without jail time. She has a bad heart, so jail time may kill her. It's extremely unfortunate and EXTREMELY stupid of her to have made this mistake, but dwelling on it won't help her. I'm not denying her responsibility in this; I just want to get her through this and get her the help she needs while helping her square away/atone for the legal portion of all this.
I wanted to add the reason for my query is that she really needs medical treatment and medical/psychological rehabilitation & my fear is that jail time will only throw her farther into her illness, and when she comes out of jail she'll be beyond help. I just want to try to avoid that if there's a recourse of action/something we can do to try and get her rehabilitated (isn't that the whole point of jail and the justice system?) without jail time. She has a bad heart, so jail time may kill her. It's extremely unfortunate and EXTREMELY stupid of her to have made this mistake, but dwelling on it won't help her. I'm not denying her responsibility in this; I just want to get her through this and get her the help she needs while helping her square away/atone for the legal portion of all this.