Sharon calls us to tell us she has been arrested for grand larceny. She is accused of stealing $5,000 worth of merchandise from a lingerie store at the mall. She has several questions for us about what has happened and what will occur during the next few days.
a. Sharon tried to put all of the stolen lingerie on and sneak out of the store with it covered by her clothing. She was arrested when the store security officer noticed her bulging pants and sweater, and alerted a nearby police officer. Sharon says she should not have been arrested because the police did not have an arrest warrant. Is she correct?
b. Sharon wants to know when she can ask to have an attorney appointed to represent her as she does not have the money to afford one.
c. Sharon told the arresting officer that she was pleading not guilty. Is this the proper way and time to enter a not guilty plea? If not, when will Sharon get this opportunity?
d. Finally, Sharon is hoping that at her trial, the jury will find her "innocent". Does this happen at criminal trials? What is the best verdict Sharon can hope for?