Current Problems . . .

[Gina Taylor]

Around the end of May I met this nice woman that seemed comfortable with me being a transsexual. We hung out for a while and then she went away for 6 weeks. Then when she returned we were at Wal-Mart and she was doing some shoplifting and we got caught. The Florida Statues of limitations put it as a petty theft and my lawyer has already entered a not guilty plea. But he has told me that my best option is to get a pre-trial diversion. It will take a year to complete and as long as I stay out of trouble at the end of the program I can avoid the stress and cost of a criminal trial, avoid potential criminal charges, avoid a potential permenant criminal record, receive counseling or psychological treatment, reduce recidivism rates for those who successfully complete the Pre-trial Intervention Program and I may have criminal record of arrest expunged, if otherwise eligible. Now the problem I'm faced with is that some people feel that by my going out dressed during the year may cause some problems, such as if I get stopped for a traffic citation, they feel that this could endanger things.

[suzifrommd]

Let me get this straight. Were you shoplifting? Or did you just accompany her while she was shoplifting?

[Sydney_NYC]

Just because she was shoplifting doesn't legally mean you were if she admits that you had no knowledge of her doing it. You are innocent until proven guilty and the prosecutor would have to prove that you were involved in the shoplifting. If your friend says that you were involved or there is incriminating evidence on video, then that is a different story.

[Jess42]

Ok, this friend was shoplifting. Did she say anything about you having no knowledge of her shoplifting. All she would have to do is tell the authorities that you had no knowledge of what she was doing. If not, you really don't need to be friends with her whether she is comfortable with you or not.

As for getting pulled over dressed en femme, as long as you are respectable to the officer, make him or her feel at ease and in no danger whatsoever, don't argue the fact and seem apologetic. Believe me transsexuals are the least of a cops worries when they pull someone over, it's usually their lives they are worried about. Especially at night. If stopped, turn on the dome light, roll down your window and put both hands on the steering wheel. I have got out of some pretty bad speeding tickets just by making the cop feel safe walking up to my door. I usually end up getting a warning or some BS ticket like seatbelt violation. And a lot of cops a fairly respectable as long as you show them respect. I got an uncle that was a cop and I have had to deal with cops on a daily basis for a long time and I have yet had one negative encounter. Even dressed in short shorts and pink polish on my toes wearing a pair of cute sandals. Scared the crap out of me, but he was totally respectful and gave me a warning for speeding and BS DOT inspection and never made me get out of the truck. Even called me Ma'am.

Of course a traffic violation depending upon how severe like DUI, DWI, Failure to maintain control and reckless driving or anything over 15 or 20 MPH over the speed limit may get you in trouble. But dressed as a female? I seriously doubt would even phase the cop and he or she would probably care less how you're dressed. I know a deputy where I live and he could care less about you as long as you don't shoot at him or out drinking and driving or just driving stupid and running people off the road. Does that make you feel any better Gina? I drove a truck dressed really girly and have been randomly pulled over and inspected and never had a problem. Guy clothes are just so uncomfortable especially driving long distances.

[Gina Taylor]

Let me get this straight. Were you shoplifting? Or did you just accompany her while she was shoplifting?

I was just accompanying her while she did the shoplifting, but because I was there and was seen on the video I got arrested as well. 

Just because she was shoplifting doesn't legally mean you were if she admits that you had no knowledge of her doing it. You are innocent until proven guilty and the prosecutor would have to prove that you were involved in the shoplifting. If your friend says that you were involved or there is incriminating evidence on video, then that is a different story. She told the officer that I had nothing to do with the shoplifting, but because I was there that makes me a part of it. If my lawyer can't get the pre-trail program for me, then I'll have to serve a year in jail.  Hopefully the Judge or the prosecutor will see my evidence and will take mercy on me.

Ok, this friend was shoplifting. Did she say anything about you having no knowledge of her shoplifting. All she would have to do is tell the authorities that you had no knowledge of what she was doing. If not, you really don't need to be friends with her whether she is comfortable with you or not. I had some idea of what she was doing when we went in to  the Wal-Mart store, and as it stands I cannot be in any contact with her.

As for getting pulled over dressed en femme, as long as you are respectable to the officer, make him or her feel at ease and in no danger whatsoever, don't argue the fact and seem apologetic. Believe me transsexuals are the least of a cops worries when they pull someone over, it's usually their lives they are worried about. Especially at night. If stopped, turn on the dome light, roll down your window and put both hands on the steering wheel. I have got out of some pretty bad speeding tickets just by making the cop feel safe walking up to my door. I usually end up getting a warning or some BS ticket like seatbelt violation. And a lot of cops a fairly respectable as long as you show them respect. I got an uncle that was a cop and I have had to deal with cops on a daily basis for a long time and I have yet had one negative encounter. Even dressed in short shorts and pink polish on my toes wearing a pair of cute sandals. Scared the crap out of me, but he was totally respectful and gave me a warning for speeding and BS DOT inspection and never made me get out of the truck. Even called me Ma'am. I've always been respectful to officers, and I've been pulled over a few times while being dressed, and they've never given me any problems, but they've also treated me with respect as well. A friend told me that while I'm going through with the pre-trial program I'm gonna have to keep myself extra clean and avoid even a speeding ticket because it'll look bad with  me being on probation.

Of course a traffic violation depending upon how severe like DUI, DWI, Failure to maintain control and reckless driving or anything over 15 or 20 MPH over the speed limit may get you in trouble. But dressed as a female? I seriously doubt would even phase the cop and he or she would probably care less how you're dressed. I know a deputy where I live and he could care less about you as long as you don't shoot at him or out drinking and driving or just driving stupid and running people off the road. Does that make you feel any better Gina? I drove a truck dressed really girly and have been randomly pulled over and inspected and never had a problem. Guy clothes are just so uncomfortable especially driving long distances. Thanks for the good advice Jess,. It really helps to clam my nerves on my upcoming future endeavors. 

[suzifrommd]

I was just accompanying her while she did the shoplifting, but because I was there and was seen on the video I got arrested as well. 

I don't know the legality of this, but I do not believe you committed a crime. Unless you told her to do it, helped her, or lied about it, I would resist admitting guilt.

Is your lawyer appointed by the court, or did you chose him/her? If you didn't, consider getting your own lawyer. I can't imagine they want to press charges against you if you're not the one who did it, but your lawyer might just be trying to get rid of this case as fast as possible.

[Gina Taylor]

I don't know the legality of this, but I do not believe you committed a crime. Unless you told her to do it, helped her, or lied about it, I would resist admitting guilt.

Is your lawyer appointed by the court, or did you chose him/her? If you didn't, consider getting your own lawyer. I can't imagine they want to press charges against you if you're not the one who did it, but your lawyer might just be trying to get rid of this case as fast as possible.

Thanks for your good thoughts Suzi, but the shoplifting was her idea entirely. But as I said before, because I was there, that's why I was arrested as well and am being charged for the crime. In the long run, she'll get hit harder than I will because she admitted to doing the crime, and as long as I can clear my name of not being involved with it, than I might get off easier. My lawyer was appointed by the court and he doesn't want to see it go to trial and yes he wants to get it over and done with as quick as possible, so that is why he's leaning more towards the pre-trail program. I'll be seeing him again on the 11th of September. Hopefully something should be decided by then.

[Gina Taylor]

I saw my lawyer yesterday and she told me some really good news!  The judge had decided to give me the pre-trial diversion which means that I've got six to twelve months to complete this and it's only gonna cost me $230.00 and once I'm done the charge will be dropped.

Payment of restitution to the victims in the case (if any)
• No contact or un-consented contact with victim, if deemed necessary
• Payment of cost of investigation fees to the law enforcement agency (if any)
• Regular (at least monthly) contact with a Criminal Justice Officer
• Community service hours at an approved agency (minimum of 32 hours with insurance fee paid by participant)
• Psychological or Psychiatric evaluation and any treatment recommended, at participant's own expense
• Alcohol and/or substance abuse evaluation and any treatment recommended, at the participant's own expense
• AA or NA meeting attendance, if deemed appropriate
• Random Drug/Alcohol testing, at the participant's own expense
• Educational classes
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[Jessica Merriman]

[ and it's only gonna cost me $230.00

Uh sweetie, your cost's will be much higher than this. You will be surprised how much restitution they can take and how expensive investigations are. Your cost's haven't even started yet. I would be surprised if there is not an additional $5,000 - $10,000 tacked on as time passes. Sorry, but that is the way it is now. I hope it does not go that high, but be prepared for it. 

[Dee Marshall]

I'd strongly recommend that this entire thread be deleted now. It contains evidence against you and admission of guilt.

[Shannon14]

A real lawyer would get all charges dropped against you for little more than the amount they claim to be charging you for restitution. NEVER admit guilt for something you didn't do.
Court appointed lawyers are completely useless. Why do you think the poor get convicted for crimes that more well to do people don't.