West Virginia Petty Larceny

Summary

The user is facing a charge of petty larceny in West Virginia for a trampoline worth $230. The user claims to have been unaware that the trampoline was stolen. The user was arrested and has a court hearing scheduled. The user has not been able to secure legal representation and has been advised to apply for a public defender. The user was also informed that lack of knowledge about stolen property can be a defense in West Virginia.

Full Conversation

Misdemeanor petty larceny.
What state are you in, ****? The laws and penalties for misdemeanor petty larceny vary by location.
West Virginia
What specific item or amount of money was involved in the alleged larceny?

In West Virginia, petty larceny involves theft of property valued less than $*,*. It's a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and/or fines.
A trampoline worth $*
In West Virginia:

- Petty larceny is theft of property valued less than $*.
- It's a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and/or fines.

Nearest Court: Kanawha County Courthouse, Contact: (*) *-*.
Will i go to jail
It depends on the court's decision. Have you hired a lawyer to represent you in court?
I dont have the funds for that
What about applying for a public defender? They are lawyers appointed by the court to represent individuals who cannot afford a private attorney.
How do i do that
In West Virginia, you can apply for a public defender by filling out an application at your local Public Defender office. Nearest Office: Kanawha County Public Defender, Contact: (*) *-*.
The party got the trampoline back and still pressed charges
Did you return the trampoline voluntarily or was it recovered by the police?
I didnt know it was stolen so the police came and got it
Did you inform the police that you were unaware the trampoline was stolen when they came to retrieve it?
Yes and the officer still charged me with peti larceny
Did you receive any documentation or citation from the officer at the time of the charge?
No, they waited * weeks and said i had a warrant
Did you receive any official notice or documentation about this warrant?
No, bot until they was arresting me
Did you have a chance to explain your situation during the arrest or afterwards at the police station?
No
Have you been able to speak with a public defender or any legal representative since your arrest?
No
What date were you arrested on?
Yesterday
What is the date of your court hearing?
September 26th
What is the name of the court where your hearing will be held?
Wayne County Court House
What is the exact charge mentioned in your warrant?

In West Virginia, lack of knowledge about stolen property can be a defense. Consult with a public defender.

Wayne County Court House, Contact: (*) *-*.
Peti larceny
In West Virginia:

- Lack of knowledge about stolen property can be a defense.
- Consult with a public defender.

Wayne County Court House, Contact: (*) *-*.
The court didnt give me an option for public defendant
Did you request for a public defender during your court appearance?
Yes
What was the court's response when you requested a public defender?
They gave me a form saying what i was being charged with but nothing about a lawyer
Did you fill out and submit a request for a public defender at the local Public Defender's office?
They didnt give me the option
You can directly apply for a public defender at the local Public Defender's office. Nearest Office: Wayne County Public Defender, Contact: (*) *-*.