First-time felony mail theft charge in Utah — what outcome would you expect?
I’m in Utah and facing a third-degree felony mail theft charge and a Class B misdemeanor theft charge. I have no prior criminal history and have never been in legal trouble before.
I took a THC gummy that hit me much harder than expected. I went to the package pickup/mail area of my apartment complex, saw a UPS package that wasn’t mine, and made the incredibly stupid decision to take it. The package was worth under $500. There was video of the incident.
I’m not blaming the gummy or trying to excuse what I did. I made the decision, take responsibility for it, and deeply regret it.
I hired a criminal defense attorney and we’re currently waiting on discovery. My biggest concern is avoiding a permanent felony conviction. I’m more than willing to pay restitution and fines and complete probation, community service, classes, or whatever reasonable conditions are required.
For anyone familiar with Utah or who has dealt with a similar first-time, nonviolent felony, what was the outcome? Were you able to get the felony dropped or reduced to a misdemeanor, get diversion/deferred prosecution, a plea in abeyance, or otherwise avoid a permanent felony conviction?
I know nobody here can predict my case. I’m mainly looking to hear from people who have been in a similar situation.