I was arrested 5 years ago in MA for shoplifting property with the value of $278. In MA theft over $250 is considered a felony. It was my first offense and I was only 19 years old. At the time I settled with my state appointed public defender and she was absolutely terrible! I spent all in all about 10min in court that day and had no idea the power your defense attorney can have in possible getting a charge reduced to a lower offense. I was just giving a job as a assistant teacher for the BOE in New York, which is were I am currently living, I only spent 4 years in Boston for University. I fear that this felony conviction will cost me my job. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!