Most Hampton shoplifting cases begin in the Municipal Court of Hampton . The judge, Byron Jernigan, can hand out tough sentences in shoplifting cases. First-time offenders may be eligible for pretrial intervention. However, defendants who do not get into pretrial intervention or fail to complete this program can get lengthy jail sentences.
Every defendant charged with shoplifting in the Hampton Municipal Court can transfer their case to the Henry County State Court by requesting a jury trial. This will create an additional, internet accessible record of your charge. However, this may be advisable in serious and repeat cases where Judge Patten is likely to impose a substantial jail time.