Last year I did something really dumb one night, commited theft in a shop for something worth about 5000 baht. I dont know why. I had a lot of stuff going on and just snapped.
Inevitably the police caught up with me, I knew it was going to happen. What i didnt expect is the police would pile six charges on me: 14 years maximum, and 1 year minimum. It seems like they were aiming for a bribe, the investigating officer said as much when my lawyer tried to get the charges reduced. Unfortunately - and i dont fully know why - my lawyer didnt trust the investigating officer and wouldnt offer anything, so my case proceeded to court with no charges dropped.
Right now I'm still on bail, the court has set a plea hearing at the end of the month. I can plead guilty and get sentenced immediately, or not guilty and face trial over the next 6 months. Although evidence is damning, there's no way I'll win a trial.
My lawyer suggests plead guilty. With it being my only offence, and such a small amount, and a guilty plea, I might just a year or two on probation (suspended sentence).
I was just wondering if anyone had heard of a foreigner getting a suspended sentence before? I certainly haven't. It seems like judges usually give foreigners very long sentences?
To add to the mix, I also have a minor form of cancer. I've already seen thai prison, healthcare is non existant. That seriously worries me - being in jail with no treatment. It could get a lot worse.
Interested in any advice, experience? What would you do, or plead? I have one month to try and figure something out. I'm at a loss right now - I could get a small probation or a decade in jail - it's hard to choose the best way to deal with this. I'd love to hear any experiences or advice.
I know this is my first post on this account, and probably people might think im trolling. So feel free to pm me asking for my Line id, and i'll send you a photo of the court appointment/charges.