In Middletown, USA, Peter Broke into a Home, Stole Approximately

Essay

In Middletown, USA, Peter broke into a home, stole approximately $10,000 in jewelry and electronics, and consumed a bottle of wine before he fled the scene in a stolen car. The police stopped Peter after observing him swerving, speeding, and then slowing down on the interstate highway. During the stop, police saw the "loot"
stashed in the back seat of Peter's car and suspected he was involved with more than driving while intoxicated. Peter was properly arrested and booked for the driving-while-intoxicated charge. The police believe Peter's fingerprints will match those discovered at the burglary scene and are likely to charge him with burglary and larceny as well as grand theft auto. He has just called you, his long-lost friend from college, to ask whether he should retain counsel because he has no money, but during his call to you, he fully admits to the charges. This is Peter's first time in the criminal justice system, and he doesn't know what to expect. He is wondering whether he will have to go to court, and what will likely happen. What can you advise him?