Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Retail Theft/ Ordinence Violation

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Helpme1234

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I'm 18 years old, and a few days ago, got caught trying to take a small pair of earrings worth about $50 from a department store. In a moment of poor judgement, I took a pair off a card and slipped them into my pocket. After paying for another purchase and walking out of the store, LP stoppedr and brought me to a back room to question me. he said he wouldn't get the cops involved if I was totally honest with him, and I was, but he thought I took more then I did. So the cops arrived, and handcuffed me and took me to the station where they took my pictures and finger prints, then wrote me a ticket for an Ordinence violation for retail theft, (the officer told me it was like a traffic ticket) and told me I would have to appear in court. They then let me leave. So here are my questions...
1.Is ordinance charge considered a misdeeameanor?
2. Will it show up on my record? Or a background check?
3. Is there any way to get it struck from my record?
4. How difficult is it to find a job if it stays permanatly?
5. Do I need a lawyer?
6. I really don't know what to do at this point, and am worried I just totally screwed up my future, so any other important/ significant information that could help me?

Thank you all so much in advance.
 
I work in the retail theft field here are my answers to your questions but you need to consult a Lawyer

1.Is ordinance charge considered a misdeeameanor? (Theft is a misdemeanor I don't see equating this to a traffic ticket)
2. Will it show up on my record? Or a background check? (If convicted yes but talk to your Attorney about options that will protect your record)
3. Is there any way to get it struck from my record? (Yes its called ACD or diversion talk to your Attorney)
4. How difficult is it to find a job if it stays permanatly? (VERY)
5. Do I need a lawyer? ( I already answered that)
6. I really don't know what to do at this point, and am worried I just totally screwed up my future, so any other important/ significant information that could help me? (Yes take an Anti shoplifting before court and show Judge completion letter when you go to court. I know of a case where a client of mine did exactly this and Judge dismissed his case on the spot.)

Far as your work going there are several ways they could find out so yes they could. If the store that stopped you and your employer belong to a retail theft database that's one way
 
Well as far as question 1, the cop wrote it out on the same ticket they use for traffic offenses, and told me that it's a local Ordinence violation... Does this change anything?
 
Helpme1234 said:
I honestly don't know what the penal code is, or what what even means
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Here's the brief version: plead not guilty when you appear as directed on the summons the cop gave you. Make no statements, and don't confess that you DID IT. After you plead not guilty the judge sets a trial date and you might be given a lawyer, otherwise hire one. It'll be worth it. If you don't get a taxpayer provided lawyer, or can't hire one, you'll show up the second time and ask to speak with the prosecutor or city attorney. Do this ONLY if you have no lawyer. Inquire about diversionary programs.

If eligible you'll be offered a chance to make this all go away. If you have a lawyer, he or she will help you get this magical program.

Finally, stay out of more trouble and for your own sake, STOP stealing. Stores aren't STUPID, they're watching for THIEVES. They're very good at catching them, look where you ended up in HOT water.
 
Helpme1234 said:
I honestly don't know what the penal code is, or what what even means
Click to expand...

Penal code is charge like PC 490.5 or the like. Once again I personally don't see this as infraction as the Cop told you. Where it might be possible theft is not an infraction its a misdemeanor. Many Attorneys offer free initial consultation I suggest you get several even if you cannot hire one. Arm yourself with knowledge. A Public defender will not likely spend more than 10 minutes with you so you need as much info as you can get prior to using a Public defender if you go that route
 
But the only thing is, when the LP took me, I gave the items back, so isn't that an automatic admission of guilt?
The only reason I haven't seen a lawyer yet is because my parents have been out of town and I didn't want to tell the over the phone.
And yes, I totally understand that I got myself into this situation. I had a moment of horrible judgement, and I understand that this still does not excuse it.
 
Don't plan on a career in retail, or anywhere that you have to handle money or credit, unless you manage to get this COMPLETELY stricken from your record. For which you need a lawyer, since you are no longer a minor.

(And even if you do I'd have back up career plans in mind.)
 
An admission of guilt would be a singed confession or admission to Police. However if that doesn't matter as cbg has instructed you have options to reduce the damage this will cause.
 
You need to discuss this with a lawyer & see if it would be best for you & if you are even eligible.
 
If you were in fact cited for violation of an ordinance you are most likely dealing with an infraction. Ordinance violations usually do not become misdemeanors unless there are multiple violations.
Review your citation and find the charge that you were cited for. Somewhere on the citation it should be marked as an infraction or misdemeanor.
 
Was I actually arrested? I'm not sure, because they did do finger prints and pictures, I don't recall them ever actually telling me I was arrested. Can anyone help me with this subject?
 
It "sounds like" you were arrested.
 
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