Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Caught. 17. California. Store Name. 1st offence.

[iamsosorry]

I got caught stealing from STORE NAME and I will never steal again.
They said they will mail me a court date in a month or month in a half.
Police came.
I had tools but I think they arent going to do anything about that.
I almost received 2 felonies but ended up with 1 misdemeanor, I know, i am very lucky.
I am banned from the store and mall for 2 years.
They said the store will Fine me and the court will fine me.
I am at a very low income and I don't think I can pay it.
What should I do?
What questions should I expect?
I've been stealing for about a year and this is the first time they caught me.
Should I tell them I've only been stealing for about a month? They knew I was experienced because of the tools I had.
I turn 18 in 4 months.
Please help, I am truly sorry.
Since this was at a mall and I only got caught from Nordstrom, they also found items I stole from other stores throughout the mall, what will they do with that?
They caught me for a $20 handkerchief but I had around $200 worth of goods from other stores.

 

[thelawjournal]

Re: Caught. 17. California. Nordstrom. 1st offence.

What should I do?

Ask for payment plan

What questions should I expect?

Questions from who?

Should I tell them I've only been stealing for about a month?

You should keep your mouth shut unless you have an Attorney present

what will they do with that?

Return it to the store(s). Now you could be charged with felony theft over this for several reasons. You need to start calling Lawyers!

 

[sadanna]

Re: Caught. 17. California. Nordstrom. 1st offence.

wow.. 200?? your civil demand is prob going to be 500 then...

i remember i shoplifeted, and it was like 75 dollars and my demand was 400! >.<

i just got the court date in the mail 3 days ago. i wanna know wat they will ask to.

im so nervous i have no idea wat to do either or wat to even say wen im there

 

[Guest]

Re: Caught. 17. California. Nordstrom. 1st offence.

You say only what your Lawyer tells you to say!

 

[sadanna]

Re: Caught. 17. California. Nordstrom. 1st offence.

but i cannot afford a lawyer.. so wat r they going to ask me??

 

[thelawjournal]

Re: Caught. 17. California. Nordstrom. 1st offence.

If you cannot afford an Attorney ask for Public defender

 

[sadanna]

and so u ask for a public defender during court? like in the middle of court? or how does it really work? and wat if i dont get one would that make thigns really bad??

 

[NormanJr]

Before you get before the judge, contact the courts. They can advise you on when and how to obtain the public defender.

 

[sadanna]

but what if i dont get one??
my court date is tmr morning. and i havent consulted n e one. >.<
and so i have no idea wat to do really.
im just gna spill and stand there by myself.. without a public defender or an attourney..
wat do yo uthink its the worst theyll do to me??

 

[thelawjournal]

Ask for one when you go to court.

 

[sadanna]

okai so i just went to court without one..

it took 2 hours for them to finally call my name up.. they gave me 3 options.

1). get a atourney or lawyer. allowed 2-3 weeks

2). here the offer ( as in penalities and consequences)

3). ask for a public defender

so what i did was i just heard the offer, and the offer is 30 hours of community service. and since i work and go to school, they gave me three months to fill up to 30 hours.

and they said that after i do that. and i show proof to them, the case is dismissed...

does that mean there's no court charges??
does that mean it doesnt go on my record??

the judge was actually pretty nice to me... so geah i was literally up there for 2 miunutes or less.

 

[thelawjournal]

You should have asked that at court now its its too late. However based soley on what you posted it appears you will "not" have a criminal record