Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Help- Caught shoplifting and don't know what to do

[SoScared]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: CA

Last Friday, I went into a store to get some lotion. I then realized that i don't have my wallet. Instead of leaving and coming back, I took the items out of their box and put them in my pockets. I got caught as I was walking out of the store. They put me in handcuffs and walked me to the back of the store. The total for the item was close to $40. I didn't have my ID or anything so I gave all the info verbally. I think the reason the police was called was b/c i had no way to ID myself. The police took me into their car and was about to take me to jail.

After pleading, they were able to search up my records and then let me go with a ticket w/ a court date. The date is set for 3/1/10. How should I get prepared. How should I plea? I can't afford a lawyer. I am a college student and 20 years old. I don't want ANYONE to know about this, especially my parents. This is my first offense. I was clean before this. I really don't want this to appear on my records. I am so scared that I can't sleep/ All i can think about is this case. I don't want my furture to be ruined by one stupid impulse decision I made.

Please Help, Please tell me what to do. From what I heard, I can't get a free lawyer unless I am facing jail time. Do u think it can get to that? How should I plea? What actions should I take? I also have to go to the police and have my finger printed and possibly a picture taken. How do I save my future? I learned my lesson, that was a stupid one time thing I did. PLEASE HELP- I BEG YOU!!

Also, i am seeing a criminal defense lawyer tomorow for a free consultation. My friend told me something about probone, in which a lawyer can offer free services. How would I do that?

 

[thelawjournal]

Find a pro bono Lawyer will be very difficult. When you meet with this Lawyer ask him if Diversion is available in your case. If so that should give you your desired results

 

[NormanJr]

Take a deep breath. You have come to the right place.

Call your courthouse and ask to talk with the public defenders office. They can assist you. Also start calling lawyers as many offer free consultations. Also, your college might have legal aid available for kids that go to school.

You are not the first person to get caught shoplifting. While what you did is serious, it is not a huge ordeal. Also, as much as you do not want to tell your parents, I would tell them. They might have been in a similiar situation and can help you financially afford a lawyer. Right now, you CANNOT afford to go to court without a lawyer. They are the pros that can help you resolve this amicably. You are in college, you have your whole life ahead of you....ask for help!!

Take a deep breath again.
Search for lawyers.
Contact the Public Defenders office.
Pay your civil demand.
Obey the trespass.
Steal no more.

 

[SoScared]

Thank you for the replies. I have a few questions.

What is the difference between an infraction and a diversion?
Also, is the best chance to plead not guilty?
And even if I tell my parents, all it will do is get them to worry and get them to yell at me. And our family is very tight on money so even if i tell them they wouldn't be able to help me even if they want to.

And I definitely will not do that anymore. Shoplifting is not me.

 

[thelawjournal]

What is the difference between an infraction and a diversion?An infraction is like a traffic ticket, a misdemenaor is a criminal offense
Also, is the best chance to plead not guilty?If you walk into court and plead guilty Judge will sentence you. If you want time to talk to a Lawyer and arrange a plea deal then plead not guilty
And even if I tell my parents, all it will do is get them to worry and get them to yell at me. And our family is very tight on money so even if i tell them they wouldn't be able to help me even if they want to.
What you do with your parents is your concern but hiding things fro them may be equally if not more unwise. Its your call

 

[NormanJr]

Your parents could provide you with emotional support.

You are an adult so its your call, but I would check into the NASP or some sort of support group. I am not saying that you are a habitual shoplifter or a bad person, but I highly doubt this was your first offense shoplifting something from a retail store.

Plead not guilty when you go to court. I would also try and contact the Public Defender prior to your courtdate and see what they can help you with.

 

[litahardyz]

I am in the EXACT same situation as you, and I completely understand how you feel. I've been awake all night because I am so upset over the whole situation. I too, do not want to tell my parents. They will yell and scream and lecture, and I'm not entirely sure if they'd help me. They'd probably say you need to grow up and figure things out for yourself. Most of all, I really don't want to see the look of disappointment on their face. I'm very worried about the court fees. I don't know how much they'll be and your supposed to go to court with the money to pay the fees. And I really want a lawyer, but I don't have the money for one, and I want this to never be on my record. I am also in the process of enlisting in the Air Force, and I'm scared for how this will effect that. I don't know what to do either!