Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft HELP!! FIRST TIME SHOPLIFTING....CITATION PANIC

[cupcake123]

Other than parking ticket, I have never been in trouble until I was caught shoplifting today. Worst day of my life. Store called police, I wept, was handcuffed, but not brought to jail. Brought to police sub station, officer was really nice, said this was a citation, and that he was not fingerprinting me or anything, and that I clearly learned my lesson. He gave me citation, and that was it. Got home, and saw`that I HAVE TO APPEAR IN COURT. He said nothing about that, made it seem like it was similar to a speeding ticket, and that I may have to pay a fine, and would get a letter. DO I HAVE TO GO TO COURT, or just pay the fine? After reading the forums, I am so scared. It was checked off as petty misdemeanor. PLEASE HELP. ANY SoCAL specifics would be especially appreciated.

 

[jordan]

More than likely you will be required to pay a fine to the court, civil demand to the store ($200-$300 range), and participate in a diversion program. To get the best possible result you should get a lawyer to assist you, if you can't afford one you need to request a public defender. In all cases you should press for a diversion program.

Completing a diversion program will likely result in no record. It is not the end of the world, and if you take the right steps this will not show on your record - unless you are caught shoplifting in the future again...

 

[cupcake123]

JUST CALLED LAWYER>>>NEED ADVICE

I am the person who just wrote the panicked post below ("HELP") I called a random local lawyer, and he said he could go to court for me ( I would never have to step foot in court), and "make it go away". Especially if I agreed to a 12 step program. It would be expunged and I would not ever see a court. This sounds ideal. Please advise....can this really happen? (His fee is not cheap)

 

[jordan]

Post within the same topic please...

That can really happen - the 12 step is a diversion program. Call around, and ask for rates. There is a large variance between different lawyers.

 

[thelawjournal]

Actually the 12 step program is probably CASA run by Terry Shulman. Personally I have some limited dealngs with Mr. Shulman and I would not recommend CASA. Other programs exist that should meet Diversion program standards one of these I am very familar with and is run by NASP. I can provide you contact info with NASP Director if you wish just send me PM