Petty Theft and Vandalism in California Library?
A couple of days ago I was cited for 488 Pc Petty Theft and 594 (A)(2) Pc Vandalism.
I was in the library after hours until 12AM (study hours for college students) since I was not done using a book to write a paper and the library was about to close, I decided to rip the cover off the book (Paperback book, $10 value), put it in my backpack and walk out thinking I could get through the security gate without the alarm going off. Unfortunately the gates went off and the library police was there to stop me as I had to show what I had in my backpack and there was the book with a ripped off cover.
It was a really bad decision on my part because students can borrow books for FREE from this library, but since it was after regular library hours, checkout privileges were over.
I was feeling stressed out because that whole week was going to be full of papers and presentations and I PROMISE that that type of behavior was not me.
Now I am feeling more stress and anxiety than before this incident. I don't know what to do and my court date isn't until January 2010.
I am a 22 year old college student with a clean record. FIrst time EVER getting in trouble throughout my 17 years of going to school.
If I am given the opportunity to state my case...That would be my story.
How bad are the consequences?
Do I need a lawyer?
(I hope this all make sense)
CIted in November 2009 and Court Date is in January 2010.
Thank you very much!
A couple of days ago I was cited for 488 Pc Petty Theft and 594 (A)(2) Pc Vandalism.
I was in the library after hours until 12AM (study hours for college students) since I was not done using a book to write a paper and the library was about to close, I decided to rip the cover off the book (Paperback book, $10 value), put it in my backpack and walk out thinking I could get through the security gate without the alarm going off. Unfortunately the gates went off and the library police was there to stop me as I had to show what I had in my backpack and there was the book with a ripped off cover.
It was a really bad decision on my part because students can borrow books for FREE from this library, but since it was after regular library hours, checkout privileges were over.
I was feeling stressed out because that whole week was going to be full of papers and presentations and I PROMISE that that type of behavior was not me.
Now I am feeling more stress and anxiety than before this incident. I don't know what to do and my court date isn't until January 2010.
I am a 22 year old college student with a clean record. FIrst time EVER getting in trouble throughout my 17 years of going to school.
If I am given the opportunity to state my case...That would be my story.
How bad are the consequences?
Do I need a lawyer?
(I hope this all make sense)
CIted in November 2009 and Court Date is in January 2010.
Thank you very much!
