I was cited for petty theft.
Here's what happened. I tried to take a cocktail dress from a local department store. I've been living paycheck to paycheck right now, and I have my company's x-mas party coming up. I wanted something nice and thought I could get away with it.. STUPID ME!! I was caught and detained, then the mall police took me to the mall substation and cited me for petty theft. The dress was $343. I understand that the limit for it to be considered petty theft should be below $400, otherwise anything over $400 was considered grand theft. This occured in California and is my first offense ever.
I've been out of college for a year. I have a promising job and don't want this misdemeanor on my records. Can my current job find out?
I don't have enough to afford a private attorney, which could cost me from $1500-2000. I called the courts public defenders office and they were not able to give me legal advice. I was transfered to legal aid, but they couldn't answer any of my questions either.
Has anyone been in a similar situation in California? What was the outcome? Probation? Infration? Community service?
During a court appearance, if you plead no contest or guilty, does the judge give you a moment to plea your case?
I've been reading that most people are getting infractions? Does that stay on your record for a short period of time? When does it get erased from your records?
Most people posting comments on this have been caught for items less than $50, is there anyone out there that has been caught with $300+, but below with petty theft limits? Is the crime treated the same if it's within limits, or does the amount stolen count against you.
I'm scared, haven't been able to sleep. Consultations with attorneys over the phone have told me NOT to talk to anyone about it... I can't tell my fiance about this mess (or anyone) and it's frustrating. How does anyone cope with this? I am so ashamed...
Here's what happened. I tried to take a cocktail dress from a local department store. I've been living paycheck to paycheck right now, and I have my company's x-mas party coming up. I wanted something nice and thought I could get away with it.. STUPID ME!! I was caught and detained, then the mall police took me to the mall substation and cited me for petty theft. The dress was $343. I understand that the limit for it to be considered petty theft should be below $400, otherwise anything over $400 was considered grand theft. This occured in California and is my first offense ever.
I've been out of college for a year. I have a promising job and don't want this misdemeanor on my records. Can my current job find out?
I don't have enough to afford a private attorney, which could cost me from $1500-2000. I called the courts public defenders office and they were not able to give me legal advice. I was transfered to legal aid, but they couldn't answer any of my questions either.
Has anyone been in a similar situation in California? What was the outcome? Probation? Infration? Community service?
During a court appearance, if you plead no contest or guilty, does the judge give you a moment to plea your case?
I've been reading that most people are getting infractions? Does that stay on your record for a short period of time? When does it get erased from your records?
Most people posting comments on this have been caught for items less than $50, is there anyone out there that has been caught with $300+, but below with petty theft limits? Is the crime treated the same if it's within limits, or does the amount stolen count against you.
I'm scared, haven't been able to sleep. Consultations with attorneys over the phone have told me NOT to talk to anyone about it... I can't tell my fiance about this mess (or anyone) and it's frustrating. How does anyone cope with this? I am so ashamed...
