Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Petty Theft, Need Help/Advice

[feathermoon33]

Hi, I was cited Sunday night for petty theft (under $80) and I need to know what I can expect on my court date. I have been told to plead not guilty so a public defender can take my case. I have never been in any kind of trouble before, I don't even have a ticket. I have two kids and do not have money to pay the fines so I was thinking about just doing the time. Does anyone know about how long I'd be in jail considering my situation? Is it worse to serve time than to pay the fines according to the records or when an employer or someone looks up my past?
What is the best route I can take to get this taken care of quickly and eventually taken off my record? What are some things I need to know that will help me? What are some things I need to make sure the public defender does to help get me the lowest sentence? (I realize they don't all want to help and do what's in my best interest so I'd like to be aware of all the options he has to help me)
This was ONE moment of complete bad judgement; normally I never would have done this. I would hate to think that one time of bad judgement will forever keep me from getting good jobs. I was planning to find a job in AZ in 6 months so I could move out there, but it looks like there's no way that will happen now...
I am in Santa Barbara, CA. Any help is greatly appreciated!!

 

[mafioso]

Definitely doing jail is never good. You would qualify for a differed program and get probation. Depending on your state's statute, it might be expugnable after a while. Plead not guilty as suggested and get a public defender. It would definitely affect your background checks and jobs. You can read my past threads on such issues………You would fine a lot on theft already answered here.

 

[feathermoon33]

Now I'm being told to not plead at all and just go up and ask for counsel. Which one is best at the first court date? Plead or not plead?

 

[feathermoon33]

Thanks for all your guy's help...seriously what good is this site when no one bothers to answer questions or private messages. Everyone says look at our previous answers in other posts, but not all of them are the same or asking the same questions.

 

[Scooterdog]

Now I'm being told to not plead at all and just go up and ask for counsel. Which one is best at the first court date? Plead or not plead?

YOu can ask for a continuence to find a lawyer. Tell the judge you don't want to plead until you have had a chance to talk to a lawyer.

 

[seniorjudge]

...
I have been told to plead not guilty so a public defender can take my case
...

I think that is a good idea.

 

[mafioso]

Thanks for all your guy's help...seriously what good is this site when no one bothers to answer questions or private messages. Everyone says look at our previous answers in other posts, but not all of them are the same or asking the same questions.

You simply have to do what I suggested in my first post to you...........Same as the seniorjudge suggested too.........

 

[Scooterdog]

Now I'm being told to not plead at all and just go up and ask for counsel. Which one is best at the first court date? Plead or not plead?

You shouldn't plead until you have a lawyer. YOu can get that continuence before your hearing date. Go to the clerk of court and ask, also ask about how to get a lawyer. IT may be a simple form you fill out. When you get your continuence, make sure you have it in writting or they will say you never asked. Just one of the games they play.