Hi. I am in desperate need of help.
I was charged with petty theft in august 2005 as an 18yr old for stealing merchandise worth $32. I hired a lawyer and was given 40 hours of community service by the Judge, and after that I was told that it would not show up on my record. This happened in Contra Costa County, California.I don't think I was placed on probation because I would have been told that.
Now in March 2008, I was caught stealing merchandise worth $300 at Bloomingdales. It was in San Francisco County, CA and I was given a misdemeanor citation and have to appear in court in a month's time. What consequences would I be facing? I am an Engineering student at UC Davis, and am worried about my future (employment etc.). Should I hire a lawyer ( I can't afford one, but will try to muster up the money if it is absolutely needed, which I think it is). Will my past record have a major impact on my case? Am I facing jail time? Is there any way I can just get by with paying fines?
I do realize I have a problem with shoplifting and have decided to go to counseling and i really, sincerely want to fix this problem and move on with my life. But I am really worried that this offense is going to hurt me in a big way. I really appreciate any help that I can get. Thank you very much.
I was charged with petty theft in august 2005 as an 18yr old for stealing merchandise worth $32. I hired a lawyer and was given 40 hours of community service by the Judge, and after that I was told that it would not show up on my record. This happened in Contra Costa County, California.I don't think I was placed on probation because I would have been told that.
Now in March 2008, I was caught stealing merchandise worth $300 at Bloomingdales. It was in San Francisco County, CA and I was given a misdemeanor citation and have to appear in court in a month's time. What consequences would I be facing? I am an Engineering student at UC Davis, and am worried about my future (employment etc.). Should I hire a lawyer ( I can't afford one, but will try to muster up the money if it is absolutely needed, which I think it is). Will my past record have a major impact on my case? Am I facing jail time? Is there any way I can just get by with paying fines?
I do realize I have a problem with shoplifting and have decided to go to counseling and i really, sincerely want to fix this problem and move on with my life. But I am really worried that this offense is going to hurt me in a big way. I really appreciate any help that I can get. Thank you very much.
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