Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Shoplifiting, first offense

[ttimeandacrayon]

I was caught shoplifting for at a major retail chain. It was over 100.00 but under 200.00 dollars worth of things taken. The store was video surveillance of me taking the items as well as previous trips where I have taken things as well. They said they wouldn't call the police but they did. He came and I was arrested and charged with petty theft. They gave me a ticket with court date in December. I am 20 years old and I live with my parents. I have never been charged with anything before. I am so ashamed that I did something like this and I am actually relieved to have been caught. However, I have no money to hire an attorney and I don't want my parents to know about this. I don't want to burden them with my mistakes. What can I do about this?

 

[army judge]

Appear as instructed, plead not guilty, request the court appoint a public defender; then stay out of that store, shut up about this, keep out of trouble, lay low, let the lawyer work to lessen the pain.

 

[shrinkmaster]

When you meet with this Public defender ask about plea options like ACD or Diversion which should protect your clean record

 

[Betty3]

Since you can't afford a lawyer, ask the court if they will appoint a public defender. You need to speak only to the public defender about your options. Other than talking to the PD, keep quiet about this.

Don't steal again.

 

[mightymoose]

Since Californians foolishly approved Proposition 47, low level offenses like this are even less likely to see prosecution. The state will have its hands full with bigger fish and the prosecutor will be more than happy to throw you back.