Petty Theft at Costco in California 484 PC

**4millyandpearl** · 02-01-2011, 08:59 AM

My question involves criminal law for the state of: California
I made a very bad decision on 12/3/10. I was shopping in Costco and put a pair of $70 head phones in my purse. My intention was not to take them, but hide them until I reached the check out. As, they were a gift for someone I was shopping with. When I reached the check out I paid for my items and then realized the item was still in my purse. I was too embarrassed to pull it out and I made the WRONG decision to try and walk out w/them. Needless to say, I was busted by security. I had my receipt checked and I don’t think I was even out of the building and security asked me to step into a room. The man was hostile he bellowed “give me my stuff back”. When I pulled it out he said that’s it? I said “yes”. He had someone ring them up and came back w/the total and when they told him it was 69.99 he said “they aren’t more”? Then he called the police. They took my picture, had me sign something saying I would NEVER come back to Costco, removed me from my husbands membership and then the officer issued me a ticket to appear on 2/25/11. Since, I have not received a summons or civil demand and I called the court and they do not have a record of the case listed at the top of the ticket….yet.
This is my first and only offense. Other than a traffic ticket I have NEVER had any issues w/the law. I am 41 and made one of the stupid-est mistakes of my life. Help.

**Mr. Knowitall** · 02-01-2011, 09:35 PM

If your question is, "Will anybody believe my story," sad to say, even if it's true the answer is "No." The store LP and manager won't believe it, the police won't believe it and the prosecutor won't believe it. Why not? Because "I hid something for a silly reason and simply forgot to pay" is an excuse used by thieves on many occasions, every single day of the week, month and year.

A local lawyer may be able to advise you if you are eligible for diversion or a deferral; such special treatment is often restricted to younger offenders, but policies vary by state and county. It's certainly worth exploring ways to avoid a conviction.