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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Posts
    8

    Default Shoplifting at Gottschalks in California

    Hello. I was stopped for shoplifting at a Gottschalks store in California. They did call the police, and I already know that they're pressing charges. It was $72 worth of merchandise. And I'm 26 years old. I've never done anything like that in my life. I'm definitely not going to again. I have no priors. I'd just been really stressed out about money, and it's something I decided to do on impulse. And now I feel sick to my stomach because I've probably destroyed my career prospects. I'm so ashamed and embarassed by what I did.

    I was planning to plead guilty, they have me on tape. But my question was..Is there any way to have a shoplifting charge reduced to an infraction if the amount is over $50 ($72 in my case). And is this even preferable? I've been reading the forum, and it sounds like it still comes up in a background check.

    I'm a college student with a 3.9. I was planning on becoming a teacher. That requires me to get a state credential. A misdemeanor conviction will come up in a background check for a state government job even if it's expunged, doesn't it? I was planning on getting a public defender because I really can't afford an attorney. I'd be willing to do about anything to have this dismissed and keep it off my record. I'd pay about any fine or do any amount of community service. Are diversion programs mostly just for underage offenders, or can anyone apply for them?

    Any advice at all would be appreciated.

  2. #2

    Default Re: Shoplifting at Gottschalks in California

    I don't have an answer, but I just wanted to give you "comfort" because you are not alone. I was also caught shoplifting, and I am a college student who is supposed to have a bright future. I am also willing to do any amount of community service, since I already do it...I just want this off my record. My whole college education will be thrown away and I don't want that. I think the worst part is risking a family member finding out. I couldn't handle it.

    I would definitely get a public defender. I plan on doing that.

    Good luck, and remember that in a way, this is a GOOD thing. I know that if I had not been caught, I could have progressed to more valuable objects. I admit that the time I was caught it was my third time. It was not my first but I'm glad I was stopped. It started with a slimfast bar, then I stole a scale and then finally, clothes worth $97...try to stay a little positive. It's hard, but that's what's keeping me going.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Posts
    8

    Default Re: Shoplifting at Gottschalks in California

    Thanks for replying, ohio girl 21. That's probably the worst part for me too. I don't think I'll ever be able to look my parents in the eye again if they found out. I'm so ashamed of what I did. I just want to do the community service, etc, get the charge reduced if I can, or expunged if I can't, and move on. I'm afraid my family is going to find out though. My grandfather is a lawyer (tax attorney) in the city where I did it. He doesn't normally go to court, he's not a trial lawyer. But I'm horrified by the prospect of getting a judge who might know him. My arraignment is tomorrow. I'm starting to feel physically sick over it too. Good luck with your case.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Location
    Seattle, Wa.
    Posts
    529

    Default Re: Shoplifting at Gottschalks in California

    I'd suggest you get a lawyer, public defender or see about legal aid at your school. DO NOT plead guilty before talking it out with a lawyer, it can be reduced and it shouldn't effect you down the road too badly. You should expect some raised eyebrows and questions when getting your credentials so don't be surprised.

  5. #5

    Default Re: Shoplifting at Gottschalks in California

    Best is to NOT PLEAD GUILTY and ask for a public defendant or a hire a lawyer...If you're worried about money think of it as an investment down the road since this could haunt youfor therest of your life. If you can I would just hire a lawyer before your arraignment and have him talk to the DA for a possible pre plea deal or something.If you are near Lomita Cali I can suggest a lawyer there for you. Goodluck and I hope things work out.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Posts
    8

    Talking Re: Shoplifting at Gottschalks in California

    UPDATE: My arraignment was this morning. I went in there fully intending to plead not guilty, and have them assign me a public defender. However, they offered me a really good deal, so I took it and pleaded no contest. I am in California. In my county they had all the people who came to the morning session come into court, and then they called you up to speak with a probation officer one by one. They offered plea bargains in advance where they could. Or you could decline their offer and plead not guilty and ask for a public defender.

    This was my first shoplifting charge. And I have no priors of any other sort (other than a couple of speeding tickets). So they offered me what I guess you would call a diversion program. It is called Western Corrections, and it is essentially a distance education course. It costs $150 to enroll in the program, which I have already paid. They send you a book, I have to go through it and answer the questions and stuff. Once I complete it successfully, I go back to court and the charges are completely dismissed. No conviction at all, misdemeanor or infraction. I'll still have an arrest record of course, but that's not half as bad as a conviction.

    I didn't see how the public defender was going to be able to get me a better deal, so I accepted. Unfortunately, the basic fact is that I'm guilty of what I was accused of. They have it on tape too. Letting it go to trial would have been a very bad choice I think. They didn't ask me to pay a fine or do community service even. I would have been willing to do about anything to avoid the conviction. I'm so relieved, I feel like I've been given a second chance. I feel so horrible about what I did. I'm just going to put it all behind me, move on and make sure I don't land myself back in a similar situation ever again.

    Thanks to everyone who offered advice.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Posts
    8

    Default Re: Shoplifting at Gottschalks in California

    I forgot, I'm also on informal probation for 3 months.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Location
    Seattle, Wa.
    Posts
    529

    Default Re: Shoplifting at Gottschalks in California

    "I'm so relieved, I feel like I've been given a second chance."

    It sounds like a pretty good deal to me, as long as you can live with it that's all that matters. You're past the big part, letting yourself off the hook and moving on is KEY!! Good Luck!!!

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