Its been 3 months already, I dont have anything yet. Could it be because the DA has decided not to charge me? =(
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Its been 3 months already, I dont have anything yet. Could it be because the DA has decided not to charge me? =(
It could be that no charges are forthcoming. Three months is a long time, but it is not outside the realm of possibility that things are just slooooow.
To provide some help to people who are going throgh the same situation as me, I will keep updating.
what happened lastly:
I emailed to the police office public email asking questions about warrant or charges, the officer told me to call the Warrants office to check whether there is a warrant for me. If you are in Sacramento, call 916 8080 600. I am not sure whether its the warrants' office of all the CA, but try. Its good to check directly with the authorities since the letter might have got lost on its way to your mail box.
So. I called, and they told me that a warrant was sent out (although I had not received it physically. See what I was talking about?)
I went to the headquarters ASAP and fingerprinted and was given a court date. I went to the court after that to see how things work as the audience (optional, but if you can, go, so you have an idea of how things work). There were arraignments for DUI cases, but I think it might be similar for other misdemenour cases' arraignments like petty theft. I learnt that the judge offers the offenders punishments. The offenders may plea guilty (or no contest, which is the same) and accept the punishments, or ask for the advise of a public defender. So I think I am going to "ask for advice" (ask for public defender).
Here, I want to thank cdwjava for the help and support I received all this time. =)
Getting to an end =)
I went to court few days ago. There around 5 other people who were convicted of petty theft, but many of them had priors, and some of them I do not know whether they have prior but they had heavier punishment than I got. I am probably the luckiest one.
The judge was very explicit, explained to us how the pleas work, and our rights.
When it was my turn, she first read the maximum punishment, and then ask the distric attorney what offers they had for me.
The DA's offer was a 1 day DEJ class.
The judge asked me whether I accept the offer, I, of course, accepted this merciful offer.
But then she asked me whether I give up voluntarily the right of receiving support from an attorney. I was not sure whether consulting an attorney will make me give up the DA's offer. I asked the judge about this. The judge noticed that I did not fully understand the procedure, so she assign a Public Defender to me, since I do not work at all.
The PD was very kind, she told me that she could tell that I was a good person, and that it was reported that I showed regret (since I was walking back to the store at the moment the LP went out for me).
Normally, the crime gets into your record, and then gets dismissed after you complete a diversion program or any other offer made by the DA and the Judge.She offered to help me to get a PRE PLEA, which means that, if I complete the DEJ class, this incident will not even get on my record.
So, I went to a 1 day DEJ class, and now I only need to go back to court in 2 months for the "dismissal" confirmation. But I am basically done.
What I've learnt: Nothing is more valueble than the doors of opportunities that you could have with your career and skills. Do not close your doors by falling into this shameful temptations. Get ONLY what you need and what you DESERVE, and of course, in your capacity of paying it, not stealing it.
I have been deppressed for almost half a year, not worthiit... now I am so happy that I got my life back.
Let's be a good person, hope that everyone who reads this can learn from my experience.
Here, I want to thank cdwjava, and firt_time_offender. Although we do not know each other, but these kind people have been by my side all the time. They kept me company through this rough time. Please receive a big hug of mine, with my most sincere gratitud.
I am so glad to hear that everything is coming to an end. I was able to get through everything with the information everyone here provided and I'm glad I was able to help you do the same.