Arrested for Shop Lifting Misdemeanor, First Offense

My question involves criminal law for the state of: California, Los Angeles

Hello guys,

So last week I was arrested for shop lifting at a retail store in Los Angeles. I have no record nor have I even shoplifted before this day. I saw a partly open package for a micro-sd card and I got an evil idea. I put it in my pocket thinking "This thing is so damn small, this is like the easiest thing in the world!" I can't believe my stupidity. I walked out the store and was instantly stopped/cuffed by LP and taken to the back room. In tears I complied with them and answered questions, I could not believe how stupid I was. They got all of my info and explained to me what was going to happen from their end. The police then came and switched handcuffs, took note of me, and then walked me out to the car so they could shove me in the back and drag me to jail. When we got there they checked to make sure I was not lying about having no history, put me in a holding cell for a little while, and gave me a ticket-instructions. Today I am going back to the jail to self-book myself, as I have 7 days to do so. Then I am waiting for a court date, and letters from the retail store in the mail.

When I go to court I understand how to go to conduct myself, but I am just not sure what to plea. Everyone is telling me to plea not-guilty and get a public defender so I can get a lesser charge. However if the sentence the judge gives me is not that bad I am considering pleaing guilty. The reason for this is that I do not have a lot of time left in Los Angeles with my family before I return back to Orlando to continue school. I do have no priors, and a background of doing community service and starting a non-profit so I believe that eventually once probation is up I can get this expunged as a one time stupid thing.

But I guess at the end of the day I am here looking for advice to help me make decisions and sleep better at night. I think the time I have spent beating myself up is multitudes worse than what a judge can do to me at this point. =[

Thanks~

Hi,

You need to consult with a Criminal Defense Attorney today or tomorrow. In the area where you shoplifted.

You can get a lawyer to handle things for you....or return to California a few times to deal with it. The attorney will best know how to handle everything, from plea, to working out a deal. To knowing if you need to appear in person for more than sentencing.

For a Public Defender - you need to qualify as too poor to afford a lawyer. I do not know your finances.....but since you are able to go to Orlando from California to school...that could be a factor....

If your parents have money, you would be best to turn to them to finance a lawyer. PD's are equally qualified, but have less time to spend on your case. Ask for 1st Time Offenders, etc.

You do not have any priors. I assume the Community Service is volunteer work? And you started a non-profit. And you are going to college. None of this will matter to the judge or prosecutor. Because it shows you are smart enough to know better than to shoplift.....

In most cases....you will be looking at a Civil Restitution from the store. It will cost a lot more than the stolen item. Also court costs and fines. Expect it to run $1000+, and that does not count for attorney fees, flight to California for fingerprinting, mugshot, sentencing, etc.

For the record...that retail store...part of the paperwork likely include a ban from the store...and that usually means ALL their stores. So that means you stay out of any location they have.....even out of state. Or they can arrest for Criminal Trespass.