Arrested at Albertson's with no ID
in jan my boyfriend and i stole two bottles of tequlia. we are both over 18, but not 21. since i was the one who concealed the bottles, i was taken into the back room by a loss prevention agent and returned the merchandise. they tried questioning me, but i wouldn't give them any information since the police were already on their way. they told my boyfriend to leave, but he had my wallet(we paid for the rest of our groceries) so i had no form of identification when the cops got there. the totaled amount was $46.37 and i was told i couldn't return to the store for 6 months. i was then arrested and taken to the station when they finger printed and ticketed me. i was never photographed or given a "number" so does that count as an actual booking? my ticket says its a misdomenor code 484a/490.5 PC.-shoplifting. what is going to happen in court though? it's a first time offense ever so do i even need a lawyer? lastly, do i have to plead guilty or is a "no contest" even possible in criminal court? i appreciate any feedback. - drea
Re: Arrested at Albertson's with no ID
Quote:
Quoting jellysox0687
i was never photographed or given a "number" so does that count as an actual booking? my ticket says its a misdomenor code 484a/490.5 PC.-shoplifting. what is going to happen in court though? it's a first time offense ever so do i even need a lawyer? lastly, do i have to plead guilty or is a "no contest" even possible in criminal court?
You were printed and cited for a misdemeanor - you were arrested.
When you go to court, the first hearing will be an arraignment. At that hearing you will be asked to plea to the charges ... Guilty, Not Guilty, or No Contest. If you do not have an attorney, the court may assign you counsel if you are sufficiently indigent. There is a chance that the charges might be reduced to an infraction if you have no priors and the DA is in a good mood, in which case a publicly paid attorney would NOT be available as you would not face the possibility of jail time.
Pleading "no contest" would have the same outcome as "guilty". The only difference is that you do not admit to guilt, so it cannot always be used against you in a civil matter.
I would recommend you consult an attorney prior to your court date.
- Carl
Re: Arrested at Albertson's with no ID
thanks for the advice. is an infracture necessarily better than a misdomenor in the long run? i'm a sophomore in college right now, so i'm just curious to know what would be better to have on my record when i start applying for jobs. if jail time is a possibility, is it better to just do it and let it go? or is that worse than fines, probation, etc. i know i have to face the consequences and it probably won't be good so i just want to know what is best in the interest of my record. thanks
Re: Arrested at Albertson's with no ID
Quote:
Quoting jellysox0687
is an infracture necessarily better than a misdomenor in the long run?
Yes. An infraction is much better than a misdemeanor.
Quote:
if jail time is a possibility, is it better to just do it and let it go?
That's something to discuss with an attorney. Different counties will have different ways of typically handling this. If charged as a misdemeanor, expect at least one day in jail, a fine, restitution, and probation for a couple of years.
- Carl