How to Keep a Misdemeanor Theft Charge from Going Onto Your Record

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Georgia in Bulloch county. I was caught shoplifting item worth $45 from a kmart store. I was not arrested or taken to jail. I was given a citation to pay a fine of $745 and charged 1st time misdemeanor. What can I do for the charge not be be on my record or to expunge it and how do to avoid paying such huge fine. This is my 1st offense, I have never been involved in any crime, never had a ticket citation all my 7years in the States and my 3years in Georgia

If convicted or if you plead guilty, you should be eligible for First Offender status. If you complete the program successfully, it won't be on your criminal record. Not much you'll be able to do about the fine. You'll also be looking at probation fees as well plus a civil demand from Kmart. Depending on your immigration status, you may want to check with an attorney prior to pleading guilty, if you choose to go that route.

Hello Freeman. Thanjs for your response. If you read my post properly, I stated I was NOT jailed neither was i convicted. Was only given a citation. What is a first time offender status? What does a first time offender status mean? What program is it that you talking about if I complete it? Is it possible to get a probation fee without being jailed for a crime? Honestly I'm confused

Quote:

---

Quoting Venice

---

If you read my post properly, I stated I was NOT jailed neither was i convicted. Was only given a citation.

---

Which for all intents and purposes was the SAME as being arrested.

I disagree because when arrested they get your finger print and take a mug shot

If you say it is the same as being arrested, does it mean if you get a traffic citation to pay a fine, it is the same as being arrested???

How to Keep a Misdemeanor Theft Charge from Going Onto Your Record

Don't commit one.

Quote:

---

Quoting Venice

---

Hello Freeman. Thanjs for your response. If you read my post properly, I stated I was NOT jailed neither was i convicted. Was only given a citation. What is a first time offender status? What does a first time offender status mean? What program is it that you talking about if I complete it? Is it possible to get a probation fee without being jailed for a crime? Honestly I'm confused

---

I did read it properly, thanks. Maybe you need to go back and read mine properly? Where the heck do I say anything about you being jailed or convicted. I said if you are convicted. You were technically arrested and released on your own recognizance with the citation as a promise to appear in court.

First Offender is a program for wait for it...first offenders. In other words, if it's your first crime you are given a shot at being a good boy/girl. The program is normally probation, fines and community service. You do it all properly, the charge goes away.

I am very familiar with how law enforcement/arrests/citations work in the State of Georgia.

Quote:

---

Quoting Venice

---

I disagree because when arrested they get your finger print and take a mug shot

If you say it is the same as being arrested, does it mean if you get a traffic citation to pay a fine, it is the same as being arrested???

---

If you don't like the legally correct advice you've gotten, feel free to pay an attorney.

Quote:

---

Quoting free9man

---

I did read it properly, thanks. Maybe you need to go back and read mine properly? Where the heck do I say anything about you being jailed or convicted. I said if you are convicted. You were technically arrested and released on your own recognizance with the citation as a promise to appear in court.

First Offender is a program for wait for it...first offenders. In other words, if it's your first crime you are given a shot at being a good boy/girl. The program is normally probation, fines and community service. You do it all properly, the charge goes away.

I am very familiar with how law enforcement/arrests/citations work in the State of Georgia.

---

I am in the EXACT same boat, unfortunately, the only difference is it happened at Costco in California! For same $$
What would be the process here? Plead guilty or not guilty!? Use a public defender or get a lawyer?
Thank you!

Hi! I am in exact same situation! But I wasn't giving the option/amount to pay back, just a citation and court date! How about you? Thank you

Hi! Do you know how different/similar the process would be in the state of CA Placer county? Thank you.

Quote:

---

Quoting Sara123

---

I am in the EXACT same boat, unfortunately, the only difference is it happened at Costco in California! For same $$
What would be the process here? Plead guilty or not guilty!? Use a public defender or get a lawyer?
Thank you!

Hi! I am in exact same situation! But I wasn't giving the option/amount to pay back, just a citation and court date! How about you? Thank you

Hi! Do you know how different/similar the process would be in the state of CA Placer county? Thank you.

---

Make your own thread.

Quote:

---

Quoting Venice

---

I disagree because when arrested they get your finger print and take a mug shot

If you say it is the same as being arrested, does it mean if you get a traffic citation to pay a fine, it is the same as being arrested???

---

Disagree all you want. The answer you were given is correct. Take it for what it's worth.