Got Retail Theft Ticket, What Happens Now?

The other day I went to this big thrift store here in Utah that I donate stuff to all the time. To make the story short.... I switched the price tag on one item (70 cent's diference ) out of three I bought. Since things have 3 different price tags or same items have two diferent prices I didn't think it wasn't a big deal, anyway security called me in the office after I paid for the items and gave me a "Retail Theft Ticket" I have to be in court next week. I have NEVER even had a parking ticket or anything, I didn't know it was a big deal really, but I have being crying this entire time because I feel I let myself, my husband and children down, can't sleep thinking about this, anyway my concern is, what happens now? do I play guilty or non guilty, I am whilling to do ANYTHING! so this doesn't go on my record that is my big concern. In what cases can a judge dismiss the case? thank you for your time and since I have cried enough please reserve crude comments and judgement and help me with the questions please.Thank you!

It sounds as though that store has nothing better to do if they gave you a retail theft ticket for 70 cents. Did the store issue the citation or did a police officer. I have never heard of a store having to power to issue court summons. Nothing is certain when dealing with the court, but is very possible that your case may be dropped since the amount is just a few cents. I hardly think the City Attorney would bother prosecuting such a junk case--as long as you have no prior theft convictions. If they decide to drop the case, (I am really convinced that they will) you will find out during your summons date when your name is called to step up to the bench. Relax, this is tantamount to going into a grocery store and unwraping a 75 cent candy bar while shopping. Reatil theft, please!

Thank you so much Mouser for your words of comfort! the people that gave me the ticket were police oficers that so the security for this store, so my tichet is frim the police department! What plea do I enter?

I cannot advise you what plea to enter; you must discuss that with your public defender if you qaulify for one. Personally, I would go to court and plead NOT GUILTY. They will not take you to trial over 70 cents. Again, discuss this with an attorney. Most of the time people plead NO CONTEST in first time petty theft cases. Even if they press charges for some reason, the most you will get is a small fine. I am basing my experience on Los Angeles courts. The courts here are overflowing with cases and the police are overbooked. If you are in a small town, it's possible (not likely, though) that they will file this case. You can try calling the clerk of the court before your arraignment and ask if these charges have been actually filed; you might get an answer.

After considering this for a few minutes, I think you should defininetly plead NOT GUILTY. Here's why: if you plead guilty, then they can clode the case and sentence you right then and there; if, however, you plead not guilty, then they are legally obligated to have a trial before a judge. They would have to assign the case to a prosecutor, subpoena witnesses and present the case to a judge. In my wildest dreams I cannot imagine that any jurisdiction would do this over a 70 cent retail loss. So, even if your case is not dropped, plead not guilty. And don't let anyone tell you that pleading not guilty would increase the penalties in the event of the court indeed finding you guilty. That only happens when defendants reject pre-trial plea deals.

My brother once stole a $3.00 earing when he was 19. He went to court only to be told that the case had been dismissed.