Shoplifting in California
My question involves criminal law for the state of: California
ive been caught shoplifting at target before but no cops were involved. i settled it with target who had bennet and deloney law firm handle the case. i paid 500 dollars. at the time i was 17. its been two years now and im 19 i was recently caught shoplifting at walmart. again walmart had bennet and deloney handle the case. im paying 225 to walmart. but this time the police were involved, so i got a ticket from them also. i have to appear in court and i had a couple of questions.
1. If i got a fine from walmart will i also get one from the court?
2. If i do get a fine from the court how much will it most likely be for my shoplifting ticket?
3. What will most likely be the the judges decisions? (ie. probation,comm service,jailtime)
4. Would this be my first or second offense because the first time i was underage and police were not involved so im not sure how that works?
5. Will this go on my record?
6. If this does go on my record how badly does it effect my chances of getting a job?
7. Should I write an apology letter to walmart?
Re: Shoplifting in California
1. Yes.
2. That depends upon the size of the fine the court sets, and the assessments involved. Probably somewhere between $500 and $1,500.
3. For a first offense, usually probation, fines, possibly community service.
4. You weren't prosecuted the first time, so this is a first offense. (The times you weren't caught aren't counted either. ;))
5. Yes.
6. That depends upon the employer's policies.
7. I would suggest following the advice of your lawyer and not sending off letters unless your lawyer tells you it's okay.