Shoplifting at California

[mamamya]

I got caught shoplifting at CVS. I am 18 years old right now. I dont know how much did I steal. I was too panicked to even hear what was the police and the manager of CVS were talking about. This was my first offense. I feel really traumatized that I swear I will never do this again. I was actually going to buy some school stuff, such as binder and eraser. I saw many pretty things that made me wanted to take it. I know I should not have and I feel really ashamed and hate myself for that. Plus, I have been worried sick because I just got married last year on September and I was going to apply for green card with my husband’s help, which means I’m still an illegal alien at this point. I don’t know why I did that and I’m really terrified right now. I dont want to be deported because I have been doing research and many of them said that I can get deported. I’m too afraid to face the judge and my court date is on May 11. Neither of us working, so we don’t have any money to hire a lawyer. What should I do? I am a 4.0 student at college and planning to transfer to university. I made the stupidest mistake and now im really scared. I realized that I deserved it, but I just wished that they would give me a chance. I promise with my life I will never do this anymore. Please, give me an advice on what I should do? Would I be able to get a diversion? And for information, on the arrest aplication paper that the police gave me, under “special instruction and mandatory information”, right under his signature, it says “amount of money” and he put $9.00. Is that how much the items were?Please, help me.

[cdwjava]

I assume this is a citation you signed. Does it have a statute number on it? (PC 484/488, or 490.5? Something else?)

This is probably a petty theft complaint. That should not result in deportation unless you are eventually booked into jail and held there. However, you would be well advised to speak with an immigration attorney regarding what might happen if convicted.

If you cannot afford an attorney one will be appointed for you by the court at or about the time of the arraignment (that will be the court date on the citation).

[mamamya]

It says PC 490.5. What is the difference between them? Is it smaller crime with less punishment?

[cdwjava]

It says PC 490.5. What is the difference between them? Is it smaller crime with less punishment?

The punishments are the same, they are just different ways of charging the theft.

[mamamya]

Do they offer diversion program at Rancho Cucamonga court?
I'm sorry if I'm asking too many questions.
I'm just very afraid and I want to know what might happen to me.

[cdwjava]

Do they offer diversion program at Rancho Cucamonga court?
I'm sorry if I'm asking too many questions.
I'm just very afraid and I want to know what might happen to me.

I am not specifically familiar with whether or not shoplifting diversion is available there or not. A call to a local attorney might provide you with that info.

[mamamya]

Thank you so much for your help. I will call the attorney for that info. I may ask more questions later on. I hope you don't get tired of my questions. Thank you very much.