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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2011
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    4

    Default Caught Shoplifting in California

    My question involves criminal law for the state of: California

    My girlfriend and I were caught shoplifting at an electronics store. We were charged by the police with 484 pc - Petty Theft as a misdemeanor. Booking is required and it's not a correctable violation. We're both 20 years old and this is our first offense. She had to sign a promissory note saying that she will pay back the stolen items. We do however have some of the items and are returning them to the store tomorrow morning. We're going to try to work out a deal to pay off the debt, though we are both college students that are un/self employed.

    We weren't sure what to do or say (though they had us in separate rooms) because this is our first offense. We definitely learned our lesson and will never be stealing again.

    We were wondering if we should get a public defender and how. Will we be able to lessen the charges, whatever they may be? Will there be a lot of fines and extra payments that we have to make? I read in some of the other posts about civil demands and i'm not sure if we got one or not.

    We're really panicking here.

    Please help.

    Thanks!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    6,808

    Default Re: Caught Shoplifting in California

    A civil demand is involved in most cases. The promissory note - I've never heard of that being used before.....so not sure if you will get both.

    When you go to court, plead Not Guilty and ask for a public defender (this will have a payment obligation). You will have court costs, fines, and costs for stuff like a diversion program, community service, etc.

    I'd get a McJob if you can, as shoplifting costs around $1500+.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2011
    Posts
    4

    Default Re: Caught Shoplifting in California

    thanks for the reply.

    We were wondering what might be the consequences as far as after court. what might happen to us?

    would it be 1500+ for each of us? or both combined? i believe our court date is at the same date and time so i'm assuming we're having it together.

    also if we get a civil demand will we have to go to court if we still pay for it?

    thanks

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2011
    Location
    North Miami Beach
    Posts
    71

    Default Re: Caught Shoplifting in California

    You were each charged separately so the fines are separate.

    As far as the promissory note... that's only used for employee's or shoplifters who have stolen merchandise in their possession from prior shoplifting acts. Is that the case here?

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jun 2011
    Posts
    4

    Default Re: Caught Shoplifting in California

    Yes, but this is the first time we were caught.

    However, our case number is the same and our court dates are the same. Does that still mean we'll have to get separate Public Defenders as well as separate court fines etc?

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Apr 2011
    Location
    North Miami Beach
    Posts
    71

    Default Re: Caught Shoplifting in California

    Quote Quoting nonymous
    View Post
    Yes, but this is the first time we were caught.

    However, our case number is the same and our court dates are the same. Does that still mean we'll have to get separate Public Defenders as well as separate court fines etc?
    Did the store already know you had stolen from them in the past or did you tell them? Were you charged with only what you stole that day or were you charged for what you had stolen previously as well? It sounds to me like they had id'ed you on video for past acts and were just waiting for you to come back again.

    and yes, you're still going to have to pay separate fines.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jun 2011
    Posts
    4

    Default Re: Caught Shoplifting in California

    Yeah the store already knew and we admitted to them. We were charged with what we took that day. and you're right about the id'ed on video part.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    6,808

    Default Re: Caught Shoplifting in California

    You and your friend have separate charges, separate cases.

    $1500+ for each of you. As you've stolen before and admitted it to the store...I would expect that figure to climb.

    Your case may look like this...again EACH:
    Civil Demand: (this amount varies by how much you stole, and state laws on the amount).
    Court costs and fines: (will depend on your area)
    Public Defender: $250+
    Community Service: $400+
    Antishoplifting Class: $400+

    Since the store knew you stole before, be glad your charges are not heavier....robbery, larceny...

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