Caught Stealing from a Retailer

[beepuke]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: California

I'm 18. I was at a retailer and stole one item totaling up to ~$17. I was given an 'appear at court' ticket by a cop, and I signed all those papers swearing that I would never step foot in the store again. I was just wondering since I've been reading around, since I stole less than $50 worth, I might be able to get an infraction instead of a misdemeanor? Is this still possible without a lawyer? I can't afford a lawyer since I'm only 18. I also read that I was suppose to plead 'not guilty'?

Also, would I get the civil demand in court? Or in the mail? How much would it be around? And don't I also have to pay a fines to the state of California?

I'm so confused, please help!

[beepuke]

Anyone? Please?

[Mr. Knowitall]

It would have been difficult for you to read the information provided about how long it takes to get a response? To follow the instruction not to reply to your own thread? To recognize that you posted on an evening on a weekend, and you expected forum volunteers to respond to your questions in barely more than an hour? To notice that your questions are addressed in the stickied threads and a good thousand or so nearly identical prior threads? Sheesh.

You'll get a civil demand if the store sends you a civil demand. Only time will tell.

We are not in a position to assess your capacity to represent or advocate for yourself without a lawyer. From your inability to follow basic instructions and what you wrote above, however, it would appear that you may have difficulty and should thus retain a lawyer or see if you qualify for a court-appointed lawyer.