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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
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    Default What Should I Expect when I Go to Court for Misdemeanor Shoplifting

    I had been caught shoplifting $700 worth of clothing and other item from Macy's in California. The store fined me $425 and I was charged with a misdemeanor in petty theft. I have a court summon two month from now and I was advised by the police officer who wrote my citation to ask for my records to be expunged so that it would not effect my employment chances. I have read on other forums that court fines can be the amount of the stolen items and upwards of $1000. It would be difficult for me to pay that amount. Is there a way for me to reduce my fines by doing community service or classes? What type of penalties and fine should I expect? Would a court appointed attorney be able to help me?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
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    18,340

    Default Re: What Should I Expect when I Go to Court for Shoplifting Misdemeanor Over $500

    Quote Quoting missanna54
    View Post
    I was advised by the police officer who wrote my citation to ask for my records to be expunged so that it would not effect my employment chances. I have read on other forums that court fines can be the amount of the stolen items and upwards of $1000. It would be difficult for me to pay that amount.
    Should have thought of that before you committed the crime of stupidity.

    Google California expungement and you'll find many sites that explain the options.

    Quote Quoting missanna54
    View Post
    I had been caught shoplifting $700 worth of clothing and other item from Macy's in California. The store fined me $425 and I was charged with a misdemeanor in petty theft. I have a court summon two month from now. Is there a way for me to reduce my fines by doing community service or classes? What type of penalties and fine should I expect? Would a court appointed attorney be able to help me?
    The following website is one of many that explain the potential penalties and options.

    http://www.criminaldefenselawyer.com...ges-california

    You might be facing jail time so you would be wise to consult an attorney.

    Call up the PD's office and see if you qualify financially.

    If you don't, you'll have to hire one with your own money if you hope to stay out of jail.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    Officially across the country from where I've been all my life
    Posts
    4,494

    Default Re: What Should I Expect when I Go to Court for Shoplifting Misdemeanor Over $500

    $700 is grand theft in CA, not petty theft so I would expect that once the DA gets hold of the file, you'll find your charges to be a little different than you expected. Grand theft comes with jail time, but the other thing is...

    you don't get to pick how much or how you'll be paying your fines. The court will expect money but you'll probably also be ordered to do some community service as well, so don't worry about that.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    6,808

    Default Re: What Should I Expect when I Go to Court for Shoplifting Misdemeanor Over $500

    $700? Not your first time shoplifting, and the amount will be noted by the prosecutor and judge. You need to retain a lawyer ASAP.

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