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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Posts
    5

    Question First Offense Shoplifting - What To Do?

    Early May I was in an Active store in Southern California. The alarm went off, I was stopped before leaving the store. The shirt was valued at $18. I didn't mean to take the shirt. I put it in my bag because I had several shirts in my hand, a couple over my shoulder, and was trying to put aside the shirts I knew I was going to get. I got a phone call from a friend saying that I needed to head over to their house immediately & I put down the stuff but I forgot about the one in my purse. I made up some dumb excuse because I heard that if you say admit to it, they'd go easier on you. I guess it was the nerves & heart pounding & crying that made me think it would actually work. A police officer came & just gave me a ticket. It's my first offense. I have never been a thief nor will I ever be. But what is the most rational way to do this? I don't want to waste my time trying to prove myself innocent because it may sound like a dumb excuse to the judge. I have college, work & planning a wedding coming up next month. If I am convicted, what are the possible charges? Am I going to have to ask if I can lower it as an infraction? Can infractions even be expunged? Help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.

  2. #2
    panther10758 Guest

    Default Re: First Offense Shoplifting - What To Do?

    The most likely is 490.0 a misdemenaor with penalities of

    . Fines less than $500.00
    . Community service
    . Ban from retailer
    . Probation

    along with Civil Demand (unrelated to court fines) proably around $200.00

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Posts
    5

    Default Re: First Offense Shoplifting - What To Do?

    Will anything be on my record? Is it better to fight it? i can't afford an attorney. I heard that they only appoint you a DA once & you have to find one after that. How do you know if you are able to get a DA?

  4. #4
    panther10758 Guest

    Default Re: First Offense Shoplifting - What To Do?

    If convicted yes it will be on your record. The "DA" is the one who opposes you in court. If you cannot afford an Attorney one will be appointed to you. However once case is over judge often adds dollar to final judgement to pay for public defender. It is never a good idea to face criminal charges with legal representation. When you do speak with an Attorney paid by you or not ask about diversion programs and if you qualify. Diversion can help you keep this off your record and still meet penalty requirments

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Posts
    5

    Default Re: First Offense Shoplifting - What To Do?

    Any chance this can be lowered as an infraction? I really want to fight this thing becomes I'm not guilty but if it's just going to waste my time, I'd rather not. If I plead innocent but they still find me guilty, is there a bigger consequence? I appreciate your time.

  6. #6
    panther10758 Guest

    Default Re: First Offense Shoplifting - What To Do?

    If you plead not guilty but are found guilty expect the max for punishment. Plea deals are not offered at that point. You can meet with an Attorney in his/her office and discuss this many will grant a free ofice visit.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Posts
    5

    Default Re: First Offense Shoplifting - What To Do?

    How about asking if it can be lowered to an infraction? I mean, do I even ask that or will they give to it me as an option? Can I expunge that from my record?

  8. #8
    panther10758 Guest

    Default Re: First Offense Shoplifting - What To Do?

    I cannot say if they would lower it I have never heard of a theft charge being lowered to an infraction. What you wan tis diversion not expungement. to expunge your record takes years. If you are granted diversion then once you meet the requirements no convitiion appears on your record

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Posts
    5

    Default Re: First Offense Shoplifting - What To Do?

    So if I am granted a diversion, will NOTHING be on my record? & how & where do I ask? before I go to court?

  10. #10
    panther10758 Guest

    Default Re: First Offense Shoplifting - What To Do?

    Diversion programs vary ask your Attorney.

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