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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Posts
    2

    Default Caught Shoplifting - Citizenship Pending

    My question involves criminal law for the state of: California

    I was caught shoplifting a few days ago.
    I was charged with 488 total amount $175. The LP gave me a copy of Private Person Arrest and told me I will get a letter in the mail with my court date after that they let me go home.

    My record is clean. I have never done something like this before and I don't know what to do?
    Do I hire a lawyer? What if I can't afford a lawyer?
    What should I expect to happen to me?
    Will I go to jail?
    How much fine will I have to pay?

    To make matter worst... I have my oath ceremony for citizenship next month.
    Prior to my appt. I must answer one of the questions, have you been
    arrested, cited, charged... for breaking the law? Yes or No.

    If I say YES, will I lose my chances for citizenship?
    What if I don't know the outcome of my charges, do I still say Yes?

    I have been scared and losing sleep over this. I realize it was the stupidest thing I've ever done. Please help me.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Behind a Desk
    Posts
    98,846

    Default Re: Caught Shoplifting - Citizenship Pending

    As of yet you haven't been arrested (in the sense the USCIS means); you'll have to wait and see if you receive a citation or are formally charged before the hearing. You answer all questions truthfully.

    It does make sense for you to consult a lawyer. I would try to find a good one, who is willing to try to intercede with a prosecutor before charges are authorized to try to work out a resolution ideally without charges being authorized. I can't promise that's possible in your state and county, but it's what I would try.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Posts
    2

    Default Re: Caught Shoplifting - Citizenship Pending

    Thank you for your response.

    From what I have read so far, it could take a month or longer to get a letter in the mail. The LP did fill out some kind of ticket aside from the other form he game me a copy of, but he didn't finish filling it out and he said he couldn't give me a copy anyway so I don't have to stay and wait for it. He said I'll just have wait for it in the mail. I don't know what the ticket means but I just remembered that he took my thumb print.

    Does that mean that I was charged or I will be charged and arrested?

    I can't afford an attorney at all, so I might have to go with a PD and besides
    my oath ceremony is in 3 weeks and I don't know if I 'll receive the ticket in the mail before that date.

    I will answer yes to the question in my citizenship form... that I was cited and bring a copy of the citation given to me.

    My question is.
    Will they put my citizenship on hold until I resolve my case? Or will they deny citizenship altogether?

    Thank you in advace for the help.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Posts
    273

    Default Re: Caught Shoplifting - Citizenship Pending

    If you go ahead with your citizenship then you risk it being revoked later. Consult an attorney NOW and they will tell you how to answer.

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