Legal Question in Administrative Law in California

Misdemeanor For Petty Theft...What Happens Next?

I got caught for shoplifting in Fountain Valley, CA because i was stupid and took matter into my own hands by swapping a defective product i bought at a retail store and switched it for a good unit. I am a decent citizen (age 20), raised with relatives who are in the law field (e.g. police officers, lawyers) and brought up with the fact that you should never stal. But my question is, what will happen to me now that i got a ticket for petty theft (misdemeanor). How long will that misdemeanor stay on my record and is there anything i can do to get rid of it? Can i do community service instead of paying a hefty fine because at my place of work, i make very little and wont have a few hundred dollars up front to pay this fine. Please help me out here. Sorry if i didnt have a solid question for you guys but i would really appreciate it if you can help me. I'm scared out of my mind here! Thanks.


Asked on 7/28/02, 11:12 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
David Diamond Diamond & Associates

Re: Misdemeanor For Petty Theft...What Happens Next?

A misdemeanor will stay on your criminal record until you expunge it. There are many times where we can work with the corporate attorneys for the establishment and work out a civil compromise. You will have to pay for their damages in exchange for no criminal charges. This is something that you can retain us for. Please contact me at 310/277-1707.

Sincerely,

Lawrence Wolf, Esq.

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Answered on 7/29/02, 11:18 am


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