Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

If they file misdemeanor criminal charges, as they are likely to do, then you'll defend just like every other criminal defendant, by hiring an attorney to try to negotiate a 'plea bargain' to avoid trial and jail. He should first try to negotiate a 'civil compromise' with the store to have them drop charges, or not file, in return for payment of restitution. If serious about hiring counsel to do so, feel free to contact me.