Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

I am a 19 years-old girl who has just commited a 1st time Petty Theft (484 P.C.). of $139 in Sacramento. I am writing to you with a great deppression. I am very dedicated to school with a high GPA, and Im a beloved friend and student, and had never done anything ilegal but volunteering and assisting people and school. I regret so much for this stupidness. I actually thought about that before I leaving, and in less than 50mts away from the shop's door, I turned around and walked toward the store with an intention to return them. But...too late. They would not believe that I was truly going back and return it. So even I cried, they still filed me.

Now, I just want to do everything I can do to fix it, and have this event dissapear from my life. I dont want it to affect the rest of my life.

Questions:

I was told that I could do community service and have it unrecorded in my history. How many hours approximately would that be?

I was also told that I would have to pay a fine. How much money would that be? (an estimate)

I read your comments on this webpage to help people, where I witness your kindness, and found out that I would have to ask for a public defender on the day I go to court and see the judge. Is this what I should do too?

What other things should I do to prepare for the day I go to court?

I will appreciate a lot your help with all of my heart


Asked on 9/21/10, 12:24 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

Yes, this is going to affect the rest of your life. I can't comment on what you were "told." Some people get their legal advice from relatives, friends, or even cops. Make sure the person doing the telling has a license to practice law in California. Preferably this person should be the lawyer your family hires to defend you.

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Answered on 9/26/10, 3:22 pm


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