Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Step one: get a good, local criminal defense attorney. Look for somebody who focuses on criminal law, not somebody who just dabbles in it. Look for somebody that practices in the courthouse where your case will be heard.

Any criminal case - especially one that is a moral turpitude charge such as theft - is not a do-it-yourself project. A conviction will haunt you for years, so get a lawyer to defen you.

also stay out of that store or chain. Don't talk to anyone who contacts you saying they represent the store. Do not pay any civil demand for payment ... many people get letters implying if they pay now, they will not have a criminal case. The store does not necessarily have that authority, and payment (or statements) can be used as evidence of guilt. Forward the letters to your attorney. Good luck!

http://www.theresahofmeister.com/blog/2012/07/i-was-stopped-for-petty-theft-and-then-i-received-a-letter-from-the-store-demanding-payment-should-i.shtml