Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

misdemeanor petty theft

Hello,

I was arrested for misdemeanor petty theft. i stole around $50 worth of alcohol from a grocery store and I really regret it. I have never been in trouble before so im worried and dont know what might happen. like i said, this is my first offense and I already paid the fee the store charged me($250). Now i have to wait until my court date, and im wondering if anyone can maybe tell me what will happen (fines, probation, comm service etc.)

i was very cooperative and the cops said i wont go to jail, but i still want to make sure.

im hoping to just get a fine but im sure that wont be the only thing i get.

thanks,

Eric


Asked on 10/20/06, 1:42 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Lyle Johnson Bedi and Johnson Attorneys at Law

Re: misdemeanor petty theft

On a first offense many courts impose only a fine for the first offense. You really want to avoid getting any jail time on this case. If you receive any jail time on this case, if there is a next time it can be charged as a felony. Retaining an attorney to represent you in this matter will help reduce the negative affects of this case.

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Answered on 10/23/06, 11:24 pm
Law Office Law Office Law Office

Re: misdemeanor petty theft

Eric,

Shoplifting is considered a serious crime, depending on the value of the property stolen and/or the criminal record of the defendant. In most cases, first offenses such as Shoplifting are punishable by a small fine and 1 year of informal probation. If you wouild like our law office to help you in this legal matter please contact us today at 760.243.5121.

Thanks and God Bless

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Answered on 10/20/06, 5:58 pm


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