Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

About a month and a half ago I was stopped at retail store in Northern California for stealing sunglasses. I don't believe they actually saw me stealing them, they saw me with them then saw me come out of an aisle without them so the loss prevention guy followed me out of the store and asked me if I took the sunglasses. I assumed they must have seen so I admitted I did and gave them back to him hoping that they wouldn't call the police. I was walked back to a room and they told me that if the amount of the merchandise was over $20 that they would contact the police. So they found out how much it was and called the police. The amount was $35. They also informed me that the department store would be sending me something in the mail telling me how much I have to pay the store. I received the letter a couple weeks ago and it says I have to pay the store $400. It said I can make $55 a month payments and that I need to make a payment within 25 days after I received letter. My court date is in 2 weeks. The charge is 484PC. I have never been in trouble before. I'm not sure if I should be making a payment to the store before I even go to court. I tried to see if I could talk to a public defender but I was told that I can't do that until my first court date so I have no idea what I'm supposed to say when I go in on my court date. I'll do whatever it takes to keep this off of my record. I know it will affect my ability to get other jobs in the future. I just need to know what generally happens in these cases and what advice you can give with my case.


Asked on 5/03/10, 3:31 pm

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

Generally, people who admit they did the crime are found guilty, and these people often have trouble ever finding work. Talk in person to a lawyer in your locality well before your court date.

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Answered on 5/08/10, 4:02 pm
Anthony Roach Law Office of Anthony A. Roach

Mr. Stone is right. You need to talk to the public defender, or a private criminal defense attorney, if you can afford one. They will want to see that letter. You don't have to pay the store restitution until ordered to, which occurs after conviction. The charge of $400 seems pretty high for a $35 pair of sunglasses, when no one has missed work yet to attend a court hearing. If you qualify for the public defender, you won't get one appointed until arraignment, which is your first court hearing. I suggest bringing that letter, as your factual recitation makes me think that it is a form of extortion.

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Answered on 5/10/10, 5:51 pm


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