Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

My question involves criminal law for the state of: California, Los Angeles

Hello guys,

So last week I was arrested for shop lifting at a retail store in Los Angeles. I have no record nor have I even shoplifted before this day. I saw a partly open package for a micro-sd card and I got an evil idea. I put it in my pocket thinking "This thing is so damn small, this is like the easiest thing in the world!" I can't believe my stupidity. I walked out the store and was instantly stopped/cuffed by LP and taken to the back room. In tears I complied with them and answered questions, I could not believe how stupid I was. They got all of my info and explained to me what was going to happen from their end. The police then came and switched handcuffs, took note of me, and then walked me out to the car so they could shove me in the back and drag me to jail. When we got there they checked to make sure I was not lying about having no history, put me in a holding cell for a little while, and gave me a ticket-instructions. Today I am going back to the jail to self-book myself, as I have 7 days to do so. Then I am waiting for a court date, and letters from the retail store in the mail.

When I go to court I understand how to go to conduct myself, but I am just not sure what to plea. Everyone is telling me to plea not-guilty and get a public defender so I can get a lesser charge. However if the sentence the judge gives me is not that bad I am considering pleaing guilty. The reason for this is that I do not have a lot of time left in Los Angeles with my family before I return back to Orlando to continue school. I do have no priors, and a background of doing community service and starting a non-profit so I believe that eventually once probation is up I can get this expunged as a one time stupid thing.

But I guess at the end of the day I am here looking for advice to help me make decisions and sleep better at night. I think the time I have spent beating myself up is multitudes worse than what a judge can do to me at this point. =[

Thanks~


Asked on 9/25/12, 11:35 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

The best advice we can give you is to shut up and get a lawyer. Talking to the store's security was a very big mistake. Trying to handle this yourself in court would be an even bigger one.

A conviction will haunt you for a very long time, even if it is accompanied by a light sentence. It will come up in background checks. That means it will be visible to prospective employers, romantic partners, professional licensing boards, etc. It can make matters much worse for you if you are ever charged with another crime. It might impose other significant burdens on you. It's a bigger deal than you seem to realize.

Competent counsel may be able to defeat the charges or get them reduced. You need that kind of help. And you need to stop talking about your case with anyone but your lawyer.

Good luck.

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Answered on 9/25/12, 11:51 am
Theresa Hofmeister Theresa Hofmeister, Attorney At Law

yes - hire an attorney or apply for the Public Defender. If you qualify, the PD will be appointed at the arraignment (the first court date). Do not "just plead guilty." Many criminal defense attorneys offer a free consultation - talk to some who are local to you & the case. Good luck!

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Answered on 9/25/12, 2:39 pm


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