I need some advice in dealing with a misdemeanor petty theft charge in California. Some questions I need answers to are: How do I contact the stores legal representatives to try to get the charges dropped? If I can get them dropped, will I still be tried? Where can I read up more on this so I can figure out my options?
Heres the scenario...
Me and a friend were caught shoplifting from a membership store. We were caught with 2 videogames priced at $44.99. The security guard (undercover) detained us until the police arrived. We were both cuffed, arrested, booked and spent 4 hours in jail. We were released and given citations (with court arraignment dates?) informing when and where to appear in court. We both have the same case number. We were very cooperative with the security guard, who took our pictures, got information, and got us to admit to shoplifting. I think if we fight it they have a strong case against us.
Should we plead not guilty and try to get the case dismissed, or plea bargain. Its a misdemeanor charge. If convicted, can I get it deleted from my record? Thank you for any advice.
Heres the scenario...
Me and a friend were caught shoplifting from a membership store. We were caught with 2 videogames priced at $44.99. The security guard (undercover) detained us until the police arrived. We were both cuffed, arrested, booked and spent 4 hours in jail. We were released and given citations (with court arraignment dates?) informing when and where to appear in court. We both have the same case number. We were very cooperative with the security guard, who took our pictures, got information, and got us to admit to shoplifting. I think if we fight it they have a strong case against us.
Should we plead not guilty and try to get the case dismissed, or plea bargain. Its a misdemeanor charge. If convicted, can I get it deleted from my record? Thank you for any advice.