first time petty theft in California Criminal Records, Expungement

THE $500.00 is Civil Demand (read more here) http://www.parentnook.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=3934 its unrelated to any court fines or your criminal case but it is state law. If you want this off your record then talk to your Attorney about ACD or Diversion as plea options. I am a Retail theft Consultant and deal with this daily. Long as your record is clean and your county has such a program you should be able to protect your record but again talk to your Attorney he will know for certain

 

If you're convicted, that conviction will forever stain your good name. Only a full pardon from your state's governor will cleanse the stain of any conviction from your former good name.

But, you're innocent until proven guilty.
So, stop talking, appear in court, plead not guilty, hire a lawyer (or beg the judge for a public defender), stay outta that store, keep outta trouble, wait, let your lawyer try to work magic for you.

A diversionary program (ask your lawyer) will appear to help, all it'll do is lessen the immediate pain.

Whatever you do, don't take things that don't belong to you.

 

I hope that's not your defense

 

That story never works. You, as have we all, the right to remain silent. That has worked. It's not your job to explain why something happened, or how innocent you are. It's the state's job to prove your guilt. Just lawyer up and shut up. It lessens the potential for pain.

 

Here is something on "Accidental shoplifting" http://www.parentnook.com/accidental-shoplifting/

 

They have heard that excuse (though I'm not saying you aren't telling the truth) a "million" times - can't use that. You need to talk to a lawyer about your options.

 

Only if Children's services get involved or you try to fight charge and DA uses that

 

Public defenders aren't automatically assigned.
The court will want you to provide PROOF of your earnings, holdings, wealth.
They also have ways yo check in places that you might never know about.
So, do tell the court the truth.
Be prepared for the court to say, sorry, no PD for you, you make too much money.
How much is too much money?
Let's put it this way, I've seen people denied PDS making $35,000 a year.

In your state, the money has all but been spoken for and the state is strapped.

Just be ready and always have a PLAN B, C, D, and even E.

 

It might become an issue.
If you're smart, avoid mentioning it.
If asked about it, use your right to remain silent.
Whatever you do, don't admit to anything, don't lie, just refuse to answer under your right to remain silent.

 

You're welcome.
You'll be just fine.
Its good you're nervous, that way you'll never get involved in any questionable activities for the rest of your life.
This is not what your mother and father taught you, I'm sure.
So, stay strong, kiss your baby, hug your baby, and promise your baby you'll always look after the precious darling and stay free as a bird so you can keep your promise.
Life is easy, we do stupid stuff, and that makes life hard.
Just don't ever do any stupid stuff.