Criminal Records, Expungement first time petty theft in California

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amnaqui

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Hello about three weeks ago I was caught walking out of the door with some items about $200. The loss prevention guy stop me at the door took me to the office and police was called I got a ticket saying that I have to appear in court next month. I don't have any record at all no tickets, nothing.
My biggest concern is that this doesn't stay in my record and how much would I have to pay. I also got a letter from that store changing me about $500 they are assuming I already went to court and that's why they want me to pay them, I am really scared, and don't know what to do.
 
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
 
amnaqui said:
Hello about three weeks ago I was caught walking out of the door with some items about $200. The loss prevention guy stop me at the door took me to the office and police was called I got a ticket saying that I have to appear in court next month. I don't have any record at all no tickets, nothing.
My biggest concern is that this doesn't stay in my record and how much would I have to pay. I also got a letter from that store changing me about $500 they are assuming I already went to court and that's why they want me to pay them, I am really scared, and don't know what to do.
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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.
 
Thanks truth is I wasnt hiding the items I was caught in the moment I had a call and it was important so I didnt realize I still had all that in the cart
 
amnaqui said:
Thanks truth is I wasnt hiding the items I was caught in the moment I had a call and it was important so I didnt realize I still had all that in the cart
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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.
 
amnaqui said:
Thanks truth is I wasnt hiding the items I was caught in the moment I had a call and it was important so I didnt realize I still had all that in the cart
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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.
 
Betty3 said:
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.
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I won't be getting my own lawyer I'm sure lawyers are expensive. I'll be taking a public defender I really hope it goes smooth for me that day!
 
The loss prevention guy told that they would never believe me that it an accident.
I also forgot to mention that I had my 1yr old at the moment that happened would that make it any worse?
 
amnaqui said:
I won't be getting my own lawyer I'm sure lawyers are expensive. I'll be taking a public defender I really hope it goes smooth for me that day!
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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.
 
army judge said:
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.
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I make way less than that about 13,000
But you think the fact my baby was with me would be a big issue?
 
amnaqui said:
I make way less than that about 13,000
But you think the fact my baby was with me would be a big issue?
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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.
 
army judge said:
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.
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thanks you are such a good help for me right now. Court day is a month from now but I'm so nervous.
 
amnaqui said:
thanks you are such a good help for me right now. Court day is a month from now but I'm so nervous.
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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.
 
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