Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft fisrt offense need help

[rtfroxy]

im 23 and i got charged with petty theft, i spoke to some lawyers and , 2 of them told me to ignore the civil restitucion charged but im reading here that i need to pay, and since its my first offense , is this going on my record or can i use a expounge or how does that work?

 

[Guest]

You dont expunge a Civil action. The fine your talking about is Civil Demand and the consequences for not paying can be severe. Its your call but if you ask me I say you pay. Were you charged crimnally?

 

[StoreDetectiveVet]

Lawyers told you to ignore the Civil Demand?
Bad idea, your fine can be greatly increased if the store involves THEIR Lawyers. so you could turn a $50 fine intoma $1000+ fine after they tack on court costs and lawyer fees.

 

[thelawjournal]

Not to mention that if the store did not file criminal charges this might provoke them to do so

 

[Guest]

This not the first (or the last I suspect) that I hear that some fool Lawyer insanely advise a client not to pay Civil Demand. That would be your second dumb move! Would you like to see that fine go into thousands? Would you like the store to file criminal charges, if they havent already? Are you a gambler? If yes then fine ignore the letters and Gamble all I just said. If not play it safe and smart and pay this fine right away

 

[rtfroxy]

im not sure if i have been charged criminally but i have a notice to appear in court, lawyer told me to ignore the letter the store is going to send me because there just trying to make extra money out of me and just worrie about the fines in court, i mean im scared of whats going to happen i work for a bank and if petty theft is going to be on my record its going to be a problem, and yes i know why did i do it, stupid move thats going to cost me more than what i tried to take, i live in california and i rlly dnt know whatto do or how to aproach this situacion

 

[rtfroxy]

when my court day comes should i ple guilty or not guilty?

 

[thelawjournal]

Its up to you what you do but we advise not ignoring that letter. By the way if you have a notice to appear then you have been charged and should seek legal advice on what to do but walking in and pleading guilty is not one