This is one of my two favorite California Penal Code citations: PC666. The other one being PC187. LOL
Petty theft is often one of the least serious crimes, usually a misdemeanor punishable by very light penalties: In most cases a small fine up to $1,000, and/or as much as six months in county.
Of, however, you have prior petty theft convictions, PC666 can change that.
its known as California's "petty theft with a prior" and turns a silly petty theft into a wobbler.
That means the PERSECUTOR can charge it as a misdemeanor OR a felony charge.
If charged as a felony, PC666 PC with priors can punch your ticket for up to three years in a luxurious Gov. Jerry B state prison!
Yeah, its kinda harsh for a chump charge that many times arises out of a simple shoplifting.
most of the time the shoplifter didn't boost anything much of value.
With a $5,000 bail, it looks as if the PERSECUTOR has charged yours as a felony.
You could get at least 13 months up to about 18 months.
With your state's budget problems, and with good behavior, you might be out on paper in 3-6 months, at the most.
That presumes you're convicted.
It's time to lawyer up and shut up.
With a little luck and a decent PD, you might get it dropped to a misdemeanor and probation.
Plead not guilty, ask for a lawyer, stay out of more trouble, be smart, if you can give something, you could get something.