Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Shoplifted in CA, Police involved, 1st offense

[bububu09]

I got caught shop lifted $700 worth of product in Northern California. Police was involved and I was brought to the station. I was charged with Penal Code 487(A) and will appear to court on June 7th. The police said that I might get a fine but maybe not a charge since this is my first offense and I was cooperative with them but she can't assure that . My question are what that "charge" means? Am I going to a jail? How much will the fines be? I know I was wrong and I'm very scared now.

 

[thelawjournal]

If your being charged with a misdemeanor your very very lucky as a theft over $400.00 in CA is felony theft. I strongly suggest you start calling lawyers! Once DA gets case he might very well seek felony charges

 

[CdwJava]

I got caught shop lifted $700 worth of product in Northern California. Police was involved and I was brought to the station. I was charged with Penal Code 487(A) and will appear to court on June 7th. The police said that I might get a fine but maybe not a charge since this is my first offense and I was cooperative with them but she can't assure that . My question are what that "charge" means? Am I going to a jail? How much will the fines be? I know I was wrong and I'm very scared now.

PC 487(a) is GRAND THEFT - a felony. You need an attorney. You could go to prison. It's not likely, but possible.

 

[bububu09]

When am I going to know my charge?

 

[thelawjournal]

PC 487 is current charge

 

[bububu09]

So why did the police said that? Is that supposed to mean that I will not be sentence a jail time but she can't assure that? Do you know how to get a public defender? and how the court process is going to be? thank you so much for our reply.

 

[thelawjournal]

Your charge appears to be a felony even if just a misdemeanor you still need a lawyer

 

[CdwJava]

It is typical that such offenses will be plead down to a lesser offense in exchange for your guilty plea, probation, fines, financial restitution, and depending on your county, maybe a theft diversion program.

 

[bububu09]

Thank you so much for the replies! Is there anything that I can do on my part to reduce or change F to M? Or it all depends on the DA and the court?

 

[CdwJava]

The level of offense depends on the DA and what he charges,. Your attorney can try to push for a plea deal that involves a lesser offense ... if he can get one.

 

[oops2]

Hey...

How did you court case go?? And what was the outcome?