What will happen at court for a petty retail theft?

[Michelleshvets1]

What will happen for a petty heft offense for 5 dollars worth of merchandise

 

[army judge]

What will happen for a petty heft offense at Walmart for 5 dollars worth of merchandise

You will appear at the designated hour, on the designated date.
The bailiff will instruct those in the galley, and on the docket how they are expected to behave.
Once your name is called, you approach, and the judge will ask you how you wish to plead.

I advise everyone to plead NOT guilty.
You will then request a continuance so you can HIRE a lawyer.
If you believe you qualify for a public defender, this is where you can request the court to appoint one to represent you.
If you know you won't qualify for a PD, you simply ask the judge to continue the case until you can hire a lawyer.
You make no statements, don't explain, you then answer only questions about your name, address, date of birth, IF asked.

Then you stay out of trouble, and hope the case gets resolved without staining your record.
Talk to the lawyer about options for 1st time offenders.
See if a small two time, or three time loser can get a break.
Don't rush to get it over with, it benefits you NOT.

 

[shrinkmaster]

If your record is clean you might qualify for ACD or Diversion so ask your Attorney if your county has such a program