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Caught stealing @ JCPenney with $20 worth of merchandise... Charged as misdemeanor... Expected fine amount?
Anonymous4 views4 answers
I got caught stealing at JCPenney with $20 worth of merchandise. They made me sign 2 forms. The employees told me I may have to pay a fine for JCP and another for the police department or so, not certain. It's my first offense, nothing else on my record. Any idea of how much my fines could be? I'm a second year college student and nothing like this has everything happened to me. Poor decision making has taken away my peace of mind...
I was given a ticket by the police officer and have to appear in a few months. He said I was being charged w/ petty theft and "isn't a big deal" but I beg to differ... How much should I expect my fine to be? Do I have to pay the "civil demand" by JCP? I saw somewhere on this site that I may not have to pay it? Any help would be great...
First, you're right, it is a big deal. Second, you have options, a lot of them and you should explore all of them.
Don't worry about the fine don JC Penny, they can't make you pay them anything. Just worry about the court case.
Read my petty theft guide.
Elliot Zarabi
www.FreeCriminalConsultation.com
213-612-7720
Stephanie Michelle ArracheCriminal Defense AttorneyPalm Desert, CA ·
This is definitely a big deal. You will be charged with a misdemeanor, which could hurt your future job/school prospects. You need to speak with an attorney immediately. You should not take a misdemeanor charge lightly, as you have a clean record and are a college student who is obviously trying to go places with your life and career. Petty theft charges are winnable. There are programs which will allow for dismissal either after you plead and take classes, or prior to entry of judgement. You need to contact and attorney and pay the fees to have good, private counsel. At this point you shouldn't be concerned with fines, but with protecting your record and future livelihood. Good luck!
Taking the right steps early on will be important in determining the ultimate resolution of your case. You are in a good position considering you are in college, have no prior record, and the amount is under $50. Depending on various other factors, a misdemeanor could possibly be avoided altogether. If you hire an attorney, he or she can appear on your behalf and you will not likely have to be present in court. It is not a good idea, however, to post details about your case on a public forum such as . As I am located in San Diego and offer free initial consultations, feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Best of luck!
Stefano L. Molea, Esq.
Molea Law: Criminal Defense
http://www.molealaw.com
Ph. 760.383.1766
Fx. 619.491.0722
David Philip ShapiroCriminal Defense AttorneySan Diego, CA ·
Mr. Molea's answer is right on point. Not using the months between now and the arraignment to your advantage by hiring a locally experienced criminal defense attorney may put you at a disadvantage and you would be doing yourself and your case a disservice.
