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WalMart Petty theft
Anonymous1 views4 answers
Hello, Im sorry for my misconduct. I'm a teenager17, was caught shoplifting at WalMart by security people, male/female. They took me to the back room, filled out some papers with my information, I was asked by the female prosecutor to give her my ssn but I didnt, Was that a legal action from her part? They called police they were taking long, she asked me how long my parents would take to pick me up bc theyre shift was almost over in half an hour. First I offered to pay for the stuff to avoid having the police come and take me, but bc I was caught a few steps out the store with stuff worth $80 she said no. The police was taking long so I asked if i could pay for the stuff with my parent she said it was okay bc it was getting late. I got citation from police. What will happen to me now?
Brian Russell MichaelsCriminal Defense AttorneyLos Angeles, CA ·
It depends on what the citation says. You probably need to go to court. Talk to your folks about getting an attorney. This isnt something you should do on your own.
Brian Michaels
310-991-9179
Most of the time, with these facts, such a case will be filed as a petty theft charge (Penal Code 484.) If the charges are filed in juvenile court, then you will likely have two possible options which could result in a dismissal of the charges--informal diversion (W&I Code 654) or a deferred entry of judgement program (W&I Code 790) depending on your criminal history and other factors. If the case is filed in adult court, then you may need a good criminal defense attorney to negotiate an informal type diversion program, or something comparable, in order for you to avoid having a misdemeanor on your criminal record. Either way, it is extremely unusual for a first time, petty theft offender, to receive a sentence other than community service or CALTRANS and probation but an aggressive attorney can fight for an even more favorable outcome which could lead to a dismissal of the charges .
It sounds like you probably were cited into the juvenile court. You should meet with an attorney with your parents involved. There are different diversion type programs that can assist you in keeping your record clean.
I would be happy to talk to you or your parents over the phone or in person.
Sincerely,
Ron Hedding
Lead Attorney
Hedding Law Firm
(866) 986-2092
You should speak with your parents about hiring an attorney to represent you in court. In the alternative, speak with the public defender who may be appointed if your parents cannot afford to hire an attorney. It may be possible for you to be diverted from the system but each case needs to be evaluated on its own. Good luck!
