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What happens if you get a citation for shoplifting?
If the amount they claim you took is less than $100, a police officer will arrive and give you a ticket or citation. The ticket will order you to appear in court at a later date. If the amount is more than $100, a police officer will arrest you and take you to jail where you will need to bond out.
Should I plead guilty for petty theft?
Do not plead guilty. If you plead guilty, you will have a conviction for theft on your permanent criminal record forever and it can never be expunged (removed). This conviction will keep you from getting a job, renting an apartment, or getting a loan. You need to hire an attorney to represent you.
How do you get out of a shoplifting citation?
Your first step would be to hire an attorney to file a motion with the court to withdraw your guilty plea. The judge will decide whether to let you withdraw your plea. Then your attorney can negotiate with the Prosecutor to get your shoplifting charge dismissed or reduced to a less serious offense, such as “Littering.”
How long does shoplifting stay on your record?
Shoplifting items valued at under $950 is a misdemeanor in California, but second offenses can be charged as felonies. If you are convicted of a shoplifting charge in California, the conviction remains on your record forever unless you get it dismissed or expunged.
Do you have to plead guilty to a traffic citation?
When entering a plea with the Court on a traffic citation, you have three choices to make; guilty, not guilty, or no contest. The Judge only wants to hear one of them.
When to plead no contest to a traffic ticket?
After saying no contest, it is a good time to ask the Judge for no traffic school or an amendment to a non-moving violation. The most important time to use a no contest plea is when there is some damage associated with the charge, like an accident.
What happens when a defendant pleads insanity in a criminal case?
Instead, they are almost always confined in mental health institutions. They may remain confined for a longer period of time than had they been found guilty and sentenced to a term in prison. States may compel defendants adjudged insane to remain in a mental health institution until they convince a judge that they are no longer legally insane.
What does it mean to plead no contest?
Then comes “No Contest”, or “Nolo Contendere” (which is Latin for no contest. Lawyers love using Latin). This plea is the same as guilty except for some technical differences. No contest means that you do not agree with what you were charged with, however, you will accept the fine or punishment associated with the charge.