I live in california, I am 18 years old, I stole from safeway and left the items in parking out because I relies what i was doing was wrong but got caught later across the street but was not arrested but told to wait for DA's letter. Well i got it recently i am truly recret doing what i did. I now got my life straight i 100% follow the law now. I am never going to steal again i know what i did was wrong. I am terrified that i am going to get put into county jail or have one year probation and have a record which will affect me getting a job later on in the future for a mistake i did because i was not think straight. I need advice on which if i plead guilty, what % do you think the judge will show mercy. or should i plead not guilty and fight it...... p.s no money for attorney and not sure if the random attorney they apoint to me is going to be good!!! i need help please can i get some expect opinion from someone who been through the california court system.
2006-09-04 18:05:39 · 9 answers · asked by yuhhboi 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Civic Participation
it honestly depends on the judge. some of them would show more leniency than others. and also they might want to make an example out of you.
2006-09-04 18:08:55 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Alot will depend on the particulars of your case. What was the value of the items stolen? Were they all recovered by the store? What are the circumstances of your life now? If you are in school or working full time --that shows a responsible person. If you are unable to show how you spend your time, you look less responsible and stable.
If this is a first offense and in fact the value of the items would classify it as a petty crime, there would likely be no jail time imposed. Often if you cannot afford to pay a court ordered fine you can do community service type work to work off the money owed.
Also quite often there are diversion programs for first time offenders where you do not enter a plea, instead you would be signing a contract to follow through on several individually tailored goals and after one year the charges in those instances are dismissed if all of the conditions have been met.
Apply for a public defender if you qualify financially and ask about diversion as an option.
2006-09-04 18:20:29 · answer #2 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What was it that caused you to steal in the first place? You obviously knew it was wrong to do so before you took the items out of the store. You are going to be lucky if you get a lawyer who will be willing to spend any time working on your case. If you do get assigned a good lawyer, explain to him exactly what you explained on here, and basically throw yourself on the mercy of the court. You are much better to admit your wrong doing and take your punishment, that get yourself further entangled with the court system. There are obviously witnesses who saw you take the items and leave them in the parking lot or you would not have been caught and told of the DAs' letter. You are not going to be able to fight this, an appointed attorney is not going to want to spend any more time on this than they absolutely have to. I have never been involved in any court system, but know a lot of policemen and lawyers, from having family involved in those professions that I know how the system works, for the most part. You would be smart to take your punishment, and promise yourself that you will let this be a big learning experience and never break the law again. Any future employer would have the right to refuse to hire you for a job, because of this incident, and that is their decision. I have worked in management for many years, and would never consider hiring someone with a criminal record. I'm sorry to sound harsh, but that is how the real world works. If you are very lucky, you will get a minimal sentence, as it would be your first offence. Good luck to you.
2006-09-04 18:31:22 · answer #3 · answered by Sue F 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Since you were probably caught on tape taking the stuff it wouldn't help you to plead not guilty. Plead no contest and tell the judge what happened.
2006-09-04 18:15:12 · answer #4 · answered by Haze 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Tell the court about the whole circumstances and plead to the court that you will never do it again. Request the court if you can be given consideration due to your admission.
2006-09-04 18:11:11 · answer #5 · answered by FRAGINAL, JTM 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the judgement of the related attorney and the board of jury and the sum ofstolen money and your reason for that wrong doing.
2006-09-07 22:01:57 · answer #6 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Small fine, no jail, maybe some probation.
2006-09-05 00:46:21 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
depending on what you stole and prior offenses you'll probably just get community service.
2006-09-04 18:12:01 · answer #8 · answered by Mitch 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Submit to public flogging, it's your only hope.
2006-09-04 22:41:17 · answer #9 · answered by Colorado 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋