Can you get a job with a petty theft misdemeanor?

You should be able to get work, but it depends on the employer. You can get a dismissal from a court, after completing probation. That conviction, even if dismissed, must be disclosed to all state county, municipal employers, licensing agencies, and even the lottery.

How long does a shoplifting case take?

It depends on how busy the courts are, but they’re normally resolved within about 60 at the very most, 90 days.

What happens if you are charged with shoplifting?

Shoplifting is usually treated as a misdemeanor — unless you have some major prior convictions — punishable by a half-year in county jail and fines of up to $1,000.

Does petty theft show up on background checks?

Petty theft crimes, while seemingly minor on paper, can significantly impact your life. This charge will appear on your background checks unless expunged, which means your future employers, landlords, and educational advisors can view it before making important decisions about your future.

How do you get petty theft off your record?

A misdemeanor for a petty theft can be expunged. You may also be able to file a motion to have the original charges reduced and then expunged.

How long does retail theft Stay on record?

If you are convicted of retail theft under $100, that conviction will remain on your criminal record forever. It can never be expunged (removed) or sealed. You need to hire a criminal defense attorney to represent you.

Do I need a lawyer for petty theft?

If you have been charged with petty theft – shoplifting, you are going to want to hire a defense lawyer as soon as possible. You should talk to an experienced lawyer before your arraignment date. An attorney can advise you on how you should plead. They can also sometimes get the charges dismissed or reduced.

What can a petty theft charge be reduced to?

A petty theft is reduced to an infraction in a limited number of cases, generally where the value of the money, labor, real or personal property taken is of such a low value and the person that is being charged does not have any other theft or theft-related convictions.

Can I get a shoplifting charge dropped?

Shoplifting charges can be dismissed or reduced to lesser, non-theft offenses through a number of plea bargains a defense attorney can negotiate. If your shoplifting case is your first offense and you have no prior criminal history, your charges can be dismissed by way of deferred entry of judgment (DEJ) or diversion.

How can I beat a shoplifting charge?

Negotiating a deal. An experienced defense lawyer may be able to fight your shoplifting charge by negotiating a plea deal with the prosecutor, and perhaps even getting your arrest or conviction expunged (if possible in your jurisdiction).

Can petty theft be dismissed?

For those facing criminal charges for the first time, it is normal to assume there exists no possible legal defense. However, in reality, petty theft charges can be dismissed or reduced to lesser offenses even in the face of overwhelming evidence proving guilt.

How long does a petty theft infraction stay on your record?

It stays on your record forever. If you have no prior criminal record, you can have it expunged after a 5 year period. Good luck with this process.

Will I go to jail for a first time misdemeanor?

Simple Misdemeanor Charges First-time offenders often don’t get anything close to the maximum sentence, and may not get jail time at least. However, if convicted, you are likely to be fined. Generally, a judge will order a longer jail term if your case has other factors that make the charges more serious.

Should you plead guilty shoplifting first offense?

There is no plea on your part. Generally, a first time shoplifting charge will likely bring the following sentence: to attend a consumer awareness class, do community service, pay a fine, pay restitution, have no further criminal violations, stay away from the business and be on probation for one year.

What happens if you plead guilty for shoplifting?

What Happens If You Plead Guilty To Shoplifting. If you plead guilty to shoplifting or stealing, the conviction will stay on your criminal record forever and you can never have it expunged or sealed.

How much do you have to shoplift to go to jail?

Shoplifting in California occurs when a defendant enters a store, while that establishment is open, intending to steal property worth less than $950. The crime is considered a misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in the county jail.

Will cops come your house shoplifting?

The police can come to your house to investigate the offense. The statute of limitations for a summary offense (first offense, less than $150.00) is 30 days after the incident, or 30 days after the discovery of the identity of the perpetrator. For a misdemeanor or felony, the statute of limitations is 2 years.

How bad is a shoplifting misdemeanor?

How a person is charged in a shoplifting offense depends upon the value of the items stolen. If the value of the goods was less than $400 – it will be charged as misdemeanor petty theft, which is punishable by up to six months in jail and fines ranging from $50 to $1000.

Why plead not guilty if you are guilty?

By pleading not guilty, the criminal defendant buys time. This gives his or her defense lawyer the opportunity to review the case and to assert all possible defenses. The criminal defense lawyer may explain the defendant’s rights.