What to do if I was cited with a misdemeanor petty theft charge?
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
What to do if I was cited with a misdemeanor petty theft charge?
This is a first time offense and I have no prior criminal history of any nature. The paper I received from the officer stated that if I plead guilty and pay a fee, then I am not required to appear before a judge. How much should I expect this fee to be, and what would be the best option to take here?
Asked on October 11, 2014 under Criminal Law, Idaho
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 9 years ago | Contributor
Please do not do ANYTHING until you speak with a lawyer. Pleading guilty of a theft charge - even petty theft - means that every time you are asked on a job application if you were convicted of a crime you have to answer "yes" and crimes of theft are the hardest to overcome. That means that no employer wants what they consider a thief in their business. So if you have a clean record and there is a diversion program to be had so that the charges will be dismissed after a certain period of time (generally 6 months after the program is completed and you stay clean), go for it. DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.