If I have a court date scheduled for a jury trial regarding n unpaid restaurant bill, could I go to jail?
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If I have a court date scheduled for a jury trial regarding n unpaid restaurant bill, could I go to jail?
My boyfriend and I went to a place to eat. He was supposed to pay the bill but didn’t so they stuck me with the bill and I had no money. They called police out and they gave us both a ticket. He somehow got out of it and I have had to go to court twice over this. They told me I would have to pay $500 or go to jail. I pleaded not guilty so now I have to have a jury trial. I am afraid I might have to go to jail. The meal ticket was only 40. What could happen?
Asked on August 9, 2017 under Criminal Law, Oklahoma
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 6 years ago | Contributor
Essentially you committed theft of $40.00. In your state, that is petit larceny ("petty theft") and you could get up to a $500 fine or up to 6 months in jail, though jail time is unlikely if you have an otherwise clean record: a fine, and possibly also paying restitution (paying for the meal) is more likely. Still, there is a possibility of jail time.
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