What can I expect for being charged with theft of a road sign and public drunkeness?

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What can I expect for being charged with theft of a road sign and public drunkeness?

A friend and I were out and we saw a post that had been taken down so we tried to take the signs and the police caught us. They told us we werebeing charged with theft. The signs we took were a no parking sign and a purple belt sign. I also received a public drunkenness citation about a month ago that I am fighting. What is the most likely outcome of this? I am terrified that I might go to jail. I’m trying to become a teacher, is that possible? Should I speak with a criminal law attorney? In Pittsburgh, PA.

Asked on June 5, 2011 under Criminal Law, Pennsylvania

Answers:

M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

Yes, yes, yes.  Get thee to an attorney as soon as you possibly can.  Public drunkenness or public intoxication can be charged as a misdemeanor and yes, if you are convicted it will go on your permanent record.  That will impact your teaching license. You may not get one.  But in many states the charge can be bargained down to an infraction, which will not go on your permanent record.  You have a better shot of having it bargained down with a good lawyer doing the talking.  Theft is generally categorized by amounts.  I would think that this would be more of a vandalism or destruction of public property charge.  Please get yourself some help.  Good luck.


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