QUESTION

Can I go go to jail for stealing beer?

Asked on Aug 14th, 2012 on Criminal Law - California
More details to this question:
I got arrested for stealing beer from a liquor store and went to LA county that same night, from Saturday morning until Wednesday morning. They let me out but I have an upcoming court date. What can i expect? Am i going to jail? Probation? I'm a first time offender.
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8 ANSWERS

Criminal Defense Attorney serving Alhambra, CA at Francis John Cowhig
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Depending on the amount of beer you stole, you can expect to be charged with petty theft, grand theft, commercial burglary or any number of other charges. Depending on the court, D.A., and Judge and whether you are charged with a felony or misdemeanor, you can get anywhere from probation to jail time. I strongly suggest that you contact an experienced criminal law attorney for a face-to-face consultation and give him/her all of the facts surrounding your arrest. He/she would then be in a better position to analyze your case and advise you of your options.
Answered on Aug 18th, 2012 at 1:59 PM

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Criminal Defense Attorney serving Orange, CA at Law Office of Joe Dane
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Petty theft carries up to 6 months in county jail. As a first offender, you're unlikely to get more jail time than you've already done, but it's worth getting an attorney to see if there's a way to avoid having a theft conviction on your record. A theft charge will haunt you for years.
Answered on Aug 18th, 2012 at 12:54 PM

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I practice in Norhtern California so I cannot give you any idea what LA will impose as a punishment. You can go to jail or prison if it was charged as a felony burglary.
Answered on Aug 18th, 2012 at 12:49 PM

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Wrongful Termination Attorney serving Huntington Beach, CA at Nelson & Lawless
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Jail is the penalty for every crime, including the misdemeanor you are charged with. The honest answer is that no attorney can predict the outcome, nor even give an intelligent opinion, without reviewing and knowing all the charges, evidence, police reports, expected testimony, priors history, etc. However, with no prior record, it is likely that your attorney could be able to get a plea bargain that includes no additional jail time, since you were in custody several days already. When charged with any crime, the proper questions are, can any evidence obtained in a test, search or confession be used against you, can you be convicted, and what can you do? Raise all appropriate defenses with whatever witnesses, evidence and sympathies are available for legal arguments, for evidence suppression or other motions, or for trial. If you don't know how to represent yourself effectively against an experienced prosecutor intending to convict, then hire an attorney who does, who will try to get a dismissal, charge reduction, diversion, program, or other decent outcome through plea bargain, or take it to trial if appropriate.
Answered on Aug 18th, 2012 at 7:09 AM

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You need to hire a lawyer, because petty theft is a crime of moral turpitude, and if you have it you can forget obtaining any meaningful employment for the next decade. Jail is the least of your concerns.
Answered on Aug 18th, 2012 at 12:19 AM

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Criminal Defense Attorney serving Calabasas, CA at Law Office of Bernal P. Ojeda
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Yes it's a petty theft and also a burglary.
Answered on Aug 17th, 2012 at 9:17 PM

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Criminal Law Attorney serving San Diego, CA
This is a shoplifting charge of a minor amount. If you are guilty, you may want to plead guilty and you will probably get "time served". BUT WE CAN'T GUARANTEE THIS!! It depends on the facts of the incident and your prior criminal record, if any.
Answered on Aug 17th, 2012 at 8:21 PM

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Criminal Law Attorney serving Oakland, CA at Law Office of Jared C. Winter
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You need a lawyer. Theft charges, even minor ones for things like stealing beer, can have drastic consequences for you and your future. If you can't afford to hire a lawyer, then ask the court to appoint the public defender when you go.
Answered on Aug 17th, 2012 at 1:41 PM

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