Quick Answer: How Serious Is A Shoplifting Misdemeanor?

How long does a shoplifting charge Stay on record?

Shoplifting items valued at under $950 is a misdemeanor in California, but second offenses can be charged as felonies.

If you are convicted of a shoplifting charge in California, the conviction remains on your record forever unless you get it dismissed or expunged..

Will police come to your house for 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.

Will I go to jail for misdemeanor shoplifting?

Criminal Penalties for Shoplifting 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.

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

Penal Code 459.5 PC is the statute that makes shoplifting a misdemeanor offense in California. This section defines shoplifting as entering an open business with the intent to steal merchandise worth $950 or less. The crime is punished by up to 6 months in jail.

How much can you steal without going to jail?

Punishment for a misdemeanor includes a fine of no more than $1,000 and a sentence of imprisonment of no more than 12 months. If the theft offense involves property valued at more than $500, the crime is punishable as a felony, or as a misdemeanor, at the judge’s discretion.

How often do misdemeanors go to jail?

A standard misdemeanor in California can come with up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. More serious misdemeanors can come with worse sentences. For a gross or aggravated misdemeanor, the consequences could increase to a fine of up to $2,000 and one year of jail time.

What happens in court for petty theft?

When you appear before the judge at your arraignment, you will be explained what the charges against you are. The judge will also ask you how you plead. You can plead either guilty, not guilty or no contest. If you plead guilty or no contest, you will pay a fine, may be given community service and may do jail time.

Will police track me down for shoplifting?

3 attorney answers Can they track you down, sure. They can find out who the car belongs to and see who was driving it at the time and match it up to any surveillance footage from the store. That’s a lot of work for a shoplifting, but they can certainly pursue it if they…

Will a shoplifting charge ruin my life?

A petit theft or shoplifting charge is not likely to ruin your life. … Any employer that conducts a background check will be put off by someone with a history of theft.

Will I do jail time for my first 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.

What happens if it’s your first offense?

What Happens If It’s Your First Offense? First offenses are often associated with reduced sentences, lower fines, and alternative sentencing like parole or probation. However, this depends on the rules of your state and the nature of the charges that you’re facing.

Can Walmart send police to your house?

Wal-mart doesn’t “send” police anywhere. If you’ve committed some sort of a crime, Wal-Mart can report it, and provide police with whatever information they may have, including who you are, and where you live. … So, the short answer is, no, Wal-Mart won’t “send police to your house”.

How can a shoplifting charge be dismissed?

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.

What are the odds of going to jail for a misdemeanor?

If you’re charged with a petty misdemeanor, there’s virtually no chance that you’ll be sent to prison. Most petty misdemeanors are punishable by a relatively small fine of $300 or less. Examples of petty misdemeanors include petty theft and personal possession of certain controlled substances.

Is shoplifting a sign of mental illness?

Kleptomania (klep-toe-MAY-nee-uh) is the recurrent inability to resist urges to steal items that you generally don’t really need and that usually have little value. Kleptomania is a rare but serious mental health disorder that can cause much emotional pain to you and your loved ones if not treated.