What To Expect After You’ve Been Arrested For Shoplifting In California

In this article, you can discover…

• The possible penalties for shoplifting or retail theft in California.
• Early actions that can help strengthen your defense.
• Mistakes to avoid after being arrested for shoplifting, and how an attorney can help.

What Penalties Can I Face After A Shoplifting Arrest Or Retail Theft Charge In California?

In California, the penalty for stealing anything less than $1,000 in value has come down immensely. Such a theft would be classed as “petty theft” and is a misdemeanor. Anything over $1,000 is usually classed as “grand theft”.

Penalties for a conviction could include up to 180 days in jail, restitution (having to pay back the value of what you stole to the store or stores), being permanently banned from the store where the theft occurred, community service, or one year of probation.

In many cases, especially if this is your first conviction for theft, California courts will give you a diversion, allowing you to see charges dismissed if you take an anti-theft class, perform community service, and stay away from the theft location for the duration of the diversion (which is typically one year).

What Mistakes Should I Avoid After Being Arrested For Shoplifting?

It’s common for store security to take you into the back, question you, ask you to write up a statement or an admission, and then sign it. This is always a mistake. Similar to any other type of crime, if you are accused or detained, do not admit to any wrongdoing, even if security promises to let you go and drop all charges.

Typically, that is not what happens, and admitting to a theft often complicates your case. You do have the right to remain silent, so why potentially incriminate yourself? Simply decline to give a statement, decline to sign anything, and reach out to an attorney as soon as possible.

Why Is It Important To Speak With A Criminal Defense Attorney Quickly After A Shoplifting Arrest?

An attorney will properly advise you on how to proceed, what to do, and what not to do. When representing you, I will get to work contacting the prosecutor’s office to see if we can arrange a pre-filing conference and keep the charges off your record.

Without an attorney’s help, you simply won’t have access to the resources, defenses, advice, and contacts that can help you see charges lowered or dismissed entirely.

Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?

For more information on what happens after a shoplifting arrest in California, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (626) 209-4804 today.