Petty theft is a misdemeanor charge of stealing items under a certain value. The specific value can vary by location. Common penalties include fines, shorter jail sentences, or community service. When someone is convicted, they may face life-changing consequences. If you’ve been arrested and charged with petty theft, keep the following in mind.
1- Talking is Never a Good Idea
Do not talk about what happened. Do not try to explain the situation or apologize to anyone involved in the case. This includes anyone at the store or the police officers. Anything said could be used against you in court. It can be misconstrued as an admission of guilt. Even if you’re trying to explain that it’s a mistake, it can mean you end up being convicted.
It’s also not a good idea to speak with family or friends about the case until it’s over because police could interview them. What you told them can be misconstrued and used against you. Never post about it on social media. Posts can be used in court as evidence. Even if you believe your posts are private, they are still on the internet and can be used if discovered.
2- A Charge Doesn’t Mean a Conviction
Being charged does not mean you’re convicted. It doesn’t mean your life will be ruined. Misdemeanors can impact job prospects in the future. It is important to take them seriously. However, being charged does not mean a conviction is a certainty.
There are ways to avoid a conviction. It may also be possible to minimize its impact on your future. Mistakes can be made by the police or loss prevention associates. It may be possible to use those to have the charges dismissed, but this doesn’t apply to all cases. But, you still may be able to avoid a conviction or minimize the consequences. There are often diversion programs or alternative punishments.
3- You Need Help to Navigate This
Defending yourself is never a good idea. A legal situation is not a time to try to do it yourself. Do not simply plead guilty and hope a judge goes easy on you. It isn’t likely to happen and you will have a misdemeanor on your criminal record. This will be seen by anyone who does a background check.
Hire a lawyer to ensure you have the right help. Their experience can help you navigate the situation. They can see if it’s possible to have the charges dismissed or the penalties minimized. They will look into what can be done to ensure this isn’t the end of your future. A lawyer will walk you through every step to help you understand any options available and how they can make a difference in your case.
Petty theft is a crime with real-life consequences that can be serious and impact your future. If you’ve been charged with this, avoid talking to anyone except a lawyer about the case. They’ll work with you to navigate the situation and help you get a better outcome that protects your future.
