Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

If a minor is charged with petty theft of items less than $30 at a safeway in California, what are the charges? Will it be on the minor's permanent record? What will happen. The person stole two personal care products and got to the door of the store upon being approached by the store manager and allowed a search of the bag without a fight, apologized profusely saying that it was a huge mistake and they would never come back to the store, ect. but then left the store instead of staying when they wanted to call the police. The manager got the license plate and had the police come even though the cop encouraged them to not press charges. I am extremely regretful and apologized many times even though I know it is illegal I am so regretful. What will happen to me if the cop encouraged the manager not to press charges but he wrote a citation because the manager wanted him to. Will it be on my permanent record and will it affect my college admissions? I am very regretful, I wasn't thinking. I am 17 and it was a first offense.


Asked on 3/31/14, 10:43 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Greg Hill Greg Hill & Associates

The charges can be any of the following - Penal Code sectinon 484(a), 490.1, 490.5 or 459. It will be on the juvenile's permanent record unless a request to seal is granted. The answer to your question of what will happen involves an answer too long to fit in the 200 words or so that can be presented here. I suggest you consult with an attorney, as there are many unique aspects about juvenile cases.

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Answered on 4/01/14, 8:06 am


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