Petty Theft advice needed ---- caught at Kohls store in California

Recently caught by Kohls California store for a petty theft of $50. Officer charged with Misdemeanor. Will they put me in Jail or just some fine and community services? The merchandise is of $44 dollars. Can I appeal for Infraction? Why did they charge me Misdemeanor?

I am feeling so embarrassed about the whole thing now since for few dollars I have lost all my peace of mind, sleep and I am not able to live my normal life. I have to appear in front of court in month of February. Has someone faced this kind of situation? Will it remain on my records?

I really dont want to go in Jail. I am ready to pay fine. Will i be on some probation? Is there any kind of diversion program that i can request for?

I have recently started my new job few months back and I am a Part Time Student. I have learned my Lesson already and I WILL NEVER REPEAT this MISTAKE in my whole life and never do such ACT.

Can I just defend myself in the court. I called few Lawyers and they are charging me $5000 which is too much for me to afford. Does anyone knows any other option that I can use to defend myself in the court?

I am scared of going to JAIL and I dont want to go to JAIL.

Can someone please list me all the options that I can take to avoid going to JAIL and keeping off these thing on my Records.

Please Advice and Help.

Thanks

You will not get jail normally.

But try to get that off your record if possible as it will follow you for a long time as to employers, and others.

Best to have legal counsel assist if you can.

[tashoo]

Can you let us know what happened in this case? I am sorry to hear what you had to go through as I am feeling similar pain and guilt right now.. I have a date tomorrow with the judge so please let me know what I need to do and what you did

I had the same thing happen about two years ago at a kohls as well.
They always prosecute, no matter how much you have stolen, so I wouldn't feel too bad about it.

The fines aren't too bad [compared to a speeding ticket] and they'll probably give you community service.
you won't go to jail. i wouldn't freak about that.

the only thing that sucks the most about it, is that it KILLS your record. id suggest save up a lot of money to get a lawyer and get it off your record. especially now. NO ONE will hire me at the moment even though I have excellent interview skills and experience as well as an amazing resume.

so leave jail out of you mind, just get it off your record.

URGENT. Same situation with me. Caught for petty larceny. I am in the middle of an interview and worse, I am on H1B which expires in September.
I am about to loose my current job as my branch is closing down and I have another excellent opportunity which I am afraid I will loose. Can someone please email me at spaceshuttle2009@live.com so I can speak with one of you in person about what happend with you, your job, removal of records etc?
I have an ACD with 3 day community service after which I will have to go to court again on 15th sept.
I need help ASAP, please someone advice.
Thanks.