Petty Theft charge 484-488 PC in California

[helpRequired]

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?

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?

If i want to appeal for Infraction, can I plead guilty and still get infraction or I have to Plead Not Guilty to appeal for Infraction?

I will be applying for my US Citizenship in few months from now and I am afraid if this will affect my US Citizenship application. I am currently on permanent resident status and hold GC.

[randalljd]

Make sure you get legal counsel (or at least the public defender) to try to keep this off your record eventually--jail time is not likely if your record is clear now. But having that arrest and/or a conviction on your record could make job-hunting etc. more difficult. Often this could be negotiated down to some kind of court supervision or even be dismissed etc.

Yup! this will be on your record the rest of your life. same thing happened me and a couple of friends. when it happened to us, we were sent to jail right that moment. jail was not so bad as people who has not been there would think. its more of the criminal record.. you can file for expungement though, it'll still be in your record..

Since this was february, would you mind letting us know what happened?