Am I going to jail for my Larceny charge?
What will I get in this case? Jail? Help, I’m nervous.
Question: I got arrested on a Petty Larceny, 1st offense charge and I’ve never been caught shoplifting before. I was there with my friend when he stole stuff at a store. On the charge paper it lists that I stole $0 worth of value. What can I do in this case to lower the penalty. By any chance do I have to go to jail or pay a fine in this case?
P.S. I’m 20 years old, and still in high school- my senior year. But my friend is 16. Also, I’m not a citizen but a Permanent Resident.
Answer: If a person is convicted for Petty Larceny, they typically get no jail time and some counties offer a deferred disposition program that results in a dismissal after doing certain things. In your case, you should fight the charge. If you did not steal anything or help in that process, you should not be convicted. As a permanent resident, a conviction has special considerations because it could affect your immigration status. So, get a lawyer and let him go to work for you. I can’t help but notice that you sound like you think you are going to lose the case. Keep your head up my friend. There is a lot you can do to help yourself. Good luck with this.
