QUESTION
What happens on a petty larceny first offense?
Asked on Feb 16th, 2015 on Criminal Law - Missouri
More details to this question:
I'm going to court on Tuesday for my first offense which is petty larceny. It was $12 of snack food. Is there a likelihood at all of it blowing over and nothing happening? If there is a fine, how much am I looking to have to pay? How many community service hours? What about restitution of what I took?
1 ANSWER
It will not all blow over. If you plead guilty, you will have a petty larceny conviction on your permanent criminal record which can never be removed, and it will prevent you from getting a job, renting an apartment, getting a loan, etc. You need to hire a lawyer to represent you if you have any hope of getting this charge dismissed or reduced to a lesser offense. Yes, if your lawyer is able to get the charge reduced to a lesser offense, you will have to pay a fine and restitution for what you stole, and possibly community service. The outcome of your case depends on which court your case is being prosecuted in, your criminal history, and the skill and experience of your attorney.
Answered on Feb 16th, 2015 at 11:49 PM