If a person has been arrested for the second time for petit theft what would be their punishment? Take note that the person is a college student, and the first time was exsponged from their record but the first incident happened in September of 2010 in another state. Would the person most likely go to jail? Does the person need a lawyer? The cost of the thing stolen was $8.00 from a wal-mart store.

What is a Petite theft? Something that occurs at 5-7-9 or Petite Sophisticate?

The Term is Petty Theft. WHat State and country did this happen in... and why do you think they will or should expunge a criminal conviction? Particularly for a repeat offender.

A second offence is CLEARLY going to incure a more severe penalty than the first did. You WANT a lawyer. In fact you will most likely have to have one.

And yes... you CAN get jailtime for it. WHat you really end up with depends on how you can present yourself and what the Judge thinks about paying higher prices thanks to shoplifters. As is always the case... a plea bargain will get you a better deal than you might get in a full trial. Yeah you MIGHT win and get nothing... but you might lose and they throw the book at you.

That first offense might be expunged for turning up in routine checks... but still exist where the courts can always see it. Like your driving record.