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Cali_Girl10 · Oct 2, 2010, 08:08 AM

Two years ago, I was caught shoplifting at walmart in palm springs, California. I was just recently caught committing the same crime yetserday; October 1,2010. I was told that I was going to get introuble for violating probation and for commitng a crime. I am so scared, and want to know how I will be punished. I honestly did not know I was still on probation. My understanding was that I was going to be on it for a year. I even received a letter in the mail stating that I could go back to walmart. I don't want to go to jail. I have a new born that I am nursing. And two older girls. One is. 5years old and another is 3years old. Is there anyway that I have a chance to pay a bigger fine? Or do comunitty service? Or take classes instead of serving time? I need help and good advice. Is there anything that can be said to keep the judge from having me to time?

joypulv · Oct 2, 2010, 08:16 AM

You should be scared.
On the other hand, I doubt that you will go to jail. Put your offers in effect NOW such as volunteer at a shelter for moms with small children. Go to court in nice appearance conservatively dressed, speak clearly, apologize, and have a written budget showing that you have now worked out a detailed plan for living within your means.

Cali_Girl10 · Oct 2, 2010, 08:57 AM

Will my misdermenor now become a felony; since I was caught committing the same crime? And violating my probation? Even though from my understanding I thought I was only on probation for a year. And it has been two years. And if it does become a felony; how can I get it dropped to a misdermenor? Or how many misdermenors, before it's a felony in the state of California?

excon · Oct 2, 2010, 09:04 AM

Hello Girl:

That's not how felony's happen. It's the seriousness of the CRIME you commit - not how many misdemeanors you have.

If you have new charges, you need a lawyer to represent you.

excon

Cali_Girl10 · Oct 3, 2010, 01:12 PM

Last night{oct1,2010} I got caught shoplifting again. This will be my second time getting caught at walmart. And because I was caught I was also violating my probation. So now I'm afraid that this will be a felony. And if it does turn into a felony will I still be able to start school October 11,2010 at SBBCollege for Parallegal Studies? And be able to get a job as a parallegal?

JudyKayTee · Oct 3, 2010, 01:35 PM

First, before you become a Paralegal you should be able to spell it. While I'm on a roll here I question your choice of Callgirl as a screen name, particularly when you have 2 children and intend to work in the legal profession.

This is not a joke.

If you are in a State which LICENSES Paralegals, no, you cannot, not unless there are circumstances which I am not seeing. One shoplifting, maybe. Second time, time. And WalMart prosecutes.

Yes, you can start school. If and when you graduate a background check will be run and you undoubtedly will not be hired. I have managed a handful of law firms and "we" would not hire anyone with a criminal record - I am not aware of any firm in my area which will.

JudyKayTee · Oct 3, 2010, 01:38 PM

There is always a chance of a conviction or plea to a lessor charge BUT this is your second offense and you apparently learned nothing the first time around.

Walmart prosecutes - I have NO idea why Walmart would send you a letter than you can return to the store following your first arrest. My feeling is that they now regret sending the letter.

I have asked that all of your questions be combined.