QUESTION:
I got caught and arrested for trying to steal $300 worth of clothes at target, the cop arrested me and gave me a court date. Question is what would the worst/ best outcome? I’ve never been arrested before and my record was clean. Also would this affect any jobs I may apply for?
ANSWER:
If you have no prior criminal history, chances are good that you will be offered diversion which would allow you to avoid a criminal conviction and seal the underlying arrest. (I think you were likely “cited and released” and not arrested, but that’s just a hunch based on common ATPD practices.) Private attorneys sometimes prepare mitigation packets for people shortly after arrest to try to increase the chances that diversion will be offered. The theoretical worst case would be serving 180 days in the county jail for PC 459.5(a) shoplifting but that is extremely unlikely in your case.
