Torrance, Misdemeanor Petty Theft, Plea to Infraction

The reason this question is asked is because if one does not have sufficient money to pay for the items, it is more likely that the suspect formed the intent to steal before entering the store, which means a charge of commercial burglary could be alleged.  Similarly, if the suspect brings in rubber gloves, a knife to peel off price tags or bar codes, commercial burglary may be a charge. 

The Reader’s Digest Version:  Shoplifting at Peninsula Center Rite Aid, $26 worth of make up, misdemeanor charge for petty theft (Penal Code § 484(a)) resolved for an infraction (Penal Code § 490.1).

Our client was not arrested, although the Lomita Sheriffs did come to the store in the Peninsula Center.  They met with loss prevention to hear what happened and then had our client sign a promise to appear in the Torrance Superior court in about two months.  The sheriff then handed our client a ticket.

The client called up Greg Hill & Associates, devastated and worried what the case would mean for her student loans, as she recalled that the paperwork warned her the entire loan balance would be due if she were convicted of a misdemeanor or a felony.

She was also worried about going to jail, but was of the impression that since just $26 in make up was stolen, she probably would not face jail time.  Greg discussed with her the facts and how he thought the case might resolve.  He discussed how under Penal Code § 490.1, a petty theft involving less than $50 and involving items related to the “necessities of life” a misdemeanor petty theft can be reduced to an infraction.

A few weeks later, the case was filed in Torrance.  Greg Hill appeared in court and discussed the case facts with the Torrance City Prosecutor.  Greg emphasized the client’s youth, her lack of any prior record, her cooperation with loss prevention and the low value of the items taken.  The Torrance City Prosecutor listened respectfully, but emphasized the amount was not so much the determinative issue, but the fact that she decided to steal.

While this comment is true, which Greg acknowledged to the City Prosecutor, he told the prosecutor that our client would face severe consequences with her student loans being due in full, which is a huge penalty, if the case were kept as a misdemeanor.  Greg thus asked for a reduction of the charge to an infraction. 

He then negotiated a plea bargain for the client in which she agreed to plead no contest to Penal Code Section 490.1(a), petty theft, an infraction.  The client also agreed to pay a fee of $320.  Our client was very happy with the plea bargain reached.

Had our client fought her case at trial and been found guilty, she faced 180 days in county jail, 2 years of summary probation, and multiple fines.
 
For more information about the issues in this theft offense case summary, click on the following articles:

1. What Is the Difference Between an Infraction and a Misdemeanor?
2. What Punishment Do I Face for Shoplifting?
3. What Is Shoplifting and Its Defenses?

For more information about theft and robbery crimes, please click here to watch our theft offenses video.

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