Shoplifting Case (Burglary Charge) Please help!

[dreamstar101]

What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state? GA
CA Shoplifting was without intent

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks Carl,
I appreciate all the replies. I don't know, why I got charged with the burglary. I did not intent to steal anything. I had my bankcard, my checkbook, etc. on me when I was arrested.
The security guys after stopping me, asked me a lot of questions and I had to sign some papers (I did not read them all) and I was under the assumption they let me get off with a warning since they had all their merchandise back.
But after I signed all those papers they called the police and I went to jail.
So, what can I do now? Please help! Thank you so much!

Thanks JETX and tijerin,
yes I live currently in GA and the shoplifting was in 1990 in California. The original charge is "Felony Arraignment" for Penal Code 459 (Burglary). The shoplifted amount was less than $ 200.--.
Is it possible that there still is a warrant out there even after 15 years?
If they charged me in absence is there any way a lawyer could get those charges reduced, maybe even dismissed?
Could I get this case re-opened with a lawyer?
I had to leave CA before my court date in 1990 because my grandmother got real sick. I know it sounds like an excuse, but it is the truth.
Any ideas to get me out of this mess? THANKS!!!!

 

[seniorjudge]

Q: Is it possible that there still is a warrant out there even after 15 years?
A: Yes.

Q: If they charged me in absence is there any way a lawyer could get those charges reduced, maybe even dismissed?
A: Possible but there would have to be good reasons for doing so.

Q: Could I get this case re-opened with a lawyer?
A: There is nothing to re-open; the case is open now.

Q: Any ideas to get me out of this mess?
A: You will have to surrender in California; get an attorney to negotiate for you.

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state? GA
CA Shoplifting was without intent

I don't know, why I got charged with the burglary. I did not intent to steal anything. I had my bankcard, my checkbook, etc. on me when I was arrested.

My response:

Yeah, I know. Those hand and finger muscle spasms that happen in stores can be very troublesome.

IAAL

 

[dreamstar101]

Thanks SeniorJudge, I have a lawyer working on it. Still I am worried!
IAAL, please don't make fun of my mess...

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

Thanks SeniorJudge, I have a lawyer working on it. Still I am worried!
IAAL, please don't make fun of my mess...

My response:

It's always fun to make fun of criminals!

Of course there was "intent". Maybe not when you walked into the store, but did you think that when you were looking at the merchandise that your hand and arm were working independently from your brain? All it takes is a "moment" of "thought" to establish "intent". Why do you think you have an attorney working on your case - -because the State can't prove your intent?
If that was the case, then you wouldn't be being prosecuted.

Stupid criminals always try to make excuses.

IAAL

 

[JOHN BUCKNER]

Thanks AAL, You had me laughing so hard I dumped my Coffee................Patrolman/J. Buckner

 

[seniorjudge]

Intent is the natural and probable consequence of your action.

If I stick a ring from the showcase in a store in my pocket, I intend to shoplift.