What to do if I was given a misdemeanor ticket for petty theft last month?
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What to do if I was given a misdemeanor ticket for petty theft last month?
I was very compliant with the police, and they didn’t seem to want to be there. The store held me for over an hour after I offered to pay for the goods, $20 with, and they, obviously refused that before the cops came. They never arrested me just questioned me and let me go with a citation. The court date says the 10th of next month, however I told them I would be leaving to study abroad for school and can’t be there, They then informed me that I was required to go on OR before the 10th and I would receive something in the mail in 2 weeks. However, I never received anything in the mail and when I call the courthouse they have no record of it being filed. What should I do?
Asked on June 22, 2013 under Criminal Law, California
Answers:
MD, Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
Contact the officer on the citation who issued it to you. Explain what occurred (I am sure he or she will remember) and then explain there is no record of your file with the court. Reiterate you are studying abroad and see if there is any help you can get from him or her about your next steps or whether this is a police officer negligence issue or he or she simply felt scaring you was sufficient but wasn't planning on filing or the court lost the paperwork.
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