Walk It Through: The Theft Charge and the Record
A charge over a value line, release before trial, a dismissal, and an old conviction to clear.
A worker is charged with taking tools from a job site, valued at more than $500 but less than $1,000.
Two things a person in this spot might do. Picking one shows what the law says about it.
One theft charge and one old misdemeanor. A felony expungement, a guilty plea, and restitution are not worked through here.
A practice walkthrough, not a prediction of how any real one will go. Legal information, not legal advice.
Words this turns on
Terms with a legal meaning that is narrower than the everyday one. Each links to the definition and the authority behind it.
- Class A misdemeanorThe higher class of misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $500.
- ExpungementThe removal or deletion of records by the court and other agencies so the matter does not appear on official state background checks.
- ViolationAn offense punishable by a fine only, with no jail.
- Class D felonyThe lowest class of felony, punishable by one to five years.
- Own recognizanceRelease before trial on the defendant's own promise to appear, which the court orders for a defendant found low risk.