Can you go to jail for a misdemeanor theft?

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MiSuNdErStOoD	what state are you in? it's a V and T (Vehicle and Traffic) so most likely you just pay a fine and get points on your license Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

J	You're seriously asking if you can go to jail for committing a crime? Of course you can. By definition a misdemeanor is a crime punishable by up to 12 months in prison AND/OR a $1,000 fine. So there's your answer. You can go to prison for up to 12 months AND/OR get a $1,000 fine (not including restitution and court fees). You will get a 12 month sentence. How much of that will be spent actually behind bars compared to on probation primarily depends on the judge and prosecutor. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Mary	Yes, you can be put in jail! The criminal statutes in your jurisdiction will state when the sentence range is for each crime. As a general rule of law, "misdemeanor" means the maximum sentence for jail time is up to 365 days, while "felony" sentencing means more than 365 days and involves prison rather than jail. And congtratulations on getting a criminal record that will follow you the rest of your life . . . Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

cj	Yes, a misdemeanor can carry a penalty of up to one year in jail. A felony is more than one year in prison. It is not likely though if your record is clean. Most likely probation and a fine. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Zachary	a fine driving school or community service with driving school Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

David H	Unlikely, unless you do something really stupid in court like curse out the judge. You should find out if you can get a diversion. This would allow you to keep your criminal record clean. Do not plead guilty at the arraignment. Get a lawyer. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Michael	Certainly you can go to jail for a misdemeanor theft. Generally, misdemeanor violations result in no more than a year in the local jail. For a first offense, you may well get off with probation, community service, and/or a fine. Your "likely sentence" depends on a number of factors, such as: the mood of the judge, how angry is the victim, the number of similar thefts, etc. The worst thing you have done to yourself is collect an adult criminal record as a petty thief. The next job interview will be tense. . . Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Nightrider	Hello Devon. A person can be sentenced to jail/prison for a conviction of any criminal statute. In your case, being 20 years old and a first time offender, the Judge will tend to lean towards probation/restitution/community service over incarceration. Please try to remember that what a Judge will do with you depends entirely on his perception of YOU. When you go to court, dress as though you were going to church. Suit and tie, shined shoes, neat and short haircut, no excessive jewelry and clean shaven. There is no second chance for a first impression. If the Judge feels you have made a mistake and believes you are not starting on the road of becoming a repeat offender, he is far more likely to grant probation. Be polite and respectful to the Judge, address him as "Your Honor". Best of luck and I hope this is useful to you Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No