Anonymous asked this question on 4/30/2000:

I just was arrested for trying to still money from work.

You see, I work at Universal studios Hollywood as a parking lot ticket seller.

Ever car that enters to park their car they have to pay $7.00.

I got hold of blank tickets about 100 of them. Took them home and by using my printer I duplicated a copy of the same ticket that we sell at work.

Then I took them to work, and sold them and tried to take the money at the end of the day.

But, they got me red handed and found 80 unsold tickets on me. But they did not find the money that I had already collected. I was still in the cash register.

They booked me and charged me for burglary. And told me that it is a felony.

They put me in jail until my parents put a bail for $15,000. And I promised to appear in court on May 23rd 2000.

Since, I have never been arrested before I have no criminal record. What , in your expert opinion do you think will happen to me. I am scared!!! Do you think the judge will put me in jail or will he give me probation?

Please get back to me. Thanks. ARA

P.S. I am 28 and live in LA, California. My e-mail address is Sarkissian@mailcity.com

Paul157 gave this response on 5/1/2000:

You have taken from your employer (theft), altered or forged a ticket (fraud?), and sold these fakes to unknowing persons (theft by deception).

You asked for my opinion....

I think you will probably get both, probation and jail. On a first time felony conviction you may be able to get a suspended imposition of sentence which means: EXAMPLE....you are sentenced to 5 years in the state pen and the pen time is suspended based on you completing 90 days in jail and 4.75 years probation with no other convictions during that time. If you are convicted of any crime during probation the suspended sentence kicks in and you go to prison for 4.75 years etc.

Your honesty will weigh favorably with the courts.

Best wishes and write back if you have more questions!

Paul157 gave this follow-up answer on 5/1/2000:

Please take a moment and rate my answer. Thank you very much!!

The average rating for this answer is 4.