Am I going to jail? Newport California

Question

My question involves criminal law for the state of: California

Recently I was given an improper violation for petty theft.

The judge was really nice and told me the charges would be dropped if I paid my fine and did my community hours and was sentenced to 1 year in probation (not finished yet)

Now this is where I messed up. Again. I was in a friend's car sleeping at a college campus parking lot(for dormers). My friends came back, slightly drunk, but there was a visible closed beer in the front passenger seat. The cops pulled up in front of us and approached us. They claimed they were approaching us to see what was wrong with me because I was sleeping in a car. They saw the beer and searched the 3 of us. One female had beer in her purse. I had beer in my pocket (taken from a party) and the driver had beer in his car (how, perfect right?)There was also a beer in the trunk that the police later found.

When they were gave the three of us our tickets, they also took our picture. My question is, how bad is this going to be? I violated probation! Thats so bad! I don't want to end up in jail, and now my previous charge is definitely going to stick, right? I'm really afraid of getting expelled too. They told me they would tell the dean about this. Any advice on what I should do? Should I get a fancy lawyer? Should I move to a different country and start a new life. I know this sounds a little extreme, but I'm 20 (21 in 6 months). I'm still young, I think I can start a new life elsewhere and still be okay. This happened in UC Irvine at 4:00am

I'm really worried about my future, should I move to another country after this? I had a world of opportunities ahead of me. I was majoring in Neurobiology, 3.7 GPA, and a good amount of extra curriculars. I know we were being stupid that night, but I just wanted to destress from finals. I'm really scared of going to jail...

please help.

Oh and we were very cooperative with the police. I asked him about my situation and he told me the two crimes are not comparable (theft and possession). quote "the two are like apples and oranges". Is this true, I'm having a hard time believing this. It even seemed like they were mocking me...

thanks for all the help.

Answer 1

Ok.. that was long but defiantly don't start a new life. I don't know if you will go to jail and if you do just be on good behavior and you'll be out sooner then you thought. IT was stupid but it will be ok!!

Answer 2

Since you were on campus, was it the campus rent-a-cops or the metro PD?

Have you called your PO and let him/her know what happened?  If not get your butt on the phone ASAP.  It looks better to the judge when you willingly let your PO know what happened.  Or you can forget about the iccedent and pray your PO doesnt find out and isnt to pissed if/when they do.

Answer 3

First thing you have to do is get rid of that shovel you are using for digging holes.

You won't go to jail, but once your parole officer gets through with you, you are going to wish he did send you to jail. I see your future on parole where you are going to have to go through weekly urine testing for alcohol and drugs. If you fail a test, then he will throw you in jail for the remainder of your time.

You have too stop getting yourself into situations that will bring attention to you.

Answer 4

Pay the fine and ride it out!  A good chance is that will be the end of it!