Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Re: 488 petty theft

Conviction records are 'forever', so deal properly with it now. If convicted, she can later get it expunged after she serves her probation terms, but it is never actually removed from the records. It will have to be disclosed on any government job application, professional licensing applications, etc., even if expunged. Feel free to contact me if serious about getting legal counsel now.

Re: 488 petty theft

I can appear on your daughter's behalf and negotiae a plea bargain for an infraction of disturbing the peace. An infraction does not appear on your record as parking tickets do not. Contact me directly.

Re: 488 petty theft

She should not plead to a conviction. This is a petty crime but she does not want it on her record. It will come back to haunt her no doubt. More employers are checking on criminal records of people they look to hire. No employer will hire someone with theft on her record. So called expungements at the end of probation do not always work.

Assuming the case cannot be beaten outright, this is a case which calls for something called diversion. This means your daughter would do some classes or community service and the case would be dismissed. While I or no other lawyer can give you 100 percent guarantees, this could be done even in Orange County. Also, the good news is that your daughter would never have to come to California on her case. This is an infraction/misdemeanor case where an attorney can appear for her.

Feel free to contact me if you want more information. Also, I practice law in Orange County and could be of service to you.

Very best,

Jacek W. Lentz

310.273.1361

www.lentzlawfirm.com