Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

i am a 28 yr old single mother who stupidly stole $300 worth of clothes from target using my baby's stroller. it is a first time offense for me and i cant afford an attorney..i know it was a foolish thing for me to do and i really regret it. im scared to death! what should i expect in court? will there be any sort of leniency? i dont know what to do!


Asked on 5/28/11, 12:39 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Philip Iadevaia Law Offices of Philip A. Iadevaia

You can try asking the store (or its attorney) to allow you to enter a "civil compromise." This is where you pay the store back the value of the goods (or return them undamaged), and the court dismisses the case. The City Attorney or District Attorney should agree to this if the store does, since it's a petty amount. Good luck.

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Answered on 5/28/11, 12:53 pm
Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

You need a lawyer. Since you can't afford to hire one, the court will appoint a public defender to represent you (after you prove you can't pay for a private attorney). Then ask the P.D. to negotiate a civil compromise as Mr. Iadevaia suggests. Don't try to negotiate one before you get a lawyer, since the process is tricky and since you might unknowingly make your situation worse rather than better if you try to do it yourself.

Good luck.

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Answered on 5/28/11, 12:59 pm


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