Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

i am 18 yrs old and i have given a ticket for petty theft / shoplift the cop didnt arrest me he just told me that i had a date and time in which i would have to appear in court i have had a clear record untill this accident ..the loss and prevention yelled at me and told me that i would never have a stable job and i would never get hired in any job . will i get arrested in court? will this be on my record for the rest of my life? if so can i plead the judge and forgive me for what i have done? am really scare because am searching for a job and i do regret it i need help please help


Asked on 11/08/10, 4:43 pm

4 Answers from Attorneys

David M. Wallin Law Offices OF David M. Wallin

You should not plead guilty or no contest without FIRST seeking FREE consult with a qualified private attorney. Sometimes , with the right facts, an attorney may be able to get a reduction of charges to a trespass or disturbing the peace. In some jurisdictions, there are even diversion programs. Seek an attorney by all means. Best wishes...David Wallin

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Answered on 11/13/10, 4:59 pm
Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

It's unlikely that you will be arrested in court, but it's possible if the police or prosecutor get some pretty unfavorable information about you in the meantime. If you *don't* show up in court, though, you can expect law enforcement to come looking for you.

If you're convicted, you will have a misdemeanor record. Most misdemeanors can be expunged later, but only after the defendant successfully completes any jail term and/or probation and only if he can show that he has had very little trouble with the law since the conviction.

The judge cannot simply "forgive" you, and if you tell him what you have done you will make it very hard for him to find you not guilty later. You absolutely should not say anything about the charges to the judge, the police or the prosecutor's office (or anyone else, for that matter) until you have spoken with a defense attorney. And if you know what's good for you, you will get a lawyer to represent you in court.

Good luck.

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Answered on 11/13/10, 6:26 pm
Lawrence Wolf Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf

You will not be arrested in court, but an attorney can appear for you and we would attempt to get your case dismissed.

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Answered on 11/13/10, 6:32 pm
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Courts do not give 'forgiveness'. They are there to prosecute. But, no, you won't likely be arrested and jailed in court. When you are arrested and charged with a crime, what can you do? Defend the charges. Go to court, enter a not guilty plea, arrange bail reduction or OR, set up and attend the court hearing[s] and trial date[s]. File evidence suppression or other motions as applicable. Raise all the available defenses with whatever admissible and credible witnesses, evidence and facts are available for legal arguments for motions, plea bargaining, or at trial. Go to trial if it can't be resolved with motions or a plea bargain. There is no magic wand to wave and make it all disappear. If you don't know how to do these things, then hire an attorney that does, who will try to get a decent plea bargain for you. If serious about doing so, and if this is in SoCal, feel free to contact me. I�ll be happy to help you use whatever defenses you may have. If you can't afford private counsel, apply for the Public Defender.

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Answered on 11/13/10, 10:34 pm


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