Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

felony theft of $421

I was charged with the above at Macy's for stealing clothing. I have never been arrested for anything, and I will lose my job if I am convicted of a felony. I need to get this reduced to a misdemeanor, but I can't afford a lawyer. My husband and I have decent jobs, but we lost our home last year and are paying off our bankruptcy and a $7000 debt to the IRS for last year's taxes. I am currently in counseling for being a victim of a sexual assault. Do I need a lawyer to help me or can I do something on my own?


Asked on 6/25/08, 1:02 am

3 Answers from Attorneys
Roland Perez Perez & Perez

Re: felony theft of $421

Yes you need a lawyer, if you can't affoard an attorney you can apply for a PD. Good luck.

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Answered on 6/25/08, 3:49 pm
Jacek W. Lentz Law Offices of Jacek W. Lentz

Re: felony theft of $421

You certainly need a lawyer as you should either try to beat the case or bargain for a plea to a misdemeanor or reduction from felony to misdemeanor following a short probationary period. If you have no money for a lawyer, you are entitled to services by a public defender.

Jacek W. Lentz, Esq.

310.273.1361

www.lentzlawfirm.com

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Answered on 6/25/08, 1:51 am
Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

Re: felony theft of $421

Cases like this are why we have public defenders -- lawyers who represent indigent defendants at public expense. You have the right to represent yourself but there is no good reason to do so when you can have a lawyer at no cost. Your public defender may not get your charges reduced, but will have a much better shot at this than you would on your own.

Good luck.

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Answered on 6/25/08, 2:20 am


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