Legal Question in Criminal Law in California
iI received a notice to appear for a CA PC 484, I contacted the store and humbly apologized for my wrong doings and that I would pay for the merchandise and restitutions. They in turn said that they would call the DA. I live in another state, which creates a hard situtation to getting to CA. Can the accept my offer and drop the charges or is the DA decision?
3 Answers from Attorneys
It's not up to the store (or any victim of any crime) to "press" or "drop" charges. That's always up to the DA.
You need a criminal defense attorney to represent you. There may be ways to reduce the charge, settle it without a conviction or otherwise minimize the damage from this incident.
What can happen in your case depends on where you are, your record (if any), the facts of the case and what your lawyer can work out.
Technically, it is the DA's motion, and the judge's decision. But it is never the victim's motion or decision.
It's the D.A.'s decision. And now that you have apologized and promised to pay, you have made her job a lot easier by admitting your guilt. You need a lawyer ASAP.
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