Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

[This is for Los Angeles County]

When I was 16, I was peer pressured by some girls and I was caught shoplifting, but I sealed the case. This happened in San Francisco. Recently, I was caught shoplifting again, but in Los Angeles. I had a lot going on at home and it was a stupid mistake. My court date is in a few months. This is a misdemeanor for petty theft. I was wondering if the court would unseal my old case to use against me, even if I was a minor at the time. If they do, what should I do? If they don't, what is going to happen?


Asked on 5/24/16, 9:49 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Steven Mandell Law Offices of Steven R. Mandell

The court probably won't unseal the old case, and they probably won't know about it. However, it is possible that they will see evidence of it on your record, in which case it can make the new case worse. You don't give enough information about your new case to predict what might happen to you. The only advice I can offer is to hire a criminal lawyer in your area experienced in these kinds of cases. Depending on many factors, the outcome could be minor or not minor, but that is impossible to know or predict right now. If you'd like to talk to me about this case, feel free to call me at 310 922 3983. Good luck. Steve Mandell

Read more
Answered on 5/24/16, 10:47 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Criminal Law questions and answers in California