Legal Question in Criminal Law in California
petty theft 484a
i've been charged with apc 484a. itook a $211 casino ticket out of the machine. The lady is pressing charges.An officer came by the next morning to show me the video tape that the casino has me taking the ticket. I am pleading guilty and am ashamed for what had happened. This is my first offense ever. I'm 50years old and I'sd like to know what can happen? Thanks for any info.
4 Answers from Attorneys
Re: petty theft 484a
Because this is your first and only offense a good lawyer might be able to work out a disposition where you end up with no conviction or jail time. You want to do everything possible not to end with a theft type crime on your record.
Jacek W. Lentz, Esq.
213.250.9200
www.lentzlawfirm.com
Re: petty theft 484a
Talk to a criminal defense attorney before you plea guilty. You may be eligible for a diversion program where you can delay entry of plea for a certain period of time and comply with any terms/conditions of the diversion program. At the end of the diversionary period, provided you have no other arrests or committed any other offenses, your plea will be withdrawn and the case against you dismissed. The advantage to this is that you will not have a conviction on your record. You may also be able to plea to an infraction instead of a misdemeanor. Again, talk to an experienced criminal defense attorney and discuss your options as soon as possible!
Re: petty theft 484a
Don't be so quick to plead guilty. Unless you knew the ticket belonged to another patron, you committed no crime. Consult an attorney in your locality before going to court.
There was a recent case in Detroit of a lady who was arrested for taking a nickel she found in a slot machine tray. She sued and won $500,000.05.
Re: petty theft 484a
If you don't know what is going to happen, or what punishment you are facing, why are you pleading guilty in the 'dark'? The offense is punishable by jail time and fines. I suggest you smarten up and hire an attorney to help you try to avoid jail time. If serious about doing so, feel free to contact me.
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