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.


Asked on 6/08/09, 11:49 am

4 Answers from Attorneys

Jacek W. Lentz Law Offices of Jacek W. Lentz

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

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Answered on 6/10/09, 1:20 am
Karen Olson Attorney at Law

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end of the diversionary period, provided you have no other arrests or committed any other offenses, your plea will be withdrawn and the case against you dismissed.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!

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Answered on 6/09/09, 2:35 pm
Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

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.

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Answered on 6/08/09, 12:06 pm
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

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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Answered on 6/08/09, 3:04 pm


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