Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Pls Help!Embezzlement Charges.

Hi.I have a serious question.I was recently suspended from work for three days because i was found giving sale discounts to family members. I quit before the suspension ended.I was called into the room at work. I was told that they know what i did,they just want to know why i did it. I told them it was an act of the moment,i did not consider how serious the consequences was. They briefly showed me a report they had with the transations details and discounts given. They came up with a loss of $631.17. I asked to have a copy or look at it more,i was refused.They had already calculated the charges before calling me in.I was only briefly shown the charges and discounts.They then took out a 'promissory note', in it, stating that they will not take a civil suit against me if i sigh that note and promise to pay them back.They told me that i will not have any more chances to sign itagain.Also,they said that if i signed it, it will show better to the judge.I signed it,i was given a copy and thats all i have now.Next,they called the police.Police came and gave me a citation instead.What shld i do?Im remorseful and i need advice.Shld i pay up the amount in full?Will this incident show on my background check by future employers?Thank you.


Asked on 12/19/05, 7:26 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

Re: Pls Help!Embezzlement Charges.

Signing that document was unwise because it does more than gurantee you will pay back the money -- it also amounts to an admission that you committed the crime. Prosecuting you will be much easier than it would have been had you not signed the document. This is probably why the store put so much pressure on you to sign it on the spot.

Having tied your own noose and stuck your head into it, you should hire a lawyer while you might still have a chance to minimize your penalty. The D.A.'s case will not be a slam dunk because the admissibility of the statement may depend upon what you say or do at trial, and you need an attorney to guide you -- or, more likely, to negotiate a better deal for you than you would be able to get for yourself.

Good luck.

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Answered on 12/21/05, 2:15 pm


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