Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Petty theft of any amount under $400 is a misdemeanor, carrying up to 6 months in county jail and/or a thousand dollar fine. For a first offense, that's not likely what you're going to get, but that's the maximum you face. Even with a minimal sentence, you're still stuck with a theft conviction if you plead guilty.

I see that you're in Orange. My office is in Orange and 95% of my cases are here in Orange County. Let me know if you want to discuss your case further and your options. I've been very, very successful in keeping these type cases from becoming convictions that will stay on your record forever and haunt you every time you go to apply for a job.

See my website for more information. www.joedane.com and search for "petty theft" for information.

First time, meaning no prior convictions or strikes, may result in your attorney being able to keep you out of jail instead of the 6 months possible. Realistically, you should expect him to get you a plea bargain deal for some fines, restitution and probation. If serious about doing so, feel free to contact me.

What you are likely to get depends on the county where you are facing the charges. A theft case will be charged as to a felony or misdemeanor based on the value of the items that are involved. If the value exceeds $400.00 then theft can be charged as a felony. If it is under $400.00 then it will be charged as a misdemeanor.

However, either way it is a serious crime to have on your record. There are programs available that an attorney may be able to assist you getting into. These programs will offer alternatives and it may be possible the charges might be eventually be dismissed. It could also be entered into one way and depending on your successfully completing one of the

programs the charge could possibly be dismissed later and may not get into at all. There are options and It really depends on your individual situation. You need an attorney. The price of having a theft crime on your record is much higher than hiring an attorney. Theft crimes are considered crimes of moral turpitude and often result in someone being ineligible for a lot of jobs, especially when they are government agencies. Good Luck

You should try to get the charge reduced to something non-theft related. A charge of petty theft is , by no means , petty. It will haunt you, in many ways, the rest of your life. I am affiliated with attorneys in the O.C. area that are extremely qualified to try to get these charges reduced. DON' T JUST PLEAD GUILTY. Call me if you want me to refer you to attorneys I know are honest, hard-working, and more than qualified to handle your case. David Wallin