Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Hello, I have a question. What happens if you lie about your age when being arrested and given a court date? What happened was, i got caught shoplifting and said I was 18 to avoid having my parents contacted, and now i have a court date in two months. I was with my friend who is 18, & she also shoplifted. I am 17.They obviously are going to find out I lied. It was a petty theft charge and I was released. Am I in huge trouble? What's going to happen? Can I pay bail instead of appearing in court? Please help.


Asked on 2/26/12, 4:38 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
David M. Wallin Law Offices OF David M. Wallin

First, because you are 17, your matter will be handled in juvenile court. In juvenile court, there does NOT exist the idea of bail, so you can't pay bail, instead of appearing. If you have no other charges or arrests on your record, other than this arrest, and this arrest was fairly recent, there may be a diversion program available to you. I would have to know more, before I can address that possibility. Call me so that we can discuss some other facts I need to know, and then I can give you the best advice possible. My telephone number is 661-267-1313. I hope to be able to direct you in the best possible direction.......David

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Answered on 2/26/12, 6:03 pm
Anthony Roach Law Office of Anthony A. Roach

You are going to have to let your attorney or the public defender appointed to you know that you are a minor, so the matter may be transferred to juvenile court. Lying to the police about your age was quite foolish. It is much better for you to be in juvenile court rather than the regular court system. Bail is for getting out of jail, not for getting out of going to court.

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Answered on 2/28/12, 8:42 am


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