Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

reasonable offer for a settlement for a petty theft

I was asked to accept a certain amount of money to drop the charges on someone who has committed petty theft against me. What is a reasonable amount that I should expect to receive in exchange for him to not go to jail? The stolen property has been returned to me, but I lost a financial opportunity of about $300 because of it, and not to mention all the stress related to this ordeal.


Asked on 4/17/09, 7:56 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Joe Dane Law Office of Joe Dane

Re: reasonable offer for a settlement for a petty theft

Be very careful on how you set this up. You don't want to be accused of blackmailing him and extorting money under threat of incarceration. Ultimately, "dropping" charges is up to the DA. You may agree to a civil compromise if the defense attorney or the DA suggests it.

As a victim of crime, you are entitled to restitution for monetary loss that is a direct result of the defendant's criminal actions. "Lost opportunity" isn't covered, unfortunately.

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Answered on 4/17/09, 8:33 pm


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