Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Don't focus on what the fines or other costs are going to be - you need to avoid a criminal conviction for theft at all costs. Start looking for a criminal defense attorney that routinely practices in the court where your case will be heard. Don't wait until the last minute - there may be things you can do to get your attorney in a better position for the best possible outcome on your behalf.

Yes, a theft conviction will shoot you down for most jobs. Think about it - if it's between you and another applicant with no record, who do you think is getting passed over? Expungements (technically a dismissal pursuant to Penal Code section 1203.4) are better than nothing, but you can't do that until you're off probation - up to 3 years from now.

Now is the time to figure out how to get an attorney. Swallow your pride and ask for help from your family if need be, but you absolutely need a lawyer. Don't fall for any advertising you get in the mail - you need to search out and meet face to face with attorneys until you find one that you're comfortable with and that you think will represent you adequately.

If convicted, yes, it will 'affect' your employ-ability. Plus, records are forever, they don't disappear. However, after conviction, you can consider getting the conviction expunged once you qualify to do so; it would help in obtaining future employment.

When arrested and charged with any crime, the proper questions are, can you be convicted, and what can you do? Defend the charges. Go to court, enter a not guilty plea, set up and attend the court hearing[s] and trial date[s]. Raise all possible defenses with whatever admissible and credible witnesses, evidence and facts are available for legal arguments for motions, plea-bargaining, or at trial. Effective plea-bargaining, using those defenses, could possibly keep you out of jail, or at least dramatically reduce it. Go to trial if it can't be resolved with motions or a plea bargain. There is no magic wand to wave and make it all disappear. Not exactly a do it yourself project in court for someone who does not know how to effectively represent himself against a professional prosecutor intending to convict and jail you. If you don't know how to do these things effectively, then hire an attorney that does, who will try to get a dismissal, diversion, reduction or other decent outcome through plea bargain for you, or take it to trial. If serious about doing so, and if this is in SoCal courts, feel free to contact me. I�ll be happy to help you use whatever defenses you may have. If you can't afford private counsel, you can apply for the Public Defender.