Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

shoplifting

I shoplifted $5.00 mile in the super market. now the atteney of supermarket ask me to pay $400fine.

I understand this is civil and criminal case both, after the store receives moeny they still can press charge aganst me in criminal matter.

My question is when should I hire a lawyer? after paid $400 or before pay $400?

I paid $400.00 now and want to hire a criminal lawyer, is it too late ?

Am i loss chance to plea bargain with the store? Please help me out. Thank you!


Asked on 11/24/08, 8:56 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Jacek W. Lentz Law Offices of Jacek W. Lentz

Re: shoplifting

Better to hire a lawyer before paying the $400. Your lawyer might come to an agreement with the store about not pressing for any charges. Once you actually pay the money, you lose any leverage to negotiate.

Jacek W. Lentz, Esq.

310.273.1361

www.lentzlawfirm.com

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Answered on 11/25/08, 5:08 am
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Re: shoplifting

Your post sounds familiar. You should not have paid the money. You should have hired an attorney to negotiate a deal with the store. By paying them, you have now lost any leverage you had with the store and any chance at getting a 'deal'. Now, you probably face criminal charges that could have been avoided. You should get ready to hire a criminal defense attorney, and be ready to spend a lot more money on that than you would have spent on getting a 'deal'.

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Answered on 11/25/08, 12:44 pm


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