Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Re: stole money

You seem to think the crime of theft somehow disappears if the thief repays the money before his case goes to court. That's not how it works. Whether you are guilty of theft has nothing to do with what happened afterwards.

Repaying the money will be a mitigating factor in your favor when and if you are sentenced for the theft. Your lack of a criminal history will be another mitigating factor.

Additionally, this theft is within the range that can be charged either as a misdemeanor or as a felony. Whether and how to charge you will be the prosecutor's choice. Repaying the funds may lead her to go easy on you.

On the other hand, agreeing to repay the money likely involved admitting that you stole it, and this admission may end up being some of the most powerful evidence against you if you are tried.

What you really should do is consult with a criminal defense attorney directly. Discuss the details of your case with him and see what he recommends.

Good luck.

Re: stole money

Many difficult issues present in the question, not the least of which is that you seem to be dealing directly with the victim. General rule is this is always a poor idea. Also, repayment in full does not come with any guarantee of anything and a possible felony charge could come of this. Hire Counsel ASAP so that Counsel can secure any benefits to you that might be avalable here. DJM

Re: stole money

They have the power to file charges with the police, leaving it up to the DA to decide whether to prosecute. If the DA does file, then get an attorney to defend you, using the facts of repayment.