Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

theft with prior

I was caught taking testers and charged with felony petty theft with a prior and they offered me cal trans, community service and 3 years probation. I want to fight the case . What are my chances? also will it ever go to trial or will they offer me something better? also I have a public defender, would getting a lawyer be beneficial to my case?


Asked on 8/05/08, 3:32 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys

Jacek W. Lentz Law Offices of Jacek W. Lentz

Re: theft with prior

I agree with my colleagues that it is impossible to advise you without knowing more facts, especially in terms of what possible ammunition and viable legal defenses you might have to fight the case.

Feel free to give me a call for a non-binding consultation.

Jacek W. Lentz, Esq.

310.273.1361

www.lentzlawfirm.com

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Answered on 8/06/08, 4:24 am
Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

Re: theft with prior

1. There is no way to assess your chances without knowing the facts.

2. Whether you will receive a better offer will depend upon many things, including the facts, the strength of the evidence against you, the preferences of the D.A. assigned to your case, and how the D.A. views the judge and the local jury pool.

3. Your public defender *is* a lawyer, and probably quite a good one. A privately-retained lawyer would potentially be able to devote more time to your case than a busy P.D., and that can often make a real difference in the outcome.

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Answered on 8/05/08, 3:56 pm
Daniel J. Mangan III JuryTrialJustice

Re: theft with prior

Ditto...no answer possible with what's stated...plea bargaining varies wildly from location to location and from DA to DA and from Judge to Judge...fighting the case is fine...if you and your attorney have ammunition???? Unfortunately private counsel is a good though often expensive way to fight...good luck

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Answered on 8/05/08, 9:14 pm


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