Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

First Time Theft Offender In CA, ramifications??

Hi, my girlfriend recently got caught shoplifting from nordstrom and they told her it was grand theft. she fully cooperated with the authorities, this is her first offense, she is a stright ''A'' student at a top notch public university, and did it for who knows what reason with no specific intention. I am lookign for an attorney, one with experience and one who can answer my questions on what will happen to her as she has received a court date. They told her (employees at nordstrom??) that she could face up to a year in prison, but I am assuming they were tryign to scare her. I believe the amount of merchandise was soemwhere between 400-600 dollars. There was no violent intent, she had no weapons, they escorted her in and called the police and that was it, then they let her go and assigned her a date. What do you think will happen to her? She is very worried she will have to do some jail time, but I don't beleive that will be the case.

thank you


Asked on 8/07/01, 3:41 am

3 Answers from Attorneys
Jerome Goldfein Jerome Goldfein

Re: First Time Theft Offender In CA, ramifications??

I will be happy to discuss the issues with you. No charge. I suspect it will be filed as a petty theft and I would not anticipate jail time. Call and visit my website at www.goldfeinattorney.com

714-899-3224

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Answered on 8/07/01, 1:36 pm
Victor Hobbs Victor E. Hobbs

Re: First Time Theft Offender In CA, ramifications??

A couple of years ago I represented a first time (no D. A. ever believes that) offender with close to $400.00 worth of merchandize, and the D. A. wanted fifteen days in the county jail. I got it down to ten days and then got the D. A. to settle for a special counseling program by a well respected psychologist that the court personel (judge and D. A.) were very familiar with.

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Answered on 8/11/01, 4:20 pm
OCEAN BEACH ASSOCIATES OCEAN BEACH ASSOCIATES

Re: First Time Theft Offender In CA, ramifications??

You should defend the matter aggressively. Don't put her future in the hands of a public defender. Please call me directly at (619) 222-3504?

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Answered on 8/08/01, 11:21 am


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