Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

What type of punishment am I facing?

I am being charged with 182 (A)

(1); 466.

Conspiracy to commit a crime

(burglary) and possession of

burglary tools.

The detective told me I am being

charged with a misdemeanor.

I entered the building knowing that

the person I was with was going to

commit the act of burglary.

I was not going to physically aid

him, but I still had the knowledge of

him doing

so.

What will happen if I am able to

obtain a signed document stating

that it was

the other person's idea and that he

should, basically, be blamed for it?

I am 18 years old and this is my

first offense.

I also have decent grades and

have been accepted to a university.

I do have a

plan for my future and never plan

on doing something like this again.

I want to

obtain a college education and

hope that this one mistake will

prevent me

from doing so.

In addition, I also am in my school's

key club. I have around 60 hours of

community service hours all

obtained on a voluntary basis.

I am also looking into asking some

of my teacher to be character

references.

They have known me a number of

years and should be credible.

With all that said, what do you

think the possible outcome will be?


Asked on 4/25/09, 3:14 pm

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

Re: What type of punishment am I facing?

You should absolutely fight this - you have a lot at stake for sure. Consequently, you need a good lawyer. I recommend you call a few to get an idea who might be best for you. Your character references might be relevant. However, first and foremost, you need to discuss the details of your case in a confidential conversation with an attorney.

If the other person is willing to state in court it was his idea and his intent to steal - not yours - you have a shot at a good outcome.

Jacek W. Lentz, Esq.

310.273.1361

www.lentzlawfirm.com

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Answered on 4/25/09, 7:26 pm
OCEAN BEACH ASSOCIATES OCEAN BEACH ASSOCIATES

Re: What type of punishment am I facing?

It is up to you. Will you invest the money to retain an attorney that may be able to beat it or have it reduced or go through the public defender mill? Borrow, beg, but don't steal to get a retainer. Contact me directly.

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Answered on 4/26/09, 2:37 pm
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Re: What type of punishment am I facing?

What anyone on this site 'thinks' the outcome 'might be' is totally irrelevant to you. Nothing anyone here can tell you is going to do you the slightest good, other that to advise getting an attorney to help you try to stay out of jail. You've already violated the first rule of criminal defense: exercise your 5th Amendment right to "SHUT UP". At least do so now. Do NOT talk to police, do NOT give them statements they will use to convict you or your 'friend'. If this is in SoCal courts, feel free to contact me if serious about doing this right.

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Answered on 4/26/09, 6:43 pm
Joe Dane Law Office of Joe Dane

Re: What type of punishment am I facing?

You have some good things going for you, but a lot depends on the jurisdiction and what court you're in.

What you're charged with by the DA may be different than what the police arrested or cited you for.

There are things you can do to help yourself before any charges are filed, so you should get a good criminal defense attorney in your area and discuss it further in person.

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Answered on 4/25/09, 3:25 pm


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