Legal Question in Criminal Law in California
Vandalizing a vehicle
Just recently I was in a verbal altercation with a woman who was very mean and verbally abusive towards me. In a moment of anger I gave her car a quick scratch with my key. I left the sceen but was later tracked down because she must have taken my information. I called the deputity in charge of this case and gave him my side of the story including the truth about the damage. I am willing to pay for repairs to the vehicle but the lady claims it is $2400. What should I do? I have never been in trouble before nor do i have any kind of criminal record. I am for the most part a very calm and patient person but she just made me loose my temper by calling me names and belittling me and I just wanted to teach her a lesson. I do a lot of volunteer work & community service. Can any of this help me to prevent me getting a criminal record? I have never done anything like this before and i will never again.
4 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Vandalizing a vehicle
Were you charged with a crime? I can think of a couple of ways to keep this off your record.
Re: Vandalizing a vehicle
The best thing you could have done to avoid a criminal record was to keep your mouth shut instead of admitting your crime to a deputy sheriff. I don't know whether you will be charged, but you probably made it more likely by talking to the police. You also made the prosecution's case a lot easier to prove.
Re: Vandalizing a vehicle
It's too late for the best advice - don't commit a crime. Also for the next best advice - don't talk to police without a lawyer; you've already confessed to the crime. Now, negotiate a deal with the owner as best you can urging reason.
Re: Vandalizing a vehicle
Given your record and facts of the case, an effective attorney should be able to either resolve this matter through what is called a civil compromise (payment for damages in exchange for dismissal) or ticket/infraction which would not go on your criminal record. This case is calling for an intervention in an effort to forestall filing of any charges as soon as possible.
Feel free to call me for a free consultation if you are looking to retain an attorney in Southern California.
Jacek W. Lentz, Esq.
310.273.1361
www.lentzlawfirm.com
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