For many people, a charge of petty theft or shoplifting is the first criminal offense they have been arrested for. This is one of the reasons they so often do not hire a criminal defense attorney: They have no idea what the process in front of them is like or what they can do about it. This can be a scary situation and it is understandable to not want to take action.
That said, it is always worth talking to a criminal defense attorney. Keep reading to find out why we recommend this so strongly and then contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 for your free legal consultation.
What is petty theft?
According to California law, stealing property or money worth less than $950 is petty theft. The penalties can include jail, probation, fines, community service, and a court order to stay away from the person or retail store that was stolen from. It is uncommon for a first offense to result in jail time, which is another reason that people may consider skipping an attorney.
Working with a petty theft attorney may be more important than you think
Even if it is your first offense, having a conviction on your criminal record can affect you for years to come. It can make it harder to find employment, to find a place to live, and even to get student loans. Other issues that a conviction (even for petty theft) can result in including an inability to get a professional license, to volunteer at your child’s school, or to be eligible for Global Entry when traveling.
If the reason you are thinking of not working with a petty theft attorney is because you know that you are unlikely to spend time in jail, consider this: The only reason that is true is because it is your first offense. If you are convicted of it, or plead guilty to it, and commit a crime in the future, you will no longer be a first offender. Depending on the charge, you could be in a tough position that would have been much easier if your initial petty theft charge did not result in a conviction.
Get the peace of mind of working with an attorney
Should you take your case to trial? For a charge of petty theft, it is not likely to be worth the cost. However, a savvy attorney will know how to negotiate for the best possible deal. This may include a delayed judgment in which you do community service in exchange for the charges to be dropped at a future date. It may involve pleading guilty to an infraction that will not show up on a background check.
No matter the situation, it is always worth getting the opinion of an experienced attorney. You can do just that by calling Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 and asking for a free legal consultation.