Do You Need A Lawyer For Petty Theft In California?
Shoplifting or petty theft charges are how most people get introduced to criminal offenses. That’s why they are most uncertain about their circumstances or the potential consequences. This uncertainty invites fear, making the experience all the more terrifying. On the other hand, some people are pretty nonchalant about the charges because they do not think the consequences could be that dire. As a result, they neither hire a lawyer nor appear repentant, making things unnecessarily difficult for themselves. In such cases, it is better to employ an experienced attorney or visit www.cschwartzlaw.com for more information.
Petty theft in California
In the state of California, theft of property or cash below $950 is typically counted as a misdemeanor petty theft under the Penal Code statute 484. If convicted, the penalties may range from jail time, fines, probation, and community service to restraining orders against the aggrieved party.
Most cases of petty theft first offense do not usually result in jail time. But it doesn’t mean you should take it lightly and neglect to hire a proper defense attorney.
The consequences of a petty theft conviction
Even if your first conviction for petty theft doesn’t result in jail time, it can still have consequences of dire magnitude for you in the future. No matter how minor, this conviction will appear as a black mark on your permanent records. When you seek employment or approval for a personal or student loan in the future, this conviction may come back to bite you and make things unnecessarily complicated.
Additionally, a petty theft conviction may also make it difficult for you to gain a professional license or a visa for travelling. You may also find it difficult to volunteer at your kids’ school or participate in a recreational sports program.
That’s why it is crucial to seek a criminal defense attorney that may help you avoid a conviction and get the charges dismissed or reduced. A talented lawyer can help reduce the sentence even when there is overwhelming evidence against you, especially when it is your first conviction. Therefore, you should not falter in seeking professional help when needed.
Benefits of hiring a professional criminal defense lawyer for petty theft
Hiring a professional and experienced criminal defense lawyer that specializes in the cases of petty theft or misdemeanor crime can significantly reduce the chances of conviction on your record. Additionally, it can also save you from the trouble of appearing in court for every hearing because your attorney can appear on your behalf. You will also receive peace of mind, knowing that you have a trustworthy lawyer to safeguard your interests in court.
Facing criminal charges is a distressing event. You should neither take it lightly nor too hard. As long as you have taken protections to safeguard your interests by hiring a competent attorney, you have nothing to worry about. A first-time petty theft conviction is easy for an attorney to help throw out. However, the difficulty may increase with every subsequent case. Therefore, you should never hesitate to contact an attorney to keep your record unblemished.