If there is any constant in this world, it is that young adults will make mistakes. The variable is whether those mistakes represent a lifetime of bad behavior or a lesson from which they will learn and grow.
Recently, our law firm was retained to represent an 18-year-old young man who made a terrible mistake. While at a friend’s house for a party, our client snuck into the bedroom of his friend’s mother. He found $3,300 in cash and took it. He then left the party. When the mother returned home, she discovered the theft and called upon her son to question all of his friends at the party. Our client, feeling remorse for what he had done, admitted that he took the money. The victim called the police, and our client was arrested on suspicion of grand theft under California Penal Code 487(a). To secure his release, his family had to post bond in the amount of $50,000.
SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES FOR THEFT
As a felony, our client faced a maximum sentence of three years in county jail. He contacted our firm, and we went to work. Our first step was to contact the victim and see that she received her money back. The victim informed us that she did not want to see our client prosecuted.
Our attorney worked with her to draft a letter to the district attorney in which she stated she had received her money back, and that she had no desire to press the case further. Owing to our attorney’s help in convincing the victim to write this letter, the district attorney opted to file the case as a misdemeanor instead of a felony.
A GRAND RESULT
Our client’s behavior was out of character. Not wanting this to be the start of a pattern of lawlessness, our attorney convinced the client that it was best for him to show the court that he had no intention of repeating this incident by undergoing psychological counseling to address this seemingly random theft. At the pretrial stage, our attorney aggressively argued that his lack of criminal history, willing participation in counseling, community service, and his progress in community college all pointed to the signs of a young adult who had a momentary lack of judgment, and who was working hard to correct his mistake.
A theft conviction would have impacted his ability to transfer to a four-year college and further his education. Ultimately, the district attorney agreed and made an offer leading to the full dismissal of our client’s case. To obtain the dismissal, our client only needed to provide a DNA sample and complete a 6-hour theft awareness course.
Through our law firm’s hard work and skillful representation, the client avoided a criminal conviction. He did not have to serve any additional jail time or perform any community service. He will be able to pursue higher education and eventual employment without the concern that a momentary lapse in judgment will prevent him from achieving his potential.
Contact the Criminal Defense Attorneys at Wallin & Klarich
Young adults make mistakes, but that does not make them irredeemable. That is why the attorneys at Wallin & Klarich have spent more than 40 years fighting to help our clients minimize the impact of those mistakes so that they can continue on with their lives and continue on a path that makes them productive members of our society. Our attorneys are always available to answer your questions and will use all of our legal skills and knowledge to help you receive the best possible outcome in your case.
With offices in Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, San Diego, West Covina, Torrance, and Victorville, there is an experienced and skilled Wallin & Klarich criminal defense attorney available to help you no matter where you are located.
Contact our offices today at (877) 4-NO-JAIL or (877) 466-5245 for a free, no-obligation phone consultation. We will be there when you call.