California Penal Code 487 PC grand theft cases carry severe consequences. A felony conviction can strip you of your right to vote, serve on a jury, and own, use, or possess a gun or ammunition.
These are just a few of the many issues that can arise from a felony conviction, making it crucial to seek legal defense immediately.
I've been doing this for over 30 years. I started out working for the district attorney's office, then a superior court judge, and finally, in the early 1990s, I became a criminal defense attorney. I defended people for grand theft charges and learned the ins and outs of these offenses.
First, you must assess whether the prosecutors can prove the case. If they can't, the answer is simple: We take the case to trial.
We investigate it, gather evidence and witnesses, and reach a not-guilty verdict. If we do, the case disappears, and you can move on. We'll file a motion to seal and destroy your arrest record, and that's the end of it. So, that's the quickest, cleanest way to get rid of it.
Early Intervention
Early intervention can be key. If we act swiftly, we can convince the prosecutors not to file the case or to reach a civil compromise with the other party.
These strategies can prevent the case from progressing or lead to an early dismissal if applicable to your situation.
Negotiating for a Lesser Crime
Then, of course, the final way is if they have proof that you did commit a grand theft, which would be stealing something over $950.00. Then, we've got to try to figure out other inside secrets to deal with the case. One way would be to convince them to give you a misdemeanor instead of a felony, which would obviously put you in a much stronger position.
You can do that through your attorney by paying off any restitution upfront. Sometimes, the prosecutors, especially when you have no prior criminal record, will take that money because they make the victim whole and benefit you from not having to plead to a felony.
Other times, we can set up a scenario, again depending on the circumstances, the amount of money owed, and your criminal record, where you can earn a misdemeanor in the future.
Under the scenario, you'd plead guilty or no contest to a felony. You'd be asked to do certain things, and then when a certain period is over, and you don't pick up any new arrests, and you do what you're supposed to, at that point, you can get the misdemeanor, and at some point, we can get it expunged or dismissed off your record.
Diversion Options
Other alternatives involve diversion, where you don't plead guilty to anything and do certain things, and then you get the case dismissed. Sometimes, I've had scenarios where you plead guilty but don't get sentenced.
So, what ends up happening is when you do what you're supposed to. After a certain period passes, that guilty or no contest plea can be taken back, the case can be dismissed, or if you plead guilty to a felony, instead of getting sentenced for a felony, you get convicted for a misdemeanor. So, you start to see different things that can be done.
You need an attorney with extensive experience and a deep understanding of the Los Angeles legal system. I have knowledge of all the various courthouses in Los Angeles and the expertise to secure the best possible outcome for you.
So, if you need the best result, call now and ask for a meeting with Ron Hedding. I stand at the ready to help. The Hedding Law Firm is based in Los Angeles, CA.
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