Do I need an attorney to defend a case for stealing?

Question: Do I need an attorney to defend a case for stealing?  I was caught taking a few items from Target a couple weeks ago.  I am charged with PC 484 Petty Theft in Van Nuys Court with a Court date coming up in a little over a month from now. 

This is causing me a lot of stress and I am having trouble sleeping at night.  At first I was going to try to handle by myself, but I think I need someone to help me.  It is causing problems with School and I am in my final year of college.  I really don’t want to graduate from school and try to find a job with a conviction for theft on my record.   

Answers: Hi.  I am sorry to hear of your situation.  I would highly recommend that you hire a Criminal Defense Attorney to defend your case.  I agree with you that it would not be great to try to join the workforce with a theft conviction on your record.  Particularly since it is what is referred to as a “crime of moral turpitude.” 

It may be possible to get this case dismissed or reduced to an infraction. You want to avoid having a misdemeanor on your record if possible.  I have been successful in avoiding convictions on these charges in Van Nuys as well as many other Courts in the Los Angeles County and surrounding areas.  It is possible to get the case diverted to avoid charges getting filed at all.  I generally recommend retaining an attorney as soon as possible so they can begin working on the case in a pre-filing manner. 

Call me at 818-336-1384 to discuss in further detail.

Phil Hache,

Criminal Defense & DUI Attorney
www.PhilHacheLaw.com
Handling DUI and Criminal matters throughout Courts in Southern California including Van Nuys, CA, San Fernando, CA, Burbank, CA Glendale, CA Pasadena, CA Metropolitan Court, Bellflower, CA, Alhambra, CA, Malibu, CA, Compton, CA, Santa Clarita, CA, Airport Court, Chatsworth, CA Inglewood, CA, Los Angeles, CA and other Courts.