Campbell, CA Criminal Defense Law Firms & Lawyers

This depends on a few factors such as value of item(s), manner of theft and restitution. Generally speaking, most district attorney's offices will offer first time offenders a program known as deferred entry of judgment (DEJ). Most of the time this involves a plea of guilty after which the judge will sentence the person to complete a class. Upon the completion of the class and restitution being paid off, the court will dismiss the charges. Some counties allow DEJ before a plea is entered. This is generally known as pre-plea DEJ and it is ideal.

Even if the judge goes "light" on him he's still going to prison. Unless the case is pleaded down greatly and I mean greatly. His sentencing guidelines would be through the roof if he were convicted of everything he's charged with. He needs an experienced CSC attorney representing him.

The same way as in any criminal case, with whatever you have that will keep the prosecutor from proving the case. And not by just saying, I didn't do it. When questioned, arrested or charged with any crime, the proper questions are, can any evidence obtained in a test, search or statement be used against you, can you be convicted, and what can you do? A little free advice: exercise the 5th Amendment right to SHUT UP and do NOT talk to police or anyone about the case except with and through an attorney. While this isn't a 'capital case', it certainly carries potential prison time, so handle it right. Raise all appropriate defenses with whatever witnesses, evidence and sympathies are available for legal and factual arguments, for evidence suppression, search and seizure, or other motions, or for trial. Effective plea-bargaining, using those defenses, could possibly reduce the potential time and other penalties you face. No amount of free 'tips and hints' from here or elsewhere are going to effectively help in a legal defense. If you don't know how to represent yourself effectively against an experienced prosecutor intending to convict, then hire an attorney who does, who will try to get a dismissal, charge reduction, diversion, programs, or other decent outcome through motions, plea bargain, or take it to trial if appropriate.