Hollister, CA Criminal Defense Law Firms & Lawyers

Depending on the amount allegedly stolen and the jurisdiction where the event occurred, shoplifting can be met with a mere citation (infraction), or charged as a misdemeanor or even a felony, with possible jail sentences of 6 months to 3 years. It will be up to the D.A. to determine how the crime will be charged. The fact that you had a prior could affect the D.A.'s decision on how to charge.

Penalties will vary depending on the facts of the case and the judge that hears his case. In Alameda County, most minors facing this charge will be placed on probation, may be on electronic monitoring for a few months, will have to do some community service, pay restitution if there is any.

That is a very troubling situation. There are many cases that come through the courts, and ones that I have handled, just like this one, so it's not new. The short answer is yes, some form of sexual assault or other charge can be filed, depending on what she said happened and the facts and circumstances surrounding the event. The best advice I can give you is to get your friend to a good criminal defense attorney immediately; and, do not make any statements to the police or other investigator (or friends or anyone else other than an attorney) - despite what he might think, he will not be helping himself by doing so regardless of what the police tell him. The consequences for this type of offense can be potentially very serious, so get some sound advise right away!