Niranjan Fred Thiagarajah’s Answers

In theory, your juvenile records are confidential and can only be disseminated in limited circumstances. Normally employers don't have access to those records, but if you are applying for law enforcement positions, a juvenile adjudication of theft may be discovered. Although record sealing is not automatic, it is certainly something that can be done after your juvenile probation has expired.

i agree with the above attorneys regarding communicating with your attorney and having trust in your attorney before going to trial. I do want to point out that having a "stand-in" for a criminal court appearance is not uncommon, especially when the court appearance itself does not involve substantive legal issues. Although, it is good practice for an attorney to inform his/her client ahead of time when a "stand-in" makes an appearance and the reasons for that "stand-in" to make the...

The answer depends on a variety of factors, including the county, your husband's prior record (if any), possible witness statements that could be provided in his favor, his service record, etc. I'm fairly sure that the DA will not offer such a charge of his/her own volition, although they may be persuaded to give an alternative charge if the right attorney can convince them. I highly recommend using an attorney (be it public defender or private counsel) to persuade the DA. There's no...

In addition to the answers provided by the above attorneys, you should know that if the witness in question is the victim, and the victim appears but refuses to testify, then the court may hold the victim in contempt. However, unlike any other type of witness who refuses to testify, a domestic violence victim who refuses to testify cannot be incarcerated.

Your situation depends on certain circumstances. First question -- were they misdemeanors or infractions. Infractions can't be expunged. Second question -- was probation granted. If so, have you completed all the terms of probation. You must successfully complete the terms of probation before applying for an expungement. Alternatively, if probation wasn't granted, you must wait at least one year and have led a morally upstanding life since the conviction date. Either scenario presumes...

I agree with the answers provided by the above attorneys. Although it is in your best interest to retain an attorney, especially if you want the best chance to keep this incident off your record, there are things you can do in order to assist your attorney. First, I would ascertain whether any of the witnesses there are willing to cooperate with your attorney. If the police only took statements from some of the witnesses, then you want to compile contact information for all the witnesses to...

PC 12031 is possession of a loaded firearm. Subdivision (c) is an exception to the prohibition on carrying loaded firearms that applies to certain people. Your co-worker was most likely charged with 12031(a) as opposed to 12031(c). PC 12316(b) prohibits certain types of people who aren't allowed to own/possess firearms from owing/possessing/controlling ammunition.

Having done hundreds of traffic court cases (on the prosecution and defense side), I know that it's very difficult to beat a traffic ticket. If you're charged with speeding, you'll want to know whether the officer measured your speed via radar (or lidar) or via pace. If the officer paced your vehicle, then you may want to determine how long he paced for vehicle (time / distance) and when his speedometer was last calibrated, and then argue that he didn't have the time to pace you properly and/...

Petty theft under $50 can be charged as either a misdemeanor or infraction at the discretion of the prosecuting agency. It's difficult to determine whether your case was a misdemeanor or an infraction by the penalty you received. Most infractions only involve fines. The fact that you had to attend classes and do community service (assuming the community service was not a way to pay off your fines) suggests that your case may have been a misdemeanor, but you would need to check you case file...

Although it may seem obvious to you that you should not be held responsible, you will need an attorney to represent you regarding these charges. I suggest you contact an attorney quickly so your attorney can contact the DA's office and attempt to have these charges dismissed. You cannot be held liable for the actions of another person, unless you assisted that person in some way. If you wish, you may contact my office which is located in Orange County.