Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Investigation

I have been accused of ''stealing'' books from the bookstore I use to work for. The amount I've been told of the books in question? Approximately $1800.00 over a period of 2 years! About two month ago I received an official looking notice in my mail from the police dept to contact them! Should I? Should I already have contacted them since it's been 8 weeks or so? My nephew who works for the Los Angeles Sheriff's dept says not to worry! If it was serious I already would have been arrested - a knock at my door and not some ''weak'' notice to call them! The police want to contact me because they just ''lack evidence!'' My nephew told me that with the workload All detectives and officers have that if anything my potential case is LOW priority with the police and DA! But get a lawyer just in case! True? In fact my best friend is a retired detective and he told me that what my nephew says is true! If any lawyer tells me different it's only because that lawyer wants my business and will frighten me to do get it! Will any lawyer here disagree with what my friend and nephew told me?


Asked on 7/21/04, 2:20 am

3 Answers from Attorneys
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Re: Investigation

You can believe what you want about lawyers and about the police, but the letter from the police is part of their investigation. What they do if you fail to respond is up to them, and depends on the facts they have. If you have facts that would show innocence, you should consider having counsel submit the evidence, not you. Either way, if you are arrested and charged, hire counsel immediately, and don't talk to anyone without counsel, now or later. Feel free to contact me if you need to.

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Answered on 7/21/04, 5:21 pm
Lyle Johnson Bedi and Johnson Attorneys at Law

Re: Investigation

Just remember who gave you the advice. Often the police do follow up on these notices. What they apparently did not tell you was do not talk to the police. Tell them your name, address, telephone number, who to call in an emergency and that you want to consult with an attorney before talking with the police.

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Answered on 7/21/04, 3:09 am
Benjamin Berger Berger-Harrison, A Professional Corporation

Re: Investigation

You can NOT help yourself by talking to them. You can only help the D.A. build a case by talking.

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Answered on 7/21/04, 4:42 am


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