Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Re: PC 594 (A) - 594B1 Vandalsim

You got a courtesy notice in the mail. No, they don't have to subpoena you. If you don't show up on the date in the letter, they'll give you a different sort of invitation - an arrest warrant. Better to show up, rather than have them track you down and you face the judge with handcuffs on.

If you say you didn't do this, then get yourself an attorney and fight. The DA has to be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were the one that actually caused the damage.

And FYI - don't take this lightly. If you're charged under Penal Code section 594(b)(1), that's vandalism over $400 in damages and is potentially a felony count.

It's time to consult with a criminal defense attorney.

Re: PC 594 (A) - 594B1 Vandalsim

Maliciously using the criminal justice system to harass innocent people has become a wide spread practice that the law has really not caught up with yet. You have no choice but to spend whatever you need to in order to avoid a conviction. If you are innocent, do NOT take any plea bargain, no matter how innocent the charge may sound; no matter how minor the punishment.

Having any conviction on your record is extremely damaging to your career, social life, education, job, etc. After you prove yourself innocent, pursue a factual innocence petition to clear your arrest record too, so you have nothing whatever on your criminal history.

For further information on clearing your record, see:

http://lawyer-expungement.com/petition.htm

Good luck.

Re: PC 594 (A) - 594B1 Vandalsim

Your options are appear, or have a warrant issued for your arrest. Get an attorney if you don't understand the process and how to defend yourself against a prosecutor trying to put you in jail. While this isn't a 'capital case', you risk jail and fines, so handle it right. It is already 'on' your record as an arrest charge. Your attorney's job is to try to prevent it from going 'on' as a conviction.

Re: PC 594 (A) - 594B1 Vandalsim

Your options are appear, or have a warrant issued for your arrest. Get an attorney if you don't understand the process and how to defend yourself against a prosecutor trying to put you in jail. While this isn't a 'capital case', you risk jail and fines, so handle it right. It is already 'on' your record as an arrest charge. Your attorney's job is to try to prevent it from going 'on' as a conviction. Feel free to contact me if serious about doing this right.

Re: PC 594 (A) - 594B1 Vandalsim

Yes you must appear if it is a felony, an attorney may appear for you if it is a misdemeanor. I have been successful in having some cases reduced to infractions which will not appear on your record. Otherwise go to trial and be proven not guilty. Contact me directly.

Re: PC 594 (A) - 594B1 Vandalsim

Unfortunately, even if the accusations against you are completely false, you have to do what anyone accused of a crime must do - defend yourself in court. For this, you will definitely need a lawyer - private or public. Also, you are not entitled to any formal subpoena or service process. They can just set a court date without actually letting you know.

One option you might consider is to hire a private lawyer before any charges are filed to convince the investigators and/or the prosecution the accusations are without merit. I would not try doing anything like this by yourself. Anything you yourself say can and absolutely will be used against you.

Best,

Jacek W. Lentz, Esq.

213.250.9200

www.lentzlawfirm.com