Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Penal code 476 (Misdemeanor) and Green Card...

I have H1B visa and I'm in process of Adjustment of Status through my company, not filed form 485 yet. But just recently I was involved in a very bad situation: I was arrested for trying to pay in Safeway (supermarket) with a counterfeit $20 dollars bill. I didn't knew it was counterfeit at the moment I gave it to a cashier, but the police didn't beleive me and the police report states that I knew it (I was so shocked and scared and couldn'd think of anything and was so stupid to sign it). I'm waiting for the court now (still need to find the attorney). That's the first arrest in my life, never even had a parking ticket before. So, the first question is: what punishment can I expect (I can't even think about imprisonment, I spent 24 hours in jail and that's the lesson I'll never forget). The second question: if I'll be convicted, do I still have any chance to receive the Green Card?


Asked on 6/07/03, 5:28 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Lyle Johnson Bedi and Johnson Attorneys at Law

Re: Penal code 476 (Misdemeanor) and Green Card...

You should immediately set about finding an attorney. You can find an attorney in one of several ways. The yellow pages lists attorneys with criminal defense experience. The local bar association in many areas has a list of attorneys that meet the local minimum experience requirements. You can also review the list of attorneys that have answered questions on Law Guru. A referral can also be an excellent way to find an attorney.

Unless you had several counterfiet bills in your possession you should have a good chance of either having the case dismissed or pled down to a misdemeanor.

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Answered on 6/07/03, 6:12 pm


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