Civil Compromises: Another Way of Getting Theft-Related Cases Dismissed

California law allows certain criminal offenses related to property damage and theft to be resolved via a “civil compromise.” This means that if the accused reimburses the victim for damage they may have caused to the victim’s property, the court and/or the district attorney may dismiss criminal charges. Both misdemeanor and felony cases maybe dismissed on grounds of a civil compromise though it is more difficult to achieve a civil compromise in a felony case. However, both courts and prosecutors are often not aware of California’s civil compromise laws. As such, if you are charged with a crime such as petty theft, grand theft, shoplifting, embezzlement, fraud, or vandalism, you may be eligible to pay restitution for the damage you caused in exchange for a dismissal of your case. In sum, civil compromises allow the accused to avoid having a criminal conviction on their record. If you are charged with a theft or property crime, contact criminal attorney Jonathan Turner who is well-versed in the laws related to civil compromises under California law.