Our firm recently represented a single mother accused of Theft by Unlawful Taking, graded as a 3rd Degree Felony for exceeding $2,000 in value. A felony theft conviction carries a maximum sentence of up to 7 years in jail and a permanent record that can never be expunged.

This was a case where the only issue at dispute was the monetary value of the stolen items. There was ample evidence to support the elements of the charges filed in the case, making it likely that the client would be convicted if the matter proceeded to trial. Fortunately, Associate Attorney Nick Milardo was able to reach an agreement for the client to pay restitution in return for a withdrawal of the theft charge and a plea to a summary disorderly conduct offense. This outcome saved the client not only from having a lifelong felony record, but thousands of dollars in additional costs.

This case is a clear-cut example of the importance of investing in an attorney to represent you at a preliminary hearing. Had the client waived the hearing, she would be facing a felony trial. However, having retained prepared legal counsel, she was able to pursue a favorable outcome at the earliest stage of prosecution, saving thousands of dollars in future legal fees and court costs.