Community Accountability Program for Petty Theft

Dear Snickiee and other Readers:
My friend lives in Santa Clara county of CA. She received few days ago Misdemeanor citation for Petty Theft. She has a clean background with no priors of any kind. This citation of petty theft was for a $10 of food.

I researched and learned about the Santa Clara DA’s Office “Community Accountability Program,” and if this program is all completed in the appropriate case, the case is never even filed in court! This keeps a person's criminal record completely clean for future employers, licenses, and even immigration (she is US citizen)

Since her court date is in just about a month, can you tell how soon can she finds out if she qualifies to enroll in this "Community Accountability Program," or can you recommend a lawyer who specializes in negotiating this petty to a dismissal or infraction. Or what your company can do to get her to qualify this program. Also, she does not have much money, so how approximately does she look at if hiring an attorney for a flat fee to cover the entire court process. Many thanks.

PS: dear Snickiee -- I read about your case in late 2012. I hope to receive your update of your case either in this forum or private message. Please help. Many thanks.

The amount of time it would take for her to find out if she qualifies for the program would be the amount of time between when she applies for the program and the date the decision is made. No, we can't be more specific. If she's in a rush, she had best apply.

If she wants to retain an attorney, she needs to contact some local lawyers and inquire about their fees and services.