Misdemeanor Vandalism Sentencing Options

Summary

Failing to turn yourself in for a misdemeanor vandalism sentence can lead to additional charges and penalties. Consider seeking legal aid or veteran-specific services to explore options for modifying your sentence, such as house arrest in your county. Addressing the warrant promptly is crucial to avoid further complications. Legal aid organizations can provide guidance without turning you in, and your status as a combat veteran may offer some leniency. Moving to another state may not prevent enforcement of the warrant.

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I was sentenced to do 180 days in county jail for misdemeanor vandalism. My turn in date was 1 year ago. I live in a different county than the one I was sentenced to jail in. I have been pulled over and had my name ran and it comes up clear so I go on my way with a warning. The reason I did not turn myself into jail is because I was offered alternative sentencing, house arrest. The public defender told me I could do the house arrest in the county I reside in. I turned my paperwork into house arrest so I could get a transfer to my county. It took the house arrest weeks to get back to me only to say I could not transfer my house arrest because it was not specified I could do so in my court paperwork. The public defender said himself he did not know that had to be on the court papers. The public defender gets me a continuance gets the transfer on my court papers. I turn it into house arrest and they now told me that the
It sounds like you're dealing with a complex situation involving alternative sentencing and potential miscommunication.
What exactly did house arrest tell you after the transfer was specified on your court papers?
The house arrest people for the county I was sentenced in said it was too late to do a transfer, it would not go through before my new turn in date. That I would have to do it through them. They require you to come into the office once a week and I live * miles away from their office and I have no transportation. The public defender said he cannot get another continuance and that I would have to do house arrest in that county. My original plea deal he told me was house arrest in my county. So I never turned myself in. My question is if I never return to that county can I avoid jail all together? if not, would it be possible to get the house arrest in my county still or do I have to do the jail time?
It's unlikely you can avoid jail altogether if you never return to the sentencing county. You might face additional charges for failing to turn yourself in. To explore the possibility of house arrest in your county, you might consider:
- Requesting a modification of your sentence through a motion in court.
- Seeking advice from another attorney for a second opinion.
Have you tried consulting another attorney for further assistance?
No, I don’t have much money to spend on one. How much would one cost for this type of case?
Attorney fees can vary widely depending on the complexity of the case and the attorney's experience. For a case like yours, costs can range from $*,* to $*,* or more. You might want to look into legal aid services or pro bono attorneys in your area for affordable options.
Have you considered reaching out to any local legal aid organizations for assistance?
I have not, I wadn’t sure if they would turn me in? Can they?
Legal aid organizations are there to assist you, not to turn you in. They can provide guidance and potentially help you with your situation.
Would you like information on local legal aid organizations in your area?
Yes, please. And thank you so much for talking with me about this. I have a good stable job with 401k medical benefits stock options, if I go to jail I will lose my job. I am very worried about that.
Given the circumstances, consulting with a legal aid organization may help you explore options to modify your sentence and avoid jail time.
Would you mind sharing your location so I can provide details for local legal aid organizations?
Not at all I’m in Roseville, CA. The county I was sentenced in is Sacramento County. Also I am a combat veteran with an honorable discharge, will that help me in anyway?
Your status as a combat veteran with an honorable discharge may offer some leniency or special programs aimed at veterans. You should mention this when seeking help.

Legal Services of Northern California


Phone: (*) *-*
Address: * 12th Street, Sacramento, CA *
Website: www.lsnc.net

Have you considered reaching out to veteran-specific legal support services?
I did not know they had such a thing. I am very grateful to the person that recommended you. Is there a place I can leave a review for you or is there a way I can help you?
I'm glad you found the information helpful! While there's no specific place to leave a review, your kind words are appreciated. If you'd like to further assist, you can spread the word about our services to others in need. Have you reached out to veteran-specific legal support services yet?
No I have not. I would like to. Do you have their info? If not I can try to find it, I will definitely spread the word…
~Veterans Legal Institute~
Phone: (*) *-*
Address: * N Broadway, Suite *, Santa Ana, CA *
Website: www.vetslegal.com

Have you contacted Legal Services of Northern California yet, or do you need more guidance?
They are closed right now, I think I am good. Thank you for all your guidance. I have one last quick question do you know why it is that when I was pulled over in this county and my name was ran that the warrant from the other county did not come up I’ve been pulled over twice actually and had my name ran twice
There are a few potential reasons why the warrant from the other county did not come up:
- There may be a delay in entering the warrant into the statewide system.
- The warrant might not be prioritized for out-of-county enforcement.
- Technical issues or database errors.
Would you like more details on how to address the warrant issue?
is there a way I can find out if it is prioritize as an out of county enforcement
To find out if your warrant is prioritized for out-of-county enforcement, you can:
- Contact the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office or the court that issued your warrant for information.
- Consult with your public defender or a legal aid organization for guidance on this matter.
Would you like more information on how to contact the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office?
No thank you I have their info. If I moved to another state and never return to Cslifornia would that increase my chances of avoiding jail?
Moving to another state might not necessarily increase your chances of avoiding jail. Warrants can be enforced across state lines, and failure to address the warrant can lead to more severe consequences. Additionally, some states share information and can extradite individuals back to California.
Would you like information on addressing your warrant from another state?
Ok, does the punishment get worse the longer I wait? It has already been over a year since my turn in date
Yes, the punishment can get worse the longer you wait. Failing to turn yourself in can lead to additional charges such as failure to appear and contempt of court. This can result in:
- Increased fines.
- Additional jail time.
- More stringent conditions upon eventual arrest.
Have you considered contacting a legal aid organization to discuss your options for addressing this issue promptly?
I will when they open on Monday. Thank you again. Whats your name?
I'm glad I could help, ****. My name is FreeLawChat. Remember, addressing this issue promptly is crucial to avoid further complications. If you need more assistance in the future, don't hesitate to reach out. Good luck!
You are awesome FreeLawChat.
****, it's been a complex journey, but you're on the right path by seeking legal aid and considering veteran-specific services. Your combat veteran status could indeed help you in court. Addressing the warrant promptly will be essential to mitigate further penalties. Reach out to the legal aid organizations first thing on Monday. Good luck!