Walk It Through: The Stolen Wallet
A wallet gone, a card opened in the victim's name, and the charges that follow.
A wallet with some cash in it is taken from a gym locker.
Two things a person in this spot might do. Picking one shows what the law says about it.
One wallet. Credit reports and disputes, the bank's own rules on fraud, restitution and receiving the stolen goods are not worked through here.
A practice walkthrough, not a prediction of how any real one will go. Legal information, not legal advice.
Words this turns on
Terms with a legal meaning that is narrower than the everyday one. Each links to the definition and the authority behind it.
- FelonyA crime punishable by death or by imprisonment in the state prison. Unless a section sets another punishment, it carries up to five years, a fine of up to $50,000, or both.
- MisdemeanorAny crime that is not a felony. Unless a section sets another punishment, it carries up to six months in county jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.
- Public recordA record of the state or a local agency, which every person may examine and copy and which is presumed open unless a statute expressly says otherwise.
- Own recognizanceRelease without bail on the person's promise to appear, which a court weighs against appearance, the integrity of the process, the protection of victims and witnesses, and public safety.
- VictimA person against whom a crime or juvenile offense was committed, with rights to fairness, notice, presence and to be heard, exercised by a written request filed with the court clerk.
- Victim impact statementThe victim's statement of the impact of the crime, which goes into the presentence report the victim may read before sentencing.
- Personal identifying informationInformation that identifies a person, which it is a felony to obtain or record without authorization intending it be used to get credit, money, goods or services.