Here're my two cents ....

It's a serious problem for foreigners in this country, whether in nonimmigrant or immigrant status. The alleged act will possibly be charged as "shoplifting" and it carries two potential consequences here for your friend: 1) criminal proceedings which may carry certain punishment plus monetary fines but is normally not too much a big deal, because it usually does not impose actual jail time, if your friend is a U.S. citizen or has no intent to remain in the country; 2) Immigration or "status" concerns, because "shoplifting" or "theft" under the immigration law is defined as "C.I.M.T." or "crime involving moral turpitude" and may even result in an "N.T.A." (Notice to Appear) to be issued by the immigration service for removal (formerly known as "deportation") proceedings at the immigration court. It is especially so, if the amount involved or the actual punishment received exceeds certain threshold. In short, it's serious matter and needs to be taken care of with all the resources available, especially when she has a brilliant future ahead of her. I personally would strongly suggest that your friend seek a good trial lawyer with full understanding and experience in not only the criminal proceedings of the state placing the charges (place of her residence) BUT ALSO the U.S. immigration laws and regulations regarding "maintenance of status" and removal/deportation proceedings, so that the attorney can best represent her in the trial or best advise her on the plea bargain terms with the D.A. (District Attorney, the prosecutor of the case), to minimize the damages caused by this unfortunate incident in BOTH criminal proceedings AND immigration considerations. The comment here is not a legal advice nor much a help in itself but hope you find it informative in your decision making process. Best luck to your friend! --A fellow Chinese in Texas.

所有跟帖： 

• Very Informative! -MidFish- ♀ (844 bytes) () 05/04/2004 postreply 12:25:06

• 回複：Very Informative! -Two-Cents- ♀ (317 bytes) () 05/05/2004 postreply 11:19:01

• How to find the right lawyer -好人也犯糊塗- ♀ (546 bytes) () 05/04/2004 postreply 20:54:24

• 回複：How to find the right lawyer -Two-Cents- ♀ (1389 bytes) () 05/05/2004 postreply 09:08:51