Need lawyer advice

[wdfifteen]

Called my court lawyer this morning and he retired last month!

I need advice. A contract employee has stolen over $2000 worth of property from me, but the only evidence I have against him is a video of him lifting a pair of sunglasses. He was convicted of theft in March 2012, paid a $2000 fine and $2700 restitution and is still on probation. I want to make sure the little prick goes to jail.
His first court appearance is tomorrow. I called the court and they said there is no reason for me to be there. What will go on at this appearance? Is there anything I can do to encourage the prosecutor to put this kid away?

[red-beard]

Too late, but you should have hired a PI to get additional evidence on the kid.

[Joeaksa]

There is no way that I would not be at the hearing...

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by red-beard

Too late, but you should have hired a PI to get additional evidence on the kid.

Yeah, I've been beating myself up over this. I need to figure out how to stop running "I could have, I should have, why didn't I" scenarios through my head so I can get some sleep. I want to put this guy away so bad. He stole my grandson's RC car that I was fixing for him.
I thought I had him dead to rights. I put a video camera in the shop. I watched him go in the shop and I could hear him in there going through things and called the sheriff as soon as he left. With all the racket he was making I thought for sure the video would show him stealing something and it would be in his truck. They cuffed him and threw him in the car. Wouldn't consent to a search of the truck. But while the video recorded him ransacking the place, the only thing he actually took this time was a pair of sunglasses. Sheriff said no problem, he violated probation and he's going to jail, but I want to be sure.

[Rot 911]

First appearance is just to enter a plea of not guilty and then the case moves forward. However, if he is still on probation for stealing and this is a new charge then there is a good chance his probation will be revoked on the previous crime and he will go to jail on that. Really up to the probation office as to the recommendation. You need to find the name of the P.O. and start rattling their cage.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Also I believe you should get in touch with the DA's office right away. I'd plan on going. And congratulations to you for doing your part to nail the punk SOB.

[Groesbeck Hurricane]

I have nothing to add other than: Listen to Kurt!

[Joeaksa]

As well it might not be too late to get a PI and see what else you can find. Wonder of some of your missing things are at his house or apartment?

[wdfifteen]

I talked to the lawyer who did my trust and a few other "housekeeping" things for me. She's in a different county and doesn't do criminal stuff but knew somebody here. She found out who is handling this case and said it would be a good idea to call him and let him know I care about this and want to see it taken to the limit. It seems some people make complaints and then lose interest. Prosecutors get discouraged with them, but perk up if a complaintant shows a continued interest. So I called and told him the sunglasses theft was just the tip of the iceberg. He said he's see what he could do and thanks for calling.
Kurt, I'll look into the probation office thing tomorrow. Sounds like it could be a situation like the prosecutor - they put more into it when they know someone cares.

[nota]

Originally Posted by Joeaksa

As well it might not be too late to get a PI and see what else you can find. Wonder of some of your missing things are at his house or apartment?

his P O can do a unannounced home visit/inspection on a whim or whatever
a list of what you suspect he stole would help the P O
and help you get the stuff back too

his P O has godlike powers over him in everything
no warrant or PI needed