Asked in Criminal Law for California

Q: I was charged with a lewd act over the internet with a minor . Can I reopen the case and get a better deal ?

This case was 2 years ago and I skipped court and never surrendered.

I wanted to reopen the case and fight it to get a better deal while I'm away and outside the country.

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2 Lawyer Answers

A: MORE INFO NEEDED

IF A FELONY YOU HAD TO APPEAR IN COURT.

IF YOU WERE OFFERED A "PLEA DEAL" AND DID NOT RETURN TO COURT THEN THERE IS A BENCH WARRANT OUT FOR YOUR ARREST AND THE DEAL WITH NOT BE AS GOOD....................UNLESS YOU HAVE A VERY GOOD EXCUSE.

CONTACT A LOCAL LAWYER FOR THAT COURT FOR GUIDANCE ON HOW THAT JUDGE HANDLES THESE CASES AND YOUR EXCUSE

A: I have good news and bad news.

Good: If you skipped court, the case was never completed. Depending on where you were in the process when you took off, you might still be able to fight the case.

Bad: If you skipped court, the DA's office can file a 1320. Failure to appear on a felony case carries up to 3years. If there are enhancements, that only goes up.

More Bad: You will not be able to fight the case from abroad.

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