Q: If my niece and I were both arrested for thief of over 1,000 how come I’m the only one that got charged ?

A: In California, when two individuals are arrested for the same crime, the outcomes can vary significantly due to several factors. Your niece receiving a District Attorney (D/A) reject means the prosecutor decided not to file charges against her. This decision could be based on a variety of reasons, such as the strength of evidence, her involvement in the crime compared to yours, her criminal history, or even her cooperation with law enforcement.

For your case, being charged and facing a potential sentence of 3 years in state prison indicates that the prosecutor believes they have sufficient evidence to convict you of theft over $1,000. It's crucial to understand that each case is unique, and the evidence against each defendant is evaluated independently. Factors such as your prior criminal record, the role you played in the alleged crime, and the specifics of the evidence against you can all influence the severity of the charges and the proposed sentence.

Given the seriousness of your situation, it's important to seek legal representation immediately if you haven't already. An experienced criminal defense attorney can provide you with a defense strategy, possibly including negotiating a plea bargain or fighting the charges in court. They can also help in understanding the nuances of your case and in exploring all possible defenses and mitigating factors that could lead to a more favorable outcome.