NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — During a Thursday hearing in Orange County Superior Court, Judge Anthony Ufland stayed fines and fees imposed on an accused person after the defense cited his unemployment, lack of savings and efforts toward recovery.
The accused faced three misdemeanor charges involving forgery of an access card, possession of equipment used to make an access card and shoplifting property valued at less than $950.
The accused pleaded guilty to all three charges.
Following the guilty plea, the court imposed a sentence that included one year of probation, 12 days in jail, 20 hours of community service, enrollment in an anti-theft class, fines and fees, and restitution.
Deputy Public Defender Erin Christoff, representing the accused, requested that the court waive the fines and fees associated with the case because of the accused’s financial circumstances.
Christoff explained that the accused was unemployed, had no savings and was currently volunteering while focusing on recovery.
The defense argued that the accused lacked the financial resources necessary to meet the payment obligations imposed as part of his sentence.
After considering the request, Judge Ufland stayed the fines and fees rather than dismissing them outright. The court made no other changes to the sentence.
The ruling left the accused subject to the remaining sentencing conditions, including probation, jail time, community service, an anti-theft class and restitution.
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