Charges to be Dropped for Giuliani's Daughter
They say it's good to have friends in high places. That's especially true when that friend is your father, and he used to be the mayor of New York City.
Caroline Giuliani, 21, was arrested on charges of shoplifting on August 4. Giuliani allegedly attempted to steal $100 worth of makeup and cosmetics from Sephora in Manhattan's Upper East Side. However a judge agreed to dismiss the charge against Giuliani if she does one day of community service. The Manhattan judge in Giuliani's case agreed that that the case will be expunged, dismissed and sealed after she has completed her community service. The Manhattan District Attorney's Office will determine what kind of community service Giuliani's daughter provides, Reuters reports.
In most jurisdictions, judges have the option to sentence defendants to unpaid community work or "community service" in order to repay a debt to society for having committed the offense. In addition to the community service, the defendant may also be ordered to pay a fine, complete probation, or some other form of alternative punishment. If the defendant does not follow the terms of the community service, they face a stiffer penalty.
Before anyone cries that the case of Giuliani's daughter is an example of favoritism or legal elitism, a spokeswoman for the District Attorney's Office said that dismissal after the completion of community service is typical in cases involving first-time offenders accused of minor theft. In order for the dismissal to be effective, Caroline Giuliani must stay clear of legal trouble for six months and return for a status update on November 4. At the status update the judge will determine whether she has complied.
Related Resources:
- Sentencing Alternatives: Prison, Probation, Fines, and Community Service (FindLaw)
- Expungement (Erasing an Arrest or Conviction) (FindLaw)
- Thief Caught Selling Stolen Ladder to Former Victim (FindLaw)
- What To Do If You Are Arrested (provided by Stone and Associates P.A)
- Expungement & Petitions for Non-Disclosure (provided by Law Offices of Jack W. Pettit)