People v. Gokcek

Opinion

WALSH, J.

Since 1872, California law has allowed the civil compromise of certain misdemeanor offenses if a criminal defendant adequately compensates the person injured for all costs incurred. (Pen. Code, §§ 1377-1379.) Upon proof of compensation and satisfaction of the injured person, the court can dismiss the criminal charges against the defendant.

In the instant case, the criminal defendant sought dismissal of his misdemeanor charge of false imprisonment for an act which occurred on January 3, 2003, against a minor who was 14 years old at the time. The trial court found that a civil…