Petty Theft 1st degree : US Visitor Visa

[VKRAMESH]

Hi Experts,
I am posting this question for a friend. My friend was at shopping with this family and Mother in law at a local clothing store and got intercepted for shop lifting. She was charged with Petty Theft 1st degree and in jail for close to 12 hours , before my friend bailed her out. She is currently here on a visitor visa , and her current entry is valid from Oct 1.2010 to Apr 1.2010. Her visa is valid for 10 years.

Questions:
1. What is the turn around time for the hearing of this case at a local court ? They live in FL state.
2. If she pleads guilty , what charges can she face ? What are the immigration consequences on her visa ? Will she be deported or will it affect reentry only?
3. If he hires a criminal attorney , what are the chances the case can be dismissed ?
4. My friend is on H1b , and bailed her MIL out. Will he faces any criminal charges too ?

Thanks

[txh1b]

Questions:
1. What is the turn around time for the hearing of this case at a local court ? They live in FL state.
Depends on the county court. The case can be adjudicated fast if they decide on a mutual community supervision or stoplift type class. But that would come out as accepting the plea bargain.2. If she pleads guilty , what charges can she face ? What are the immigration consequences on her visa ? Will she be deported or will it affect reentry only?
First time offender will not likely face jail time but may have to pay fine and go through some community service. If that is done on time, at re-entry, she could be questioned in the future. Will not result in deportation.3. If he hires a criminal attorney , what are the chances the case can be dismissed ?
Depends on how incriminating the evidence collected by the store is. An attorney hired can evaluate the case better.4. My friend is on H1b , and bailed her MIL out. Will he faces any criminal charges too ?
No