Theft Defense Attorneys

Consult with experienced theft lawyers for advice on how to lessen the impact of your arrest

Theft crimes cover a wide range of illegal actions from seemingly small crimes like shoplifting, to serious crimes like grand theft and burglary that can result in long, painful prison sentences. Criminal defense attorney who are experienced at defending individuals in theft-related crimes can help you beat your case through an aggressive defense strategy.

As experienced attorneys who have helped many individuals resolve California theft crimes, My Rights Law knows how to place you in the best possible position in light of your circumstances. Remember, whether it’s a misdemeanor petty theft charge or felony grand theft charge, we have a theft lawyer here to help you today. To learn more, reach out to My Rights Law by calling (888) 702-8882 or sending a message through our secure web form.

California Theft Defense Lawyer

When you are charged with a theft offense in California, the consequences can be severe. At My Rights Law, we understand how stressful it can be to face such charges and will fight tirelessly to protect your legal rights. It is important to have a criminal defense lawyer who is not only knowledgeable and experienced in California’s criminal justice system but also someone who will fight aggressively for your rights. At My Rights Law, we are committed to providing the highest quality legal representation and criminal defense services to individuals charged with theft crimes in California.

We understand that being accused of a crime can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. That is why we focus on providing personalized attention to each of our clients. We believe that every client deserves a fair chance with their case. Our attorneys have the skills and resources to build an effective legal strategy tailored to your unique situation and provide zealous representation in court.

When facing serious theft charges, you need an experienced defense attorney who knows how to protect your constitutional rights. We are prepared to tackle even the most complex cases and get the best possible outcome for our clients. Our goal is to help you get through this difficult time in your life. Contact us today to learn how we can help.

California Theft Crime Lawyer

No one should have to face criminal prosecution for theft in California without experienced legal representation. At My Rights Law, our experienced attorneys are ready to fight for your rights and build an aggressive defense against any criminal theft charges you may be facing. From Grand Theft Auto to petty theft, our attorneys understand the laws of California and will work tirelessly to get the best outcome for your case. We understand that theft charges can have severe repercussions and our attorneys will do everything they can to minimize impact on your life. Don’t go through this alone – get the trusted legal representation you deserve by contacting My Rights Law today.

The following are theft crimes that you may be charged with within California, and information on how a theft crime defense lawyer can help you protect your rights if you are charged with one of these crimes.

Petty Theft – Penal Code 484(a) PC

In California Penal Code 484(a) PC, the crime of petty theft, as you might expect, involves the taking of property that does not belong to you[1]. For the theft to be considered “petty” in California, the value of the property must be $950 or less. Theft is also known as larceny in California[2]. Shoplifting is similar to petty theft, but it is charged differently under California law.

Grand Theft – Penal Code 487 PC

In California Penal Code 487 PC, the crime of grand theft involves the taking of property that does not belong to you[3]. Generally, for the theft to be considered “grand” in California, the value of the property must be greater than $950. Grand theft can occur for property valued at less than $950, if the property is a car or a firearm, or if the property is taken from the body of another person (such as pickpocketing or purse snatching). Theft is also known as larceny in California.

Robbery – Penal Code 211 PC

In California Penal Code 211 PC, robbery is the taking of personal property from another person using force or fear[4]. The property must be on the other person, or in his immediate presence when it is taken. The value of the property does not matter. Due to the use of force, robbery is considered a very serious crime. Even attempted robbery can result in prison time. If the robber is armed with a weapon, or if the victim is injured during the robbery, the penalty may be much more severe.

Shoplifting – Penal Code 459.5 PC

In California Penal Code 459.5 PC, Shoplifting is a form of theft that involves entering a store or other commercial establishment when it is open and during regular business hours with the intent to steal property[5]. Like petty theft, shoplifting occurs when the stolen property is valued at $950 or less. The theft does not have to be successful to be charged with shoplifting. If the store or other commercial establishment is entered with intent to steal when it is not open, not during regular business hours, or if the property intended to be stolen has a value greater than $950, then the crime committed is burglary, not shoplifting[6].

Trespassing – Penal Code 622 PC

Although when most people hear the word “trespassing” they likely think of unlawfully entering someone else’s property, in California Penal Code 622 PC, there are over 30 different acts that are considered trespassing[7]. Some of the more unexpected forms of trespass in California include taking wood or soil from another’s property, taking or damaging signs belonging to the state, and stealing or injuring oysters that are on another’s property. Some perhaps more predictable forms of trespass include opening gates on private property, building fires on other people’s land, knowingly skiing on closed trails, and refusing to leave a public building after being asked to leave by the owner.

Burglary – Penal Code 459 PC

In California Penal Code 459 PC, a burglary occurs when someone enters a building with the intent to commit a theft or a felony[8]. To be convicted of burglary, the defendant must have intended to commit the theft or felony before they entered the building. The burglar does not have to “break into” the building to be charged with burglary—all that matters is their intent to commit a theft or felony. The value of the property intended to be stolen does not matter—in fact, a person can be charged with shoplifting and burglary for the same incident.

Arson – Penal Code 451 PC

In California Penal Code 451 PC, Arson, as you might expect, is the intentional setting of a fire to burn someone else’s property[9]. In California, arson does not include the burning your own property, unless the fire is set with the intent to defraud, or if the fire causes injury to another person or damage to another person’s property. More specifically, in California, the law for arson requires the fire be set “willfully and maliciously.” If, on the other hand, the person’s actions are reckless rather than intentional, that person can be charged with the lesser offense of unlawfully causing a fire. On the other end of the spectrum, aggravated arson is an extremely serious offense, charged when there are aggravating circumstances such as causing property damage in the millions of dollars or causing damage to five or more houses. If you are facing charges of aggravated arson, hire a highly skilled lawyer, such as the lawyers at My Rights Law, immediately.

Vandalism – Penal Code 594 PC

In California Penal Code 594 PC, Vandalism occurs when a person defaces, damages, or destroys property they do not own “maliciously”[10]. Vandalism can be committed against another person’s property, or against property that belongs to a public entity[11]. Vandalism against a church or other place of worship may be considered a hate crime, which makes it a much more serious offense[12].

Carjacking – Penal Code 215 PC

In California Penal Code 215 PC, carjacking is the taking of a motor vehicle from another person, in their immediate presence, through force or fear[13]. The requirement of force or fear makes carjacking similar to robbery. The difference between carjacking and auto theft is that in a carjacking, the victim is present[14]. With auto theft (or other thefts) the victim is typically not present, they simply discover their property to be missing after the fact. Carjacking is a more serious crime than other thefts because of the fear and danger to the victim.

Receiving Stolen Property – Penal Code 496(a) PC

In California Penal Code 496(a) PC, it is against the law to buy or receive any property that you know is stolen[15]. It is also illegal to conceal or sell stolen property, or to withhold stolen property from its rightful owner. It is even illegal to aid another person in concealing, selling, or withholding stolen property. Not knowing the property was stolen is a defense to the charge of receiving stolen property.

Larceny – Penal Code 484(a) PC

In California Penal Code 484(a) PC, larceny refers to theft crimes, such as grand theft and petty theft[16]. See above for more details on theft.

Looting – Penal Code 463(a) PC

In California Penal Code 463(a) PC, looting is a theft or burglary committed during a state of emergency, local emergency, or evacuation order[17]. Examples of these types of emergencies include riots and natural disasters.

Criminal Defense Lawyer for Theft in California

At My Rights Law, our theft crime attorneys understand the anxiety and stress that comes with being accused of a theft crime. Whether it’s a misdemeanor offense or a felony theft crime, these common types of charges can have serious repercussions and long-term consequences such as jail sentences or prison terms. We provide experienced legal defense for any type of theft offense including credit card fraud, false accusations, burglary laws, residential burglary, commercial burglary, theft by trick, shoplifting, and other forms of theft.

We understand that there are many complexities involved in defending those accused of theft crimes. Our knowledgeable attorneys use their extensive knowledge to build a strong defense based on lack of intent and criminal history. In addition to helping you avoid possible penalties such as fines or incarceration, we’ll also work to protect your rights, reputation, and professional license during this difficult period of time.

Trust My Rights Law to handle your legal representation confidentially and effectively. With our expertise we can help prove your innocence or reduce the sentence despite false representations or potentially serious misdemeanor charges punishable by greater penalties. Contact us today if you need assistance fighting against theft crime allegations.

 

Lawyers For Theft Crimes In California

The defense attorney you choose can make the difference between having criminal charges dismissed or being severely punished. My Rights Law’s strong team of criminal lawyers have the resources and experience that enable us to pursue difficult cases yielding favorable results. We protect our clients through our expertise in the law and extensive experience in handling all misdemeanor and felony criminal cases including, but not limited to, alcohol-related crimes, drug crimes, violent crimes, domestic violence, sex crimes, crimes against children, theft crimes, juvenile delinquency crimes, gun crimes, property crimes, cybercrimes, driving offenses, public safety crimes, federal crimes, financial crimes, crimes against the government, crimes against justice, and inchoate crimes. We also specialize in restraining orders, pretrial diversion programs, and expungements.

There is a variety of theft crimes you could be charged with in California. Each of these crimes has various elements that must be proven by the prosecution in order to secure a conviction. Theft crimes cases often involve elements and procedures that must be followed to the letter. If you are accused of a theft crime, you do not have to sort through this difficult situation by yourself. Criminal defense attorneys know the laws and procedures and the best strategies and tactics for defending their clients.

Protect your rights—if you or someone you know has been accused of a theft crime, contact a theft defense attorney immediately. My Rights Law has years of experience defending their clients against theft crimes. To learn more, reach out to My Rights Law by calling (888) 702-8882 for a free confidential consultation or leave us a message on our secure contact form.

FOOTNOTES
[1] California Penal Code 484 PC.
[2] People v. Williams (1946) 73 Cal.App.2d 154
[3] California Penal Code 487 PC.
[4] California Penal Code 211 PC.
[5] California Penal Code 459.5 PC.
[6] People v. Smith (2016) 247 Cal.App.4^th 717.
[7] California Penal Code 622 PC.
[8] California Penal Code 459 PC.
[9] California Penal Code 451 PC.
[10] California Penal Code 594 PC.
[11] In re Nicholas Y., (2000) 85 Cal.App.4^th 941, 944.
[12] California Penal Code 594.3 PC.
[13] California Penal Code 215 PC.
[14] People v. O’Neil (1997) 56 Cal.App.4^th 1126.
[15] California Penal Code 496(a) PC.
[16] California Penal Code 484(a) PC.
[17] California Penal Code 463(a) PC.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR THEFT LAWYERS IN CALIFORNIA