Los Angeles Theft Crime Attorney

California Theft Laws

Also called “larceny” or “petty theft,” theft happens when a person intentionally takes another individual’s property with the intention of stealing it. California statutes differentiate between two forms of theft: petty theft and grand theft. Generally speaking, grand theft is the theft of property worth more than $950.

Most individuals who are facing theft charges are honorable people with minimal or nonexistent criminal records; people who are innocent or who made an error and temporarily lost their way. You have rights under the Constitution that need protecting, and if you retain our legal team, we will use our familiarity with the nuances of the various theft laws of California to do all that is possible to preserve your rights and secure a favorable outcome in your case.

One of the key elements in theft cases is intent. Prosecutors must prove that the accused intended to steal and did so without the owner's consent. This can sometimes be challenging to establish, and it's where a skilled Los Angeles theft attorney can make a difference. Our legal team meticulously examines the evidence and circumstances surrounding each case to build a strong defense strategy. 

California theft law is not only complex but also constantly evolving. Staying up-to-date with changes in legislation is essential for effectively defending clients in theft cases. Our attorneys prioritize continuing education and are always informed about the latest legal precedents and statutes, which equip us to tackle new challenges and protect our clients' rights more effectively.

Theft Crimes in California

• Auto Burglary
• Burglary
• Carjacking
• Counterfeit Goods
• Grand Theft
• Grand Theft Auto
• Petty Theft
• Receiving Stolen Property
• Robbery
• Shoplifting

Other examples of theft crimes, often considered white-collar crimes because they are non-violent and occur in business or financial arenas, include:

• Embezzlement
• Identity theft
• Fraud.

Extortion can also be considered a type of theft crime, as a person is obtaining money or other valuable goods or services from another person through force or threats.

What Are the Penalties for Theft in California? 

The penalties for theft crimes in California vary based on the value of the stolen property and the specific offense committed. Petty theft involves stolen property valued at up to $950 and is typically charged as a misdemeanor. If convicted, you could face up to six months in county jail and fines of up to $1,000.

Grand theft involves stolen property with a value exceeding $950 or specific property types, such as firearms. Depending on the circumstances, grand theft can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Misdemeanor grand theft carries penalties of up to one year in county jail, while felony grand theft can lead to significant prison time.

In addition to the criminal penalties, a conviction for theft can have long-term effects on one's personal and professional life. It may lead to difficulties in securing employment, housing, or even professional licensing. Understanding these broader repercussions helps underscore the importance of a robust defense effort.

Legal outcomes can be significantly influenced by factors such as a prior criminal record, the nature of the theft, and the intent behind the crime. Our team is adept at navigating these complexities to mitigate potential consequences and improve the chances of a favorable result for our clients.

Defenses Against Theft Charges

Building a strong defense against theft charges requires a deep understanding of the law and each case's intricacies. Our Los Angeles theft crimes attorneys are skilled at crafting effective defense strategies tailored to each client's unique circumstances.

Common defenses might involve providing evidence that negates the prosecutor’s assertions or challenges the credibility of their witnesses. In many theft cases, subtleties such as proving ownership, verifying the actual value of property, and questioning the integrity of evidence collection can turn the tide in favor of the defense.

Accurate documentation and awareness of procedural errors are critical elements that our team leverages during defense preparation. We diligently seek to identify any irregularities during the arrest or trial process, including rights violations, which can provide leverage to weaken the prosecution's case.

Moreover, understanding the emotional and psychological factors influencing the accused's actions at the time of the alleged crime can also be beneficial. Our legal team works closely with clients to explore such nuances, potentially introducing mitigating evidence that might play a key role in obtaining a reduced sentence or an acquittal.

Understanding the Local Legal Landscape for Theft Attorney Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a bustling metropolis with unique legal challenges regarding theft crimes. The city's diverse economic avenues often influence the nature of theft claims, ranging from shoplifting in retail environments to more complex scenarios like identity theft and embezzlement in corporate settings. This diversity requires a flexible and knowledgeable approach to each legal challenge.

Theft crimes in Los Angeles also reflect broader trends across California, which has seen recent legislative changes aimed at addressing criminal justice reform. These changes might impact how theft crimes are prosecuted. We stay at the forefront of these developments to ensure the strategies we deploy are current and effective, providing our clients with the best possible outcomes based on the latest legal frameworks.

The Impact of Theft Crimes in Los Angeles

Theft crimes can have significant repercussions that go beyond legal penalties. For individuals, they can result in reputational damage, challenges in securing future employment, and financial instability due to fines and restitution requirements. Businesses can suffer from direct financial losses, increased insurance premiums, and potential loss of trust among customers and partners.

At Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners, we recognize these broad impacts and focus on mitigating negative effects wherever possible. Our approach involves not only addressing the immediate legal challenges but also providing advice and strategies to help clients recover and rebuild following allegations or convictions. We understand that each client’s situation is unique and requires thoughtful, tailored guidance.

Contact Our Los Angeles Theft Attorney Today 

If you have been arrested or accused of a theft crime, retaining an attorney with experience in theft cases is important. Undoubtedly, an attorney not as familiar with theft laws or as experienced in criminal defense may miss an important opportunity for dropped or reduced charges or even acquittal.

You must speak with a qualified attorney at our firm as soon as you can after your charge so that we can properly evaluate all aspects of your case and develop a compelling defense strategy. We have successfully represented many clients in their theft cases and have achieved excellent outcomes in cases that initially did not appear defensible. We understand how to prepare a strong defense for theft crimes and have the experience to negotiate the best outcome for your case. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Theft Crimes in Los Angeles