As experienced criminal defense attorneys in Los Angeles, the team at LA Criminal Defenders is well-equipped to handle a wide range of theft crimes.
Theft offenses, which involve taking someone else’s property without permission, are treated seriously under California law and can result in severe legal consequences. If you or a loved one are facing theft crime charges in Los Angeles or the surrounding areas, it’s crucial to have skilled legal representation to protect your rights and interests. Our knowledgeable theft crime lawyers have more than 55 years of combined experience and are dedicated to providing aggressive defense strategies to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.
Understanding Theft Crimes in California
Theft crimes in California encompass a wide range of offenses, including theft of tangible property, theft of services, theft by fraud, embezzlement, and more. These offenses involve taking someone else’s property without their consent and can result in significant legal consequences.
The severity of theft crimes in California is often determined by the value of the property stolen. Petty theft typically involves the theft of property valued at $950 or less and is charged as a misdemeanor, punishable by fines, probation, and up to six months in county jail. Grand theft involves the theft of property valued above $950 and can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances. Felony grand theft can result in much harsher penalties, including fines, probation, and imprisonment in state prison.
It’s important to note that theft crimes can also have collateral consequences beyond the legal penalties, such as a permanent criminal record that can impact employment prospects and housing opportunities. That’s why it’s crucial to seek legal representation from experienced theft crime lawyers like those at LA Criminal Defenders if you are facing theft crime charges in California.
Our skilled attorneys at LA Criminal Defenders have in-depth knowledge of California theft laws and can provide you with aggressive defense strategies tailored to your specific case. We will carefully review the details of your case, investigate the evidence against you, and develop a strong defense strategy to protect your rights and interests. Contact us today at (818) 855-2115 for a free consultation and let us defend your rights.
Types of Theft Crimes
At LA Criminal Defenders, our experienced attorneys are well-versed in handling various types of theft crimes, including:
Petty Theft
Petty theft involves taking property that is valued at $950 or less. It is considered a misdemeanor offense in California and can result in fines, probation, and up to 6 months in county jail.
Grand Theft
Grand theft involves taking property that is valued at more than $950. It can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances of the case, the value of the property, and the defendant’s criminal history. The consequences of grand theft can include fines, restitution, probation, and imprisonment in state prison.
Auto Theft
Auto theft involves taking someone else’s vehicle without their permission. It can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances, and can result in fines, restitution, probation, and imprisonment.
Robbery
Robbery involves taking someone else’s property through the use of force, fear, or intimidation. It is considered a serious felony offense in California and can result in significant fines, restitution, and imprisonment in state prison.
Burglary
Burglary involves entering someone else’s property with the intent to commit theft or another felony. It can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances, and can result in fines, restitution, probation, and imprisonment.
Embezzlement
Embezzlement involves misappropriating someone else’s property that has been entrusted to you. It can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the value of the property, and can result in fines, restitution, probation, and imprisonment.
Shoplifting
Shoplifting involves taking merchandise from a store without paying for it or intending to pay for it. It can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the value of the merchandise and the defendant’s criminal history, and can result in fines, restitution, probation, and imprisonment.
Consequences of Theft Crimes
The consequences of theft crimes in Los Angeles can be severe and long-lasting. Depending on the type and value of the property stolen, as well as the defendant’s criminal history, the consequences can include:
- Fines:
Theft crimes can result in significant fines, which can add up quickly and result in financial strain.
- Restitution:
If the stolen property cannot be returned, the court may order the defendant to pay restitution to the victim to compensate for their losses.
- Probation:
Theft crimes can result in probation, which may include restrictions on the defendant’s activities, mandatory counseling, and regular check-ins with a probation officer.
- Imprisonment:
Theft crimes can result in incarceration, ranging from county jail for misdemeanor offenses to state prison for felony offenses, depending on the severity of the crime.
Defenses to Theft Crimes
At LA Criminal Defenders, we will carefully review the details of your case to identify and pursue any applicable defenses. Some common defenses to theft crimes can include:
Lack of intent: Theft crimes require the intent to permanently deprive someone of their property. If there is no evidence of intent, we can argue that the defendant did not commit theft.
Mistake of fact: If the defendant genuinely believed that they had a legal right to the property, we can argue that there was a mistake of fact and no theft occurred.
Duress: If the defendant committed theft under duress, meaning they were forced or threatened, we can argue that they should not be held responsible for the crime.
Consent: If the defendant had the owner’s consent to take the property, we can argue that there was no theft.
Why Choose LA Criminal Defenders?
Choosing the right legal representation for your theft crime case is crucial to ensure the best possible outcome. At LA Criminal Defenders, we have the experience and expertise to handle theft crime cases in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. Our team of skilled attorneys is committed to providing aggressive defense strategies tailored to your specific case. We have more than 55 years of combined experience and a proven track record of success in defending against theft crime charges. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and provide you with the guidance and support you need during this challenging time.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one are facing theft crime charges in Los Angeles or the greater Los Angeles area, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a free consultation. Our experienced theft crime lawyers at LA Criminal Defenders are ready to listen to your case, explain your legal options, and provide you with the skilled representation you need to protect your rights and interests.
Contact us today at (818) 855-2115 to schedule your free consultation.