The criminal justice system in Burbank, CA handles theft crimes with extreme severity. You can end up overwhelmed by accusations and treated unfairly by prosecutors if you try to handle these charges on your own.
A skilled theft crimes lawyer in Burbank could be able to help you avoid a conviction. The Simmrin Law Group has experience handling any type of theft crime charge. We can take on your case and build your defense before it’s too late.
Basic Types of Theft in Burbank
Theft crime charges cover several serious criminal acts, including:
- Petty Theft
- Grand Theft
Petty Theft
Individuals can be accused of petty theft for indirectly stealing less than $950 of many items. There are exceptions to this definition. You can actually be sentenced to harsher charges for stealing far less valuable amounts of shellfish, fish, and agricultural products.
You can be face different charges in court based on the method used to carry out petty theft. The following are examples of charges you could face that are treated as petty theft:
- Shoplifting
- Larceny
- Embezzlement
You could also be charged with theft by fraud or theft by trick. Any petty theft conviction can lead to fines of up to $1,000 and 6 months of jail time.
Grand Theft
You can be charged with grand theft if you are accused of stealing:
- Horses
- Firearms
- Motor vehicles
Theft of more than $950 is charged as grand theft. Additionally, you can be charged with grand theft if you steal even $250 worth of:
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Other agricultural products
You can end up sentenced to 3 years in prison if you are convicted of grand theft. Getting the help you need from a criminal defense lawyer in Burbank, CA can increase your odds of winning your case. Learn more about your options by working with a legal professional today.
For a free legal consultation with a lawyer serving Burbank, call (310) 896-2723
Motor Vehicle Theft in Burbank
The theft of a motor vehicle is handled differently than other forms of theft in California. There are special charges used to handle these cases, including:
- Unlawful Taking of a Vehicle. You commit unlawful taking of a vehicle when you steal a motor vehicle while intending to return it.
- Grand Theft Auto. Individuals who take a vehicle and intend to keep it can be charged with grand theft auto.
Unlawful taking of a vehicle is also called “joyriding.” Joyriding is generally considered the less severe charge, and it is sometimes offered as part of a plea bargain, or to minors who are being charged with a first-time offense.
Both grand theft auto and unlawful taking of a vehicle can be punished by years of time in jail. The penalties for a conviction may be steeper based on the value of the stolen motor vehicle.
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Robbery as a Theft Crime
You can be charged with robbery if you are accused of stealing from another person against their will by using force or fear tactics. Generally, individuals are convicted of robbery if they carry out a theft and either:
- Threaten Someone, OR
- Harm Someone
You could face one of two charges if you are accused of robbery in Burbank:
- First Degree Robbery
- Second Degree Robbery
First degree robbery is the more serious charge. It only applies if someone is robbed:
- Near an ATM after making use of the machine
- While riding in or driving a motor vehicle
- While within an inhabited structure
Second degree robbery covers all other robbery charges. Both of these offenses are serious. You can end up spending 5-9 years in prison for a robbery conviction. Individuals who lose their robbery cases can also face up to $10,000 in fines.
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Fighting Theft Charges in Burbank
A theft charge doesn’t have to end in a conviction. Skilled theft crime lawyers understand the strategies that can work to win your freedom. Some common defenses include proving that:
- You were wrongfully accused
- Your rights were violated by the police
- You didn’t intend to steal anything
- You thought the property you took belonged to you
- You had permission to take the property
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Get the Help You Need Before It’s Too Late
It can be overwhelming to face theft charges. Many people aren’t prepared for the complicated nature of the court system. You can get help building a strong defense by working with a theft crimes lawyer in Burbank. You can count on the experienced professionals of the Simmrin Law Group to give you the help you need. We can get started right now with a FREE consultation.
Call us at (310) 997-4688 or fill out our online contact form to fight back now. Don’t leave your future up to chance!
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