Penal Code 532 in the state of California is used to prosecute the crime of theft by false pretenses. As one of the many theft crimes in California, individuals face misdemeanor or felony charges if they are accused of a PC 532 violation.
The Simmrin Law Group can help you defend yourself against a false pretenses charge. Reach out to us by calling (310) 997-4688. We understand how the court handles PC 532 charges and can help you build your defense.
Theft by False Pretenses
Individuals commit theft by false pretenses by convincing someone to give them something of value by way of lying.
The accused must knowingly and purposefully engage in deceit to be convicted under a PC 532 charge. There are many ways a person can engage in deceit. For example, an individual could:
- Tell a lie
- Share unverified information in a reckless way
- Give someone incomplete information
- Make a promise without intending to fulfill it
Intent matters when it comes to PC 532 charges. Individuals should only face a conviction if they plan to take property or valuables from someone else through deceit.
For a free legal consultation with a lawyer serving California, call (310) 928-9347
Proof of Deceit
The prosecution must provide proof that an act of deceit occurred to secure a PC 532 conviction. It is not enough to simply claim that someone else lied or told a mistruth. For example, the prosecution can provide:
- Notes signed by the accused that concern the false pretense
- Testimony regarding the false pretense provided by at least two people
- Testimony from one witness that is backed by corroborating evidence
- Writing or tokens that are associated with the mistruth
As you can see, there are several forms of proof associated with theft by false pretense. The Simmrin Law Group can help you review the evidence against you and determine the best way to fight back. Get help today by calling us at (310) 997-4688.
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Conviction on a Charge of Theft by False Pretenses
The court system treats PC 532 violations as theft crimes. In fact, the penalties for a PC 532 conviction match those levied for petty theft and grand theft. Generally, individuals face lesser penalties if they are accused of acts of theft involving less than $950. In this situation, they could face:
- Fines of up to $1,000
- Jail time of up to six months
Larger acts of theft could lead to harsher charges in California. Individuals accused of taking more than $950 through theft by false pretenses could face up to three years of time in prison. Additionally, the court could issue higher fines in this situation.
A theft crimes lawyer in Los Angeles can help you handle theft by false pretenses charges. The Simmrin Law Group also has experience handling other theft crimes in Los Angeles, including:
- Petty theft
- Grand theft
- Embezzlement
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Legal Defenses Against a Theft by False Pretenses Charge
A criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles can help you fight back against PC 532 charges. Our team at the Simmrin Law Group can put our legal experience and knowledge to work for you. Allow us to dig into the facts surrounding your case. We can take the necessary steps to show that:
You Didn’t Intend to Deceive Anyone
Theft by false pretenses charges focus on intent. You must plan to take valuables from someone to face a PC 532 conviction.
You Shared Information You Believed Was True
Individuals must act to deceive others to face a PC 532 conviction. If you shared false information that you believed to be truthful, you may be able to avoid a conviction under PC 532. Review possible defenses to a theft by false pretenses charge by reaching out to us today.
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Contact the Simmrin Law Group About Fighting a Theft by False Pretenses Charge Now
Reach out to the Simmrin Law Group for help right now in handling a theft by false pretenses charge in California. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case.
Call us today at (310) 997-4688. We also have an online contact form you can fill out.
Call or text (310) 928-9347 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form