If you are facing theft charges in California, the Simmrin Law Group has qualified Cerritos theft crimes lawyers available to help you. Criminal cases come with nuance and challenges that may be too difficult to navigate alone or too time-consuming for a public defender to take on.
Instead of risking your future, leverage the power of having a Cerritos criminal defense lawyer representing you. For more information on understanding the extent of your charges or the rights you have as a potential offender, our law firm has been successfully representing a multitude of theft crimes for over two decades. Schedule a consultation today.
Cerritos, CA, Theft Crime Charges Explained
Theft crimes generally involve the unlawful taking of someone else’s property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it. In California, theft can take various forms, including petty theft, grand theft, shoplifting, and burglary.
The biggest difference between the three types of theft is that each is classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony.
- For petty theft, anything under $950 is generally classified as a misdemeanor, which may land you in jail for up to six months and result in a fine or community service.
- For grand theft, if the stolen item is over $950, it can be considered a felony and result in both harsher fines and longer jail time.
- For shoplifting, the charge and penalty given depends on the value of the item.
- For burglary, the circumstances surrounding the crime determine which charge type it receives.
For a free legal consultation with a theft crimes lawyer serving Cerritos, call (310) 896-2723
Know Your Legal Rights After Being Charged With Theft Crime in Cerritos
The main focus of retaining theft crimes lawyers in Cerritos, CA, is to not only come to understand the full scope of your criminal charges but to explore your legal rights. Regardless of if you are innocent or not, you have the following rights:
- The Right to Remain Silent: Your Miranda rights state that you do not have to answer questions or make statements to law enforcement without an attorney present. Anything you say can be used against you, so it’s wise to speak with a lawyer first.
- The Right to Legal Representation: You have the right to hire an attorney to represent you throughout the legal process. A qualified theft crimes attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.
- The Right to a Fair Trial: You are entitled to a fair trial, which includes the right to present evidence, call witnesses, and cross-examine the prosecution’s witnesses. This is crucial for building a strong defense.
- The Right to Be Informed of Charges: You have the right to know the specific charges against you and the evidence supporting those charges. This information is essential for preparing your defense.
- The Right to Due Process: Under the Fourteenth Amendment, You are entitled to due process under the law, which means you cannot be deprived of your liberty or property without fair legal procedures being followed.
- The Right to Appeal: If you are convicted, you have the right to appeal the decision. This allows you to challenge the verdict and seek a review of the trial’s procedures and evidence.
Cerritos Theft Crimes Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
How Criminal Theft Charges Impact Your Future
Facing criminal theft charges comes with the aforementioned legal repercussions such as fines, restitution payments, jail, or community service, but these charges might impact other various aspects of your life, such as:
Employment Opportunities
One of the most immediate consequences of a theft charge is its effect on your job prospects. Many employers conduct background checks, and a criminal record can raise red flags. Even if you’re qualified for a position, a theft conviction might lead to your application being overlooked. Certain industries may be particularly sensitive to theft-related offenses.
Education and Scholarships
If you’re a student or considering further education, a criminal theft charge can hinder your academic opportunities. Some colleges and universities ask about criminal history on their applications, and a conviction could impact your chances of admission.
Additionally, many scholarship programs require a clean record, so a theft charge might affect your eligibility for financial aid.
Housing and Renting
Having a theft charge on your record can also complicate your housing situation. Landlords often perform background checks, and a criminal record may make them hesitant to rent to you. This can limit your options and may even lead to higher security deposits or rent prices as landlords seek to mitigate their risks.
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Ask a Cerritos Theft Crimes Attorney Which Defenses Will Help Your Case
At the Simmrin Law Group, we take pride in having a certified criminal defense lawyer overseeing our firm. Our strong relationships within the legal field, combined with our extensive knowledge, allow us to craft solid legal defenses that could reduce or even clear your theft charges. Some of the strategies we may employ include:
- Challenging the Evidence: We’ll closely examine the evidence against you. If we can identify weaknesses or inconsistencies—like improper searches or unreliable witness statements—we can argue for a dismissal or reduction of charges.
- Proving Lack of Intent: If we can show that you didn’t intend to steal—perhaps you believed you had permission to take the item—we can argue that the theft charge doesn’t apply.
- Establishing Mistaken Identity: If there’s any chance that you were wrongly identified, we’ll work to prove that you weren’t the person who committed the theft, using alibis or other evidence to support your case.
- Negotiating Plea Deals: In some situations, it may be beneficial to negotiate a plea deal with the prosecution. We’ll advocate for the best possible terms, potentially reducing the charges or penalties you face.
- Exploring Alternative Sentencing: Depending on your circumstances, we might be able to secure alternative sentencing options, such as community service or rehabilitation programs, instead of jail time.
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Contact Simmrin Law Group Today
Your future is important to us, and our Cerritos theft crimes attorneys are here to fight for your rights every step of the way. If you’re facing theft charges, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Let us help you manage this challenging situation with confidence and skill. Contact Simmrin Law Group today to schedule a complimentary case review session.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form