Have you recently been arrested and charged with a crime related to theft? Are you worried about how a conviction could impact your life? The consequences you could be facing are severe.
Fortunately, when you have a dedicated Chino Hills theft crimes lawyer at the Simmrin Law Group on your side, you can clear your name of the allegations against you and get back to your life. Contact our team for a free consultation today and learn more about which defenses may be best suited for your case.
Theft Crimes You Can Be Charged with in Chino Hills
There are multiple criminal offenses your theft crimes lawyer in Chino Hills, CA may be able to defend against. Some of these theft crimes may be charged at the misdemeanor level, while others may be charged at the felony level.
Crimes that can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony are commonly referred to as wobblers. Some of the more common types of theft crimes our firm defends against include:
- Armed robbery
- Burglary
- Car theft
- Credit card theft
- Embezzlement
- Forgery
- Grand theft auto
- Grandtheft
- Identity theft
- Petty theft
- Robbery
- Shoplifting
For a free legal consultation with a theft crimes lawyer serving Chino Hills, call (310) 896-2723
Criminal Penalties Associated with Chino Hills Theft Crimes
Your theft crimes attorney in Chino Hills, CA will need to go over the specific theft charges you are facing to ensure you understand the severity of the charges that have been brought against you.
These charges and penalties can vary widely depending on the specific circumstances of your case. Suppose there are aggravating factors present, such as the presence of a deadly weapon, severe bodily injury or death, or the involvement of a child. In that case, you can expect harsher charges and penalties.
If you were convicted of petty theft, for example, this would likely be charged at the misdemeanor level. If convicted, you could be placed on probation for three years, spend up to six months in county jail, and be ordered to pay fines as high as $1,000.
Conversely, if you were charged with shoplifting property valued at more than $950, you could be charged with grand theft. This could carry time in state prison and fines as high as $10,000.
How a Theft Crimes Conviction Will Impact Your Life
It is not only the impact of criminal penalties that you need to be concerned with if you are found guilty of a theft offense. Your theft crimes lawyers will be working tirelessly to reduce the impact a conviction could have on your life.
However, if you are found guilty, you can expect the impact to be felt across virtually every aspect of life as you once knew it. Some of the more common ways those convicted of theft have felt the fallout of their conviction include:
- Loss of child custody or visitation rights
- Being fired or demoted
- Being passed over for job or career opportunities
- Loss of federal student aid eligibility
- Deportation or other citizenship issues
- Loss of firearm rights
- Temporary loss of voting rights
- Community service hours
- Regular meetings with a probation officer
- Attendance at group therapy or mental health counseling
- Completion of an anger management program
- Completion of a drug or alcohol treatment program
When the costs of a conviction are this high, preparing a powerful defense may be the best way to put this experience behind you and move forward with your life.
Chino Hills Theft Crimes Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
How to Challenge the Theft Crime Charges Against You
A Chino Hills theft crimes attorney from Simmrin will work to help you clear your name of the allegations that have been made against you. You have the right to defend yourself.
You also have the right to an attorney. Hiring a private criminal defense lawyer may be in your best interests, as public defenders are often overwhelmed by enormous caseloads that make it difficult to give individual clients the attention they deserve. When you choose the Simmrin Law Group to advocate for your freedom, you can expect a legal defense you can rely on.
Pretrial Diversion Programs
For many individuals charged with theft crimes, pretrial diversion or plea agreement may be possible. The state’s prosecuting attorney must be willing to work with you if you hope to be accepted into the program. If you follow the terms as outlined, the prosecutor will then reduce the charges against you or dismiss them entirely.
However, failure to follow the terms of the pretrial diversion program means the prosecutor will move forward with the theft crimes charges against you. Some of the requirements you should be prepared to face include:
- Attendance at group therapy
- Regular mental health counseling
- Paying restitution to victims
- Completion of a drug or alcohol treatment program
- Regular meetings with a probation officer
- Maintaining a curfew
- Abstaining from drug or alcohol use
Potential Defenses
Pretrial diversion programs may only be available to first-time offenders who commit non-violent offenses. If you are not eligible for a pretrial diversion program, you will need to be prepared to defend yourself at trial.
Your criminal defense lawyer will scrutinize the details and evidence of your case to determine which defenses may be most suitable. Examples of potential defenses could include:
- Denying that you were in possession of the stolen property
- Lack of intent to commit a crime
- You had a claim of right
- You were given permission to take a specific item
These are only a couple of examples of defenses that could be used to challenge the allegations made against you. If you are hoping to avoid the consequences of a conviction, you should be prepared to work with your attorney, the state’s prosecutor, and the court to obtain a favorable outcome.
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Get Help from a Theft Crimes Lawyer in Chino Hills Today
Although many people fail to take their assessed crime charges seriously, a conviction could adversely impact your life for years to come. It is important to dodge a conviction and protect your future.
Schedule your confidential consultation today with an experienced Chino Hills theft crimes lawyer at the Simmrin Law Group to explore your defense options further. You can reach us through our secure contact form or by phone to get started with your defense strategy.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form