The court system in Compton can hand down harsh penalties if you are convicted of a theft crime. Even small acts of theft can lead to high fines and time in jail or prison. Attempting to avoid these penalties on your own can be impossible.
Luckily, you can get help on your side right now. The Simmrin Law Group’s theft crime lawyers in Compton are ready to take your case. We can build your defense and work to protect you no matter what charges you’re facing.
Understanding Theft Charges in Compton
Charges for theft crimes are generally broken down into two main categories:
- Money or Property Theft
- Motor Vehicle Theft
These two aspects of the law are prosecuted with different charges, some of which are more severe than others. Generally, you will be more harshly penalized for directly stealing from another person, or for using force or fear to carry out a theft.
Theft crimes are punished with:
- Fines
- Time in Jail or Prison
- Probation
Handling a theft crimes accusation properly could allow you to beat these charges. You can get professional advice about your situation from a criminal defense lawyer in Compton. Make sure you’re ready by getting help building your defense.
For a free legal consultation with a theft crimes lawyer serving Compton, call (310) 896-2723
Money or Property Theft Charges: Petty Theft
Individuals can be charged with petty theft if they stole something worth less than $950 without directly robbing someone. While this definition seems very straightforward, there are several major exceptions associated with this charge.
You can be charged with a much harsher penalty for stealing:
- Horses
- Firearms
- Motor Vehicles
- Agricultural Products
- Shellfish / Fish
It does not matter if the above items were worth far less than $950. You will still face harsher penalties. However, if you are convicted only of petty theft, you can expect to be fined $1,000 and to face up to 6 months of jail time.
Compton Theft Crimes Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Money or Property Theft Charges: Grand Theft
Grand theft charges cover many thefts of over $950. You can face this charge for smaller amounts of theft if specific items were stolen. You can also face a grand theft charge for stealing from an individual directly.
Note that if you use force or fear to commit a theft, you will be charged with robbery, which carries harsher penalties.
Generally, a conviction for grand theft can lead to fines and up to 3 years of time in jail. You can get help addressing any theft charge before it goes too far by working with a professional theft crimes lawyer today.
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Money or Property Theft Charges: Robbery
The definition of robbery is very exact in Compton. In order to be charged with robbery an individual must:
- Take someone else’s property from that person
- Take said property against the owner’s will
- Make use of fear or force to take said property
- Intend to keep said property without returning it
There are two charges used to prosecute different kinds of robbery in Compton:
- First Degree Robbery
- Second Degree Robbery
Individuals can be charged with first degree robbery if they:
- Rob someone driving or riding in a motor vehicle
- Rob someone in an inhabited building
- Rob someone by an ATM after the ATM was used
All other robbery charges are considered second degree robbery. You can end up left with fines of $10,000 and spending up to 9 years in prison if you are convicted of robbery. Start building your defense today with a theft crimes lawyer.
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Motor Vehicle Theft Charges: Unlawful Taking of a Motor Vehicle
You can be charged with unlawful taking of a vehicle if you steal another person’s vehicle while planning to bring it back. This charge can be referred to as “joyriding” in the court system. It is generally considered less severe than other motor vehicle theft charges.
Note that it can be difficult to get charged with joyriding. This charge may be reserved for:
- Minors without criminal records
- Individuals taking a plea bargain
Motor Vehicle Theft Charges: Grand Theft Auto
Grand theft auto charges apply if someone takes a vehicle and plans to keep it. Grand theft auto is considered to the harsher motor vehicle theft charge. You can face years of imprisonment if you are convicted of grand theft auto.
Let a Theft Crimes Lawyer Build Your Defense
Struggling to fight a theft crime charge on your own can be exhausting. It can ultimately end in a conviction that a theft crimes lawyer in Compton could help you avoid. You can get professional advice when you need it from the Simmrin Law Group. Let us start working for you today with a FREE consultation about your situation.
You can start getting the help you need by filling out our online contact form or calling (310) 896-2723.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
