Theft crime charges in Escondido, CA can be difficult to handle on your own. You can easily become overwhelmed by the intricacies of the courts in California. These charges can result in a conviction that could leave you facing fines and a lengthy period of incarceration.
Fortunately, you can improve your odds of successfully resolving a theft crime accusation by contacting the Simmrin Law Group right now. You can begin building a strong defense with our theft crime lawyers in Escondido. Let us help you handle charges for petty theft, grand theft, and robbery.
Petty Theft Charges in Escondido
Individuals can be charged with petty theft in Escondido if they take something worth less than $950 indirectly from another person. However, there are several exceptions to this general rule. For example, petty theft does not cover the theft of:
- Cars, horses, or firearms
- Agricultural or aquacultural products worth more than $250
Petty theft can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor level offense in Escondido. The results of a conviction for petty theft can include fines of up to $1,000 and jail time of up to six months. The court typically requires you to complete a period of probation following a petty theft conviction.
You should also be aware that several other theft crimes are treated like petty theft by the court system in Escondido. You may face the penalties that we discussed if you are accused of:
- Shoplifting
- Embezzlement
- Larceny
- Theft by trick or theft by fraud
For a free legal consultation with a lawyer serving Escondido, call (310) 896-2723
Grand Theft Charges in Escondido
You could be charged with grand theft if you are accused of stealing:
- Anything worth more than $950
- Agricultural and aquacultural products worth more than $250
- Firearms, horses, and motor vehicles of any value
- Directly from another person without using force or fear
Grand theft – and grand theft auto charges, which are only used for the theft of motor vehicles – can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or a felony. Misdemeanor charges are not used very often, but if you are convicted of a grand theft misdemeanor you could face one year of jail time.
Felony charges are generally used to prosecute grand theft and grand theft auto. If you are convicted of a felony, you could be sentenced to:
- Fines of up to $10,000
- Jail time of up to three years
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Unlawful Taking of a Motor Vehicle in Escondido
There is another charge often used to prosecute the theft of a motor vehicle in Escondido. This charge is called the unlawful taking of a motor vehicle. You may also hear this charge called “joyriding.” Let’s compare joyriding to grand theft auto:
- Joyriding generally involves taking a vehicle you intend to return
- Joyriding is often prosecuted as a misdemeanor
- Joyriding is frequently punished less severely than grand theft auto.
However, you can still be charged with a felony if you are convicted of joyriding. Work with a criminal defense lawyer in Escondido to make sure you’re ready to handle joyriding or grand theft auto charges right now.
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Robbery as a Criminal Offense in Escondido
Robbery represents the last of the major theft crime charges in Escondido. We saved robbery for last, as it can be punished more harshly than other theft crimes. You could face a robbery charge if you are accused of:
- Taking another person’s property directly from them
- Using force or fear to acquire the property
- Intending to keep the property for the long-term
The court system may utilize first-degree robbery charges if someone takes property from another person:
- After the person uses an ATM if they remain close to the ATM
- While the person is in an inhabited structure
- While the person is driving or riding in a motor vehicle
Second-degree robbery charges are used in cases that do not meet the strict definition of first-degree robbery. Both first- and second-degree robbery charges can result in fines of up to $10,000. You could also be sentenced to:
- Up to five years in prison for second-degree robbery
- Up to nine years in prison for first-degree robbery
Take control of your future if you are accused of any theft crime in Escondido by reaching out to the professionals at the Simmrin Law Group.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Reach Out to an Escondido Theft Crimes Lawyer Now
Getting the help you need to handle theft crime charges in Escondido can be simple if you contact the Simmrin Law Group. You can start constructing your defense with a FREE initial case evaluation from our theft crimes lawyers in Escondido.
Call us at (310) 896-2723 or complete our online contact to start getting the legal assistance you need.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form