Being arrested for a theft crime can be a harrowing and traumatizing experience, especially if this is your first offense. The good news is that, by working with an experienced theft crime lawyer in Glendale at the Simmrin Law Group, we can help you navigate the legal system. Let our team guide you through your case by:
- Helping you or a loved one to post bail,
- Representing you in your court hearings,
- Working with you to build a strong defense.
Our Glendale criminal defense team has decades of experience defending clients charged with all types of theft crimes, both misdemeanors and felonies. We have a proven track record of winning. Our mission is to get you the best possible outcome, with the least amount of time behind bars.
Types of Theft Crimes
The various types of theft crimes are laid out in the California Penal Code, Chapter 5, Larceny [484 – 502.9]. Simply put, theft, or larceny, is the stealing or taking of another person’s property.
But the law really isn’t that simple, when it comes to what you might be charged with and what penalties you might face. Each theft charge has its own unique criteria and penalties. A good theft crimes lawyer can help you make sense of it all, and get your life back to normal.
Types of theft crimes include:
Grand Theft
You can be charged with grand theft in California if you’re accused of stealing something worth more than $950. Grand theft can be charged as a misdemeanor or as a felony. The court or prosecutor will make the determination based on the circumstances of the case and your own criminal history.
Penalties for a conviction range from less than a year in jail for a misdemeanor to 3 years in state prison followed by probation. If the grand theft involved a firearm, it is a “strike” under California’s three strikes law.
Grand Theft Auto
Grand theft auto, or GTA, is almost always charged as a felony. As the name implies, grand theft auto is similar to grand theft but specifically involves the theft of a vehicle. You can be charged with GTA if you broke in and hotwired the car or if you merely opened an unlocked car with the keys in it and drove away.
Penalties for a grand theft auto felony conviction include:
- 16 months to 3 years incarcerated behind bars
- 1 extra year if the car was worth over $65,000 or 2 extra years if it was worth over $200,000
- A fine of up to $10,000
Petty Theft
The charge of petty theft generally covers any theft of property worth less than $950 and is a misdemeanor crime. Please note that, in petty theft, you didn’t mug or rob someone, but you did still steal something.
However, it is not petty theft, but a separate crime if you stole:
- A motor vehicle (grand theft auto)
- Firearms
- Horses
- Agricultural products (like produce) or fish/shellfish worth more than $200
The penalties for petty theft include up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Robbery
Robbery is taking something from someone by force, often with the threat of violence. It is Glendale’s most serious theft offense, and a conviction can mean 2 to 9 years in prison, or life in prison if you shot someone during the robbery.
Robbery is always a felony, and a conviction carries stiff penalties that vary based on the circumstances. Penalties include:
- 3 to 6 years in prison
- A fine of up to $10,000
- Probation and felon status for life
- An extra 10-20 years in prison if you used a gun and no one was hurt
- An extra 25 years to life in prison if someone was shot
Unlawful Taking of a Vehicle
Unlawful taking of a vehicle, also known as the joyriding law, is a less serious offense than grand theft auto. With grand theft auto, the intent is to keep the car permanently — often selling it for scrap. With unlawful taking of a vehicle, many times, the intent is to just go for a joyride or get from one point to another, and then abandon the vehicle. Many times, we can get grand theft auto charges reduced to unlawful taking of a vehicle. It all depends on your individual circumstances.
Penalties for unlawful taking of a vehicle range from less than a year in jail and a fine of up to $5,000, to 3 years in prison.
For a free legal consultation with a lawyer serving Glendale, call (310) 896-2723
If You’ve Been Arrested for a Theft Crime
If you’ve been arrested for a theft crime, it’s important not to panic, and remember 3 things:
- Don’t talk to the police.
- Don’t plead guilty.
- Hire an attorney.
The Simmrin Law Group has a number of Glendale theft crime lawyers who can help you with your case. Many times, we can get the charges reduced, or even dismissed. And if your case does go to trial, you can be confident that we have developed a strong defense.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Talk to a Glendale, CA White Collar Crime Lawyer for Free
If you or someone you know has been charged with a white collar crime, you should contact an experienced white collar crime lawyer in Glendale. Call the Simmrin Law Group at 310-896-2723 or use our contact form to get a FREE case evaluation. We’re available to help you 24/7, so contact us right now!
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