You’re not alone if you’ve been accused of a theft crime in Huntington Beach. Many individuals face serious criminal charges for:
- Petty Theft
- Grand Theft
- Robbery
Beating these charges can be challenging if you don’t have extensive legal knowledge and years of experience. You can get professional help from a theft crimes lawyer in Huntington Beach. The team at the Simmrin Law Group can offer you immediate advice and protection from any theft crimes charge.
Theft Charges in Huntington Beach: Petty Theft
Petty theft is the least severe theft crime charge in Huntington Beach. You may be charged with petty theft for stealing less than $950. Note that you will face more severe charges even if you steal less than $950 if:
- You steal directly from another person
- You steal any motor vehicles, horses, or firearms
- You steal $250 worth of certain agricultural products
The penalties for petty theft include fines of $1,000 and up to 6 months of jail time. Note that the court treats many criminal acts as petty theft. You may face these same penalties if you are accused of:
- Shoplifting
- Larceny
- Embezzlement
- Theft by Trick
- Theft by Fraud
Handling a petty theft charge properly can increase the odds that you’ll avoid jail time and fines. Contacting a criminal defense lawyer in Huntington Beach should be your first step if you are accused of petty theft.
For a free legal consultation, call (310) 896-2723
Theft Charges in Huntington Beach: Grand Theft
Grand theft occurs if someone steals:
- Directly from another person
- Horses, firearms, or motor vehicles
- Agricultural products worth more than $250
- Any other products worth more than $950
Note that the theft of a motor vehicle is prosecuted with the charge grand theft auto. All forms of grand theft can be punished by 3 years of prison time. This prison sentence could be extended in some cases. You could also be fined up to $10,000 if convicted of grand theft auto.
You should also be aware that grand theft auto is not the only charged used to prosecute motor vehicle theft. In some cases, you may instead be charged with unlawful taking of a motor vehicle. Unlawful taking of a motor vehicle is also called “joyriding” and it is used in cases where someone takes a vehicle but intends to return it.
The penalties for joyriding are generally less severe than those used for grand theft auto. A skilled theft crimes lawyer may be able to get a grand theft auto charge reduced to unlawful taking of a vehicle to lessen your sentence.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Theft Charges in Huntington Beach: Robbery
Robbery is considered the most serious theft crime in Huntington Beach. You can be charged with robbery for using force or fear to steal from another person, which sets this charge apart from both petty theft and grand theft. The court system further divides robbery into two categories:
1st Degree Robbery
Individuals can be charged with 1st degree robbery for robbing a person:
- After the individual uses an ATM
- Who is riding in or driving a motor vehicle
- In a structure that is inhabited
Convictions for 1st degree robbery can lead to 6 years of prison time and fines of up to $10,000. You will have the best chance of avoiding these penalties if you get legal advice about your situation immediately.
2nd Degree Robbery
2nd degree robbery charges cover all other acts of robbery. The court generally punishes 2nd degree robbery less severely than 1st degree robbery. Depending on your situation, you could end up sentenced to 5 years in prison and fines of $10,000 if convicted of 2nd degree robbery.
The success of your defense against any robbery charge can depend on getting help from the right law team. Make sure you select a theft crimes lawyer with experience handling similar accusations and with a reputation for winning cases for clients.
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Let a Huntington Beach Theft Crimes Lawyer Take on Your Case
Getting professional help right away can increase the odds that you’ll beat any theft charge. The Simmrin Law Group knows what strategies work to win cases and we can go over your options now with a FREE consultation. You can start getting advice about how to proceed with your case immediately from our theft crimes lawyers in Huntington Beach.
Contact us now by filling out our online contact form or calling (310) 896-2723.
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