Theft crimes are acts that involve stealing money or property from another person or an organization. Prosecutors in the Irvine legal system can push for harsh penalties if you’re accused of a theft crime, and convictions can leave you with high fines and a lengthy prison sentence.
You don’t have to try to beat a theft crime charge on your own. Getting help from a theft crimes lawyer in Irvine increases the odds that you’ll win your case. The Simmrin Law Group can offer clients accused of any kind of theft experienced legal aid right away.
Irvine’s Charges for Petty Theft
Petty theft refers to the indirect theft of something worth less than $950. This explanation appears very straightforward at first, but there are several serious complications to the legal codes surrounding petty theft. For example, you can face more serious charges for stealing even small amounts of certain other items, including firearms and horses.
Your offense may also be given a different name by the court system. There are several acts that are all treated as petty theft in Irvine. Here at the Simmrin Law Group we can help if you are accused of:
- Larceny
- Embezzlement
- Shoplifting
- Theft by Fraud
- Theft by Trick
Any of the above charges can lead to fines of $1,000 and 6 months of jail time. A skilled criminal defense lawyer in Irvine can ensure your defense is ready for the courtroom.
For a free legal consultation with a theft crimes lawyer serving Irvine, call (310) 896-2723
Irvine’s Charges for Grand Theft
You can face grand theft charges for stealing:
- Horses
- Firearms
- Motor Vehicles
- More than $250 worth of certain agricultural products
- More than $950 worth of anything else
The state uses the charge of grand theft auto to address the theft of motor vehicles. The charge of grand theft auto is supposed to be used if you take a motor vehicle and intend to keep it permanently. You can end up facing 3 years of jail time if convicted of grand theft or grand theft auto.
You may also be heavily fined for a grand theft conviction. In some circumstances you may receive extra time in jail if you are convicted of stealing an especially expensive vehicle.
Note that the state of California may also charge certain individuals with the unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, also known as “joyriding.” The joyriding charge is very similar to grand theft auto, though it differs in intent. Generally, joyriding involves taking a motor vehicle and planning to give it back. Convictions for joyriding are usually punished less harshly than grand theft auto convictions.
Irvine Theft Crimes Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Irvine’s Charges for Robbery
Robbery charges are more complicated. Individuals commit robbery by taking property from another person through the use of fear or force. There are two charges used in the prosecution of robbery:
First Degree Robbery
You can be charged with first degree robbery only in certain very specific circumstances. First degree robbery only occurs if someone:
- Robs an individual driving in or riding in a motor vehicle
- Robs someone after they use an ATM
- Robs a person within an inhabited structure
You may end up fined $10,000 and sent to prison for up to 6 years if convicted of first degree robbery in Irvine.
Second Degree Robbery
The charge of second degree robbery covers all additional instances of robbery. Second degree robbery convictions are slightly less severe, leading to up to 5 years of prison time.
Additional Robbery Penalties
You can end up facing a harsher sentence for robbery in some instances. The court can add on extra penalties to your conviction if you:
- Threaten or use force on multiple people
- Cause “great bodily injury”
- Use a gun, regardless of whether anyone was hurt or not
Attempted Robbery Charges
Note that you can only face robbery charges for successfully stealing from another person. You may be charged with attempted robbery if no goods are actually taken. A conviction for attempted robbery can still end in incarceration.
Handling any robbery charge quickly increases the odds that you’ll win your case. You can reach out to a theft crimes lawyer to get the help you need before it’s too late.
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An Irvine Theft Crimes Lawyer Can Fight for You
Trying to beat a theft charge on your own can end up costing you years of your life. Make sure you’re ready to properly address the charges you’re facing by getting professional help from the Simmrin Law Group. Our team of theft crime lawyers in Irvine will take charge of your case right away. Find out how we can help today with a FREE consultation.
You can start building your defense now by calling (310) 896-2723 or completing our online contact form.
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