Acts of theft can be prosecuted with several charges in Long Beach, including:
- Petty Theft
- Grand Theft
- Grand Theft Auto
Petty theft is the least severe of these criminal charges. However, a petty theft conviction can still lead to harsh penalties, such as fines and incarceration. You should not take a petty theft charge for granted, as a conviction can stay on your record for years to come.
You can prepare to handle petty theft charges with the help of the Simmrin Law Group. Our team of professional petty theft lawyers in Long Beach can help you build a solid defense before it is too late.
Defining Petty Theft in Long Beach
The legal definition of petty theft in California seems very straightforward at first. In general, anyone who steals something worth less than $950 may be charged with petty theft in Long Beach. However, there are several major exceptions that can make this charge difficult to understand.
Individuals will be charged with a more severe crime if they are accused of stealing:
- Horses
- Firearms
- Motor Vehicles
You can face grand theft charges for stealing any of these things, even if they are not worth more than $950. You may also face grand theft charges if you steal more than $250 worth of:
- Domestic Fowls
- Fruits, Vegetables, and Other Farm Crops
- Fish, Shellfish, and Other Aquacultural Products
Additionally, individuals who directly rob or mug someone will face more severe charges. A criminal defense lawyer in Long Beach can help you determine exactly which theft crime charge you are facing. Your lawyer can work on a defense against either petty theft or grand theft charges for you.
For a free legal consultation with a lawyer serving Long Beach, call (310) 896-2723
Charges Tied to Petty Theft in Long Beach
The court system in Long Beach uses the penalties tied to petty theft when prosecuting a number of specific criminal acts. You might find that you are facing petty theft charges if you are accused of:
- Shoplifting
- Embezzlement
- Larceny
The court also sometimes describes theft by trick or theft by fraud as petty theft. In all of these cases, the penalties for a conviction will be the same. Get answers about any type of theft charge from a Long Beach theft crimes lawyer.
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Results of a Long Beach Petty Theft Conviction
Individuals who are accused of petty theft will face misdemeanor charges in Long Beach. The penalties for a petty theft conviction can include:
- Fines of Up to $1,000
- Jail Time of Up to 6 Months
Generally, the court will also require you to spend time on probation once you are released from jail. You will have to obey certain regulations set down by the court while you are on probation. You can face additional fines and time behind bars for a probation violation if you break any of the court’s orders.
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You Have Options to Build a Petty Theft Defense
Many people do not realize that they can stand up to petty theft accusations in Long Beach. You can get professional help from a petty theft lawyer right here in Long Beach. Your lawyer can work to construct a defense based around the facts of your case. Depending on your situation, your lawyer could work to show:
You Had No Intention of Stealing
It is not illegal to pick an object up, to look at it, or even to use it. Unless you plan to take something without giving it back, you should not face a petty theft conviction.
You Did Not Know You Were Committing an Act of Theft
Sometimes, individuals grab something they think belongs to them and walk off with it. This kind of honest mistake should not lead to a criminal conviction.
You Were Falsely Accused
False accusations are an unfortunate part of life. Sometimes individuals are simply mistaken for someone else. A criminal defense lawyer can help you explore your options if you are wrongly accused of petty theft.
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Let a Petty Theft Lawyer in Long Beach Help You
Getting professional help from a petty theft lawyer in Long Beach can increase your odds of beating a theft crime charge. The Simmrin Law Group can go over your unique legal needs when you need help. We understand how important it is to begin working on your defense right away. You can get the ball rolling on your case right now by calling (310) 896-2723 or filling out our online contact form.
Get the legal advice you need to feel confident about handling a petty theft charge with a FREE initial case evaluation.
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