California treats theft crimes severely. Theft crimes committed in Long Beach may be charged as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the situation. If you’ve been charged with any of these crimes you could face fines, probation, and even time in jail or prison.
Getting an early start on your defense by contacting a criminal defense law firm in the Long Beach area can improve your chances in court. Protecting your future may involve getting the legal aid you need to fight these charges.
Defend Yourself Against Theft Crime Charges in California
You could face several different charges for theft crimes in Long Beach. Each one is treated differently in the legal system, but all of the following charges come with serious consequences:
- Petty Theft
- Grand Theft
- Grand Theft Auto
- Unlawful Taking of a Vehicle
- Robbery
You can build your case against these charges with the help of a team of experienced theft crime lawyers. Getting professional assistance can help you deal with California’s complicated legal codes and can keep you from getting overwhelmed in court.
For a free legal consultation with a lawyer serving Long Beach, call (310) 896-2723
Charges of Petty Theft or Grand Theft in Long Beach
Petty theft is one of the less severe theft crimes in California, but it is still a serious misdemeanor that can lead to fines of up to $1,000 or 6 months in jail. You could be charged with petty theft in Long Beach if you stole something that was worth less than $950. Handling petty theft charges can be confusing because it is often given different names, such as larceny, shoplifting, or theft by trick.
You could be charged with grand theft in California if you stole something worth more than $950. This charge may also be leveled against individuals who steal things like horses or firearms. This can be treated as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the exact situation. A felony charge will carry harsher penalties, such as up to 3 years in a state prison.
Working with a skilled law team can help you fully understand petty theft and grand theft charges so you can effectively handle them.
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California’s Laws on Vehicular Theft
There are two major laws in California that deal with the theft of a motor vehicle. The less severe charge is unlawful taking or driving of a vehicle. This is occasionally referred to as the “joyriding” law. You could face this charge if you temporarily took someone else’s vehicle without intending to keep it. This charge can be a misdemeanor or a felony.
California uses different standards to handle grand theft auto, which involves taking someone else’s car with the intent to keep it permanently. This act is usually treated as a felony, though it is sometimes seen as a misdemeanor. You could face fines of up to $10,000 and up to 3 years in jail if convicted of this charge.
Dealing with vehicular theft charges in court can be intimidating. You can get support for your case by contacting a trained criminal defense team.
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Robbery as a Theft Crime in California
Robbery stands apart from other theft crimes in Long Beach because it involves taking something through the use of fear or force. If verbal threats are made during a theft, the crime will be considered a robbery and charged as a felony.
California has two commonly used charges for robbery:
First Degree Robbery
You can face severe penalties if charged with first degree robbery, which is seen as the more serious robbery charge. This charge can only apply if:
- You rob someone near an ATM.
- You rob someone driving or using a taxi, bus, etc.
- You rob someone in an inhabited structure.
If you are convicted of first degree robbery you could face up to 9 years in state prison and fines of up to $10,000.
Second Degree Robbery
This is the less serious robbery charge used in California. It covers all forms of robbery not addressed under first degree robbery. This charge could result in fines of $10,000 and up to 5 years in a state prison.
Any robbery charge can be very difficult to fight. Experienced theft crime lawyers can help you handle these cases and give you a better chance for successfully defending yourself.
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Work with a Long Beach Theft Crimes Lawyer to Protect Your Future
Theft crimes are treated harshly in California, but you don’t have to face these charges alone. The experienced Long Beach theft crimes lawyers of the Simmrin Law Group are here to help you with your legal battle. You can contact us immediately to get a FREE consultation about your case. Get started today by filling out the contact form on the right or calling us at (301) 896-2723.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form