The court system in California handles accusations of theft in various ways, depending on the value of the property allegedly stolen, the manner in which it was allegedly taken, and the type of property involved.
Though some charges come with serious and potentially life-altering consequences if convicted, our experienced Los Angeles theft crimes lawyers at the Simmrin Law Group are here to help.
You can get immediate assistance building your defense from a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer. When you hire us, it means you’ve got a friend who knows the law, ready to take on all of your legal needs.
Why Hire a Theft Crimes Lawyer Serving Los Angeles, CA?
Hiring a criminal defense attorney after an arrest in Los Angeles County can immediately improve your chances of successfully resolving the criminal charges you face. An attorney can:
- Answer all your questions about your case and criminal law
- Give you guidance about your next steps to handle theft charges
- Protect you during legal questioning
- Assist at your arraignment hearing and bail hearing
- Review any plea deals provided by the prosecution
- Take steps to resolve your charges
In many cases, our deep understanding of California law allows us to reduce a client’s charges or even get the court to dismiss criminal accusations in Southern California. We’re also here to fight for you in court when necessary.
For a free legal consultation with a theft crimes lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (310) 896-2723
Petty Theft vs. Grand Theft
The two categories into which a simple theft charge can fall are:
Petty Theft
California Penal Code 484 Petty Theft carries much lower penalties if convicted. Law enforcement could use this charge if:
- The property you allegedly stole is valued at less than $950
- You did not take the property from someone’s person
- The property is not a motor vehicle, a horse, a firearm, or more than $250 worth of agricultural products
The theft charge you face can have a different name, like:
- Larceny
- Embezzlement
- Shoplifting
- Theft by fraud
- Theft by trick
Grand Theft
California’s grand theft laws can be complex because this charge encompasses most theft crimes that do not fall into the petty theft category. However, our knowledgeable criminal defense lawyers can help you understand how the law applies to your particular charges.
Penal Code 487 charges may apply if:
- The property’s value is more than $950
- You took the property off of someone’s person (i.e., “mugging” them)
- The property is a vehicle, a horse, more than $250 worth of agricultural products, or a firearm
In many cases, this kind of theft can qualify as either a misdemeanor or a felony. When deciding which level to use when prosecuting the case, an attorney will look into your personal criminal history as well as the specific details of your case.
Sometimes, a grand theft charge is automatically a felony and can have life-altering consequences. Those situations include:
- When the stolen property is a firearm
- Most theft cases involving motor vehicles
In those circumstances, the prosecutor may have to charge you with a felony, so it is best to have an adept Los Angeles grand theft crimes lawyer on your case to help ensure that you are fighting the charges as aggressively as possible.
Our skilled team can help by working to get a grand theft charge to petty theft, as this would result in much more favorable consequences.
Los Angeles Theft Crimes Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Charges for Vehicle Theft
If the police accused you of stealing a motor vehicle, you may face charges for:
Grand Theft Auto
The main difference between this charge and the lesser auto theft charge is that grand theft auto involves the intent to take a vehicle permanently. Though grand theft auto does not have to involve any form of violence, the court almost always charges it as a felony, and the potential penalties can be severe.
- Up to three years in jail
- An additional one or two years in jail, depending on the value of the vehicle
- A fine of up to $10,000
- Orders to complete community service
We can help you build a defense for this charge in Los Angeles County.
Unlawful Taking of a Vehicle
The police can charge individuals with unlawful taking of a vehicle, otherwise known as “joyriding,” when they intend to take the car either long-term or for a short period of time.
Penalties for this “joyriding” offense can include:
- Up to one year in jail and a $5,000 fine for misdemeanors
- Up to three years in state prison for felonies
A reduction of a grand theft auto charge to an unlawful taking of a vehicle charge is typically the result of a plea bargain, and our criminal defense lawyers can help ensure that your plea agreement is optimal and amenable to your interests.
Note that the District Attorney is more likely to offer a plea deal if you do not have other charges on your prior criminal record. You can learn more from a theft crimes attorney serving Los Angeles.
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Other Theft Crimes in Los Angeles
Our professional legal team can also help with the following charges in Los Angeles County:
Burglary
The prosecution can charge burglary in the first degree or the less-serious second degree. The crime involves breaking and entering into the property of someone else with the intent to commit a crime, such as petty or grand theft.
Identity Theft
Legally, the intentional taking of another person’s identifying information is identity theft, and California treats it as either a misdemeanor or a felony.
While a felony identity theft conviction could result in hefty fines and up to three years in state prison, that’s not the worst that could happen. The federal government also pursues identity theft charges vigorously, and a federal criminal conviction could have even worse consequences.
It is crucial to have an experienced Los Angeles identity theft lawyer on your side as soon as the police arrest you.
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Common Defenses Against Theft Crimes
There are several ways in which a skilled criminal defense attorney can help you eliminate or reduce your charges. Some of the most common forms of defense include:
- Lack of specific intent to steal property
- Mistaken identity (you were not the thief in question)
- Intrinsic right (you had a right to the property)
- Lack of completion (the property owner retained possession of the item)
When you discuss your case with one of the experienced attorneys at the Simmrin Law Group, we can assess the details of your charge and begin to form a clearer understanding of what your defense should entail.
Contact Us After an Arrest for Theft or Other Charges
At the Simmrin Law Group, our Los Angeles theft crimes attorneys are available to discuss the specifics of your case through a consultation. To get in touch with us, fill out the form to the right of this page or call us today. We’re here and ready to help.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form