If you’ve been arrested for theft in Newport Beach, it’s important to take your situation seriously. A conviction can have lasting consequences, even for a misdemeanor. It may affect your ability to get a job, hold a professional license, or maintain your immigration status.
For more serious or repeat offenses, you could face jail or prison time, depending on the charge and your criminal history. Get the legal representation you need to protect your future. Our Newport Beach theft crimes lawyers will help you stand up for your rights.
Our team at Simmrin Law Group has decades of combined legal experience, and we’ve handled more than 100 jury trials. Call today for a free case evaluation. Our Newport Beach criminal defense lawyers can explain your charges and begin to devise potential defense strategies.
Burglary
In California, burglary (Penal Code Section 459) means entering a building, room, or locked vehicle intending to commit theft or another felony. You can be charged with the following degrees of burglary charges:
- First–degree burglary involves homes and is a felony with up to six years in prison.
- Second–degree burglary includes businesses and may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony.
The law focuses on intent at the time of entry, not whether anything was actually stolen. If you have been accused of burglary, our Newport Beach theft crimes attorneys may challenge the charge by questioning whether there was criminal intent involved.
For a free legal consultation with a theft crimes lawyer serving Newport Beach, call (310) 896-2723
Extortion
Extortion (Penal Code Section 518) happens when someone uses threats, force, or intimidation to get money, property, or services. It doesn’t have to involve physical violence, as even the threat of harm can count. Extortion is a felony in California and carries up to four years in prison.
Smart defenses often focus on whether a threat actually occurred or if there was true consent. We can also raise questions about whether the alleged victim misunderstood your words or actions.
Newport Beach Theft Crimes Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Grand Theft
Grand theft (Penal Code Section 487) involves taking property or money worth more than $950. It can also apply to lower-value items like certain firearms or cars. Depending on the situation, it may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony.
Prosecutors must show you intended to take the item permanently. In building your defense, we may look at the value of the property, any misunderstandings about ownership, or whether consent was involved.
Click to contact our Newport Beach Criminal Defense Lawyers today
Grand Theft Auto
Grand theft auto (Penal Code Section 487(d)(1)) means stealing a vehicle with the intent to keep it. It’s usually charged as a felony and can result in up to three years in prison, or more if other crimes were involved. This is different from joyriding, which involves temporary use.
Prosecutors must prove you meant to take the vehicle permanently. Our theft crimes lawyer in Newport Beach may defend you by questioning vehicle ownership or intent, especially if the car was borrowed, shared, or if there’s weak evidence linking you to the crime.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Petty Theft
Petty theft (Penal Code 488 PC) is defined as stealing items worth $950 or less. It’s a misdemeanor that can lead to up to six months in jail and a fine. Common examples include shoplifting or taking someone’s personal property without permission.
The state must prove you took the item on purpose and without consent. Challenging intent may be part of our defense approach. We may be able to show that the alleged theft was a mistake, a misunderstanding, or that the item was actually yours.
If you’ve been convicted of theft before, a new petty theft charge could be treated as a felony under certain conditions. Known as petty theft with a prior, this can carry up to three years in prison.
Receiving Stolen Property
Receiving stolen property (Penal Code Section 496(A)) means knowingly buying, hiding, or helping someone keep stolen items. This offense can be a misdemeanor or felony, with up to three years in prison.
Often, the strongest defense is showing you didn’t know the property was stolen or had a reason to believe it was obtained legally. We’ll look at how the item came into your possession and whether law enforcement followed proper procedures.
Robbery
Robbery (Penal Code Section 211) involves taking property directly from someone using force or threats. It’s always a felony in California and can lead to up to nine years in prison, especially if a weapon is involved or someone is seriously hurt.
Prosecutors must prove both the taking of the property and the use of force or fear. Defenses often focus on mistaken identity, lack of intent, or the absence of force. If you didn’t threaten or confront the person directly, a robbery charge might not stand up.
Shoplifting
Shoplifting (Penal Code 459.5 PC) refers to entering a store during its business hours with the intent to steal items valued at $950 or less. Even if you don’t leave the store with the item, intent to steal can still result in charges.
It’s typically charged as a misdemeanor, with a possible six-month jail sentence. Prosecutors must show that you meant to take something without paying. We often examine video footage, witness statements, and your behavior in the store to dispute their claim.
Get Legal Help from Our Newport Beach Theft Crimes Attorneys
It may seem like you’re out of options when you’ve been charged with a theft crime. That’s not necessarily so. Our Newport Beach theft crimes attorneys will review your charges and look for ways to minimize your punishments or possibly prove your innocence.
Simmrin Law Group has helped thousands of clients accused of criminal activities in California. We’re here to make sure you’re treated fairly by the legal system. Call today for your free and confidential case evaluation.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form