A theft crime accusation in San Diego, CA, can quickly spiral out of your control. It is vital that you get professional help on your side quickly if accused of petty theft, grand theft, or robbery. A conviction for these serious charges can result in:
- Fines
- Jail time
- A period of probation
The professionals at the Simmrin Law Group can help you handle a theft crime accusation. You can count on us to build a strong defense for your case right now. Just contact our theft crimes lawyers in San Diego to get started today.
Types of Theft Crimes in California
The state of California uses many different charges to prosecute theft crime accusations. You could be charged with acts such as:
- Petty theft
- Grand theft
- Robbery
Petty Theft
Individuals who steal items valued at under $950 could be charged with petty theft. However, there are exceptions to this ruling that may result in harsher charges, even if you are accused of taking something that is not as valuable.
Grand Theft
Grand theft charges may be used to prosecute individuals accused of stealing:
- Anything valued at over $950
- Agricultural and aquacultural products valued at over $250
- Firearms
- Motor vehicles
- Horses
- Directly from another person
Grand theft is generally prosecuted more harshly than petty theft. However, all theft crime charges should be taken seriously.
Robbery
Robbery charges are used to prosecute individuals who steal directly from another person using force or fear. Individuals may be charged with first-degree robbery if they rob someone who is:
- In an inhabited structure
- Driving or riding in a motor vehicle
- Close to an ATM after using the ATM
San Diego criminal courts also use second-degree robbery charges. Second-degree robbery is not prosecuted as harshly. It is used to try cases that do not meet the definition of first-degree robbery.
For a free legal consultation with a theft crimes lawyer serving San Diego, call (310) 928-9347
Theft Crimes Involving Motor Vehicles in San Diego
The theft of a motor vehicle in San Diego may be prosecuted with unique charges. Generally, the court system charges individuals who steal a car, truck, van, motorcycle, or another vehicle with:
- Unlawful taking of a motor vehicle
- Grand theft auto
- Carjacking
Unlawful Taking of a Motor Vehicle
You may hear unlawful taking of a motor vehicle called “joyriding.” Joyriding charges may apply if someone takes a motor vehicle without the intention of keeping it. Joyriding is often treated less severely than grand theft auto.
Grand Theft Auto
Individuals who take a motor vehicle and intend to keep it for themselves may be charged with grand theft auto. Grand theft auto typically results in harsher penalties than a joyriding conviction. However, both of these charges may be prosecuted as misdemeanors or felonies.
Carjacking
Carjacking is the most serious of these crimes and is always charged as a felony. Carjacking refers to the unlawful taking of a motor vehicle by force or fear. This includes using violence or the threat of violence to take a car from someone. There are several factors that can lead to increased penalties for carjacking, including the use of a weapon or causing an injury.
In addition to serious time in prison and hefty fines, a carjacking conviction will also count as a strike under California’s Three Strikes Law.
San Diego Theft Crimes Lawyer Near Me (310) 928-9347
Penalties for Theft Crimes in San Diego
Theft crimes are often prosecuted very harshly in San Diego. There are a number of penalties used to address these charges, including:
- Fines
- Incarceration
- Probation
Fines for Theft Crimes
- Petty theft: Up to $1,000
- Grand theft: Up to $10,000
- Robbery: Up to $10,000
Incarceration for Theft Crimes
- Petty theft: Up to six months
- Grand theft: Up to three years
- Robbery: Up to five years for second-degree robbery and up to nine years for first-degree robbery, along with the potential for enhanced sentencing if the circumstances warrant it
Probation for Theft Crimes
- Petty theft: Summary probation for a misdemeanor or formal probation for a felony
- Grand theft: Summary probation for a misdemeanor or formal probation for a felony
- Robbery: Formal probation
You can get help handling any theft crimes charge in California by contacting a theft crimes lawyer in San Diego as soon as you get arrested. Getting help on your side quickly can increase your chances of beating the charges you face.
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Take on Theft Crime Allegations in San Diego
You don’t have to try to handle a theft crime charge in San Diego on your own. You can get professional legal assistance by contacting the Simmrin Law Group. Our theft crime lawyers can take steps to build your defense as they:
- Monitor the police investigation of your case
- Work to block evidence against you
- Help you during interviews with prosecutors and police officers
- Handle your bail hearing
- Assess any plea bargains you are offered
- Take steps to get your charges reduced or dismissed
We understand what it takes to handle petty theft, grand theft, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, and robbery charges in San Diego. Let our San Diego theft crimes lawyers begin assessing your case right now so that we can construct a strong defense for you.
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Protect Yourself By Acting Quickly
It is critical to seek legal counsel as soon as possible after an arrest, or if you believe that an arrest is pending, beforehand. The more time you spend with the police without an attorney present, the more likely you are to accidentally say something incriminating, even if you are completely innocent.
A theft crimes lawyer can help protect you against the charges you face and possibly even get your case thrown out before you are taken into police custody. If you have been arrested or believe that you will be arrested for a theft crime, contact a criminal defense lawyer today.
Defenses Against Theft Charges
There are many common defenses that can be used to fight theft crime charges. Some common arguments include:
- Mistaken identity
- Unlawful search and seizure
- Taking back an item that belonged to you
- Taking something you believed that the owner offered to you
The particular defense that your San Diego theft crimes attorney chooses to use will depend on the specifics of your case.
Get Help From a San Diego Theft Crimes Lawyer
Securing legal assistance with theft crimes charges is very important. You can get the advice you need by contacting the Simmrin Law Group’s theft crimes lawyers in San Diego. Reach us today by filling out our online contact form or calling the number on your screen.
Find out how we can help by completing a free initial case evaluation right now.
Call or text (310) 928-9347 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form