If you are charged with a theft crime, consider your legal options carefully. You can decide not to dispute the charge, leading to a conviction that may affect you long into the future. Alternatively, you can hire a San Dimas theft crimes lawyer to represent you.
With decades of legal experience, Simmrin Law Group addresses the challenges you will face in your theft crime case. Our criminal defense lawyers in San Dimas are available to assist you. Schedule a consultation with our legal team.
Types of Theft Crimes
Taking another person’s property without getting their permission is considered theft. In California, there are petty theft and grand theft categories. Within these, there are many theft crime charges, including:
Embezzlement
A financial crime, embezzlement involves the misappropriation of assets. Someone entrusts you with assets and expects you to use them in a certain way. If you choose to ignore your obligation and utilize these assets for unintended purposes, you can be charged with embezzlement.
Burglary
A burglary refers to an offense in which a person illegally enters someone else’s premises with the intent to steal property. This crime is classified as a misdemeanor and felony. If convicted, it can be difficult to get a burglary charge expunged from your record.
Robbery
Taking property that does not belong to you and doing so using force or fear can result in a robbery charge. Based on California Penal Code Section 211, this charge can lead to prison time and fines. A theft crimes lawyer serving San Dimas can build an argument that helps you avoid these robbery penalties.
Grand Theft Auto
If someone accuses you of taking their vehicle with the intent to keep it, you can be charged with grand theft auto. According to California Penal Code Section 487(d)(1), grand theft auto relates to auto theft by larceny, false pretense, or trick. Criminal punishments can include a prison sentence of up to three years and a fine of up to $10,000.
Shoplifting
A store owner claims you entered their establishment during standard business hours with the intent to steal items worth up to $950. In this situation, you can be charged with a misdemeanor. With a conviction, you could receive a jail sentence of up to six months and a fine of up to $1,000.
If you have been charged with any of these or other theft crimes, ask for legal help. Meet with the team at Simmrin Law Group, and we can help you determine what to do from here. Consult with our San Dimas theft crimes attorneys.
San Dimas Theft Crimes Penalties
The penalties levied in your theft crime case depend on whether you have been charged with a misdemeanor or felony. Incarceration and fines represent two common penalties associated with theft crimes. Other consequences you can face include:
- Probation
- Restitution
- Criminal record
- Loss of the right to own a gun
- Revocation of a professional license
Along with these things, your conviction can affect your relationships with family members and friends, keep you from landing your dream job, and impact you in other areas of your life. A theft crimes attorney serving San Dimas protects your legal rights. In doing so, they can help you contest a theft crime charge before you get convicted.
Defenses Our San Dimas Theft Crimes Attorneys Employ
How you defend against a theft crime charge now has long-lasting ramifications. A criminal defense attorney can prepare a legal strategy and argue against the prosecution. Here are some of the things that your lawyer will do to challenge a prosecutor’s case.
Raise Doubts About the Validity of the Prosecution’s Argument
A prosecutor can say you are liable for a theft crime but must make it clear to the court that you should be found guilty. Your lawyer can argue that the prosecution has insufficient evidence. This could help get the charge against you dismissed.
Show That Your Constitutional Rights Were Violated
Your constitutional rights may have been breached, and your lawyer will speak up about it. For instance, police officers search and seize your property in spite of the fact that they never had your consent to do so. This is a violation of your Fourth Amendment rights, and, as such, the court can suppress evidence that the prosecution intended to use against you.
Craft an Argument to Prove You Were Not at the Scene of a Crime
You face a theft crime charge but are the victim of mistaken identity. At this point, your lawyer can help you validate your claim. They can provide witness statements and other proof that highlight how you were not involved in the criminal act.
Do not wait to pursue legal help with a theft crime charge. Partner with a lawyer who puts your legal needs front and center. Together, you and your attorney can find ways to achieve your desired case outcome.
Our San Dimas Theft Crimes Lawyers Provide You with the Legal Representation that You Deserve
Contesting a theft crime charge by yourself can be problematic. If you make a mistake during the legal process, a prosecutor will pounce. They will do everything they can to show the court that you should be convicted, and you may feel like there is nothing you can do to stop them.
The team at Simmrin Law Group understands the legal system and all it entails. Our criminal defense lawyers dive into your case and commit time and resources to put you in a position to get a favorable ruling. Request a consultation with our attorneys.