Have you been accused or criminally charged with a theft crime in California? If so, speaking with a San Fernando theft crimes lawyer may be in your best interest to clear or reduce your charges.
The Simmrin Law Group has decades of legal experience among their San Fernando criminal defense lawyers. With our guidance, you will be able to demonstrate to the court that you are either innocent or committed to putting this behind you, resulting in the best possible outcome.
Our law firm provides a free legal consultation to provide you with a tailored strategy that will best suit the circumstances of your case.
Examples of California Theft Crimes Simmrin Law Group Represents
Our San Fernando petty crimes attorneys are equipped to handle any variation of California’s theft-related offenses and will oversee filing proper documents in a timely manner, reviewing evidence, and contacting witnesses that may help build your case. Simmrin Law Group represents many theft crimes, including but not limited to:
- Petty theft involving items valued at $950 or less
- Petty theft with a prior conviction on record
- Grand theft for property exceeding $950 in worth
- Grand theft of a firearm, regardless of its monetary value
- Grand theft auto for vehicles over $950 in value
- Unlawful removal of goods from a retail establishment
- Misappropriation of entrusted assets
- Possession of stolen property
- Forcible taking of property
- Forcible seizure of a motor vehicle
Our criminal defense attorneys in San Fernando will discuss the difference between the punishment for petty theft and the punishment for grand theft in California, along with any other penalties you may face for additional charges.
For a free legal consultation with a theft crimes lawyer serving San Fernando, call (310) 896-2723
Defenses Used in Court Against California Theft Crimes
Individuals charged with theft crimes in California can seek the help of our theft crimes attorney in San Fernando to establish successful legal defenses against theft charges, including:
- Claim of Right: This is a strong defense if you can demonstrate a legitimate belief that you had a rightful ownership claim or permission to take the property. Documentation, witness testimony, or evidence of prior dealings would be key here.
- Mistake of Fact: Similar to a claim of right, this hinges on you genuinely believing the property belonged to you or that you had permission to take it. Clear evidence supporting that mistaken belief would be crucial.
- Lack of Intent: The prosecution has to prove you intended to permanently deprive the owner. If there’s evidence you planned to return the item or didn’t realize you were depriving them, that undercuts the intent element.
- Entrapment: If you can show law enforcement improperly induced or coerced you into committing the theft, that’s a valid defense. But the bar for proving entrapment is quite high.
- Insufficient Evidence: Pokes holes in the prosecution’s case. If they can’t conclusively demonstrate all the elements of the crime, that creates reasonable doubt.
- Duress: If you were compelled to steal under threat of harm to yourself or others, that provides a legal justification and defense.
These defenses, when successfully argued, can potentially get the charges reduced or even dismissed entirely. The specific defense strategy will depend on the unique circumstances of your criminal theft case.
Mitigation Factors to Reduce Your Theft Sentence
Along with successful defenses, mitigating factors such as lack of criminal history, demonstrating remorse, and theft of low value items can potentially sway the court’s decision to avoid harsh penalties.
San Fernando Theft Crimes Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
What Evidence Can Lead to a Criminal Conviction?
To successfully convict someone of a theft crime in California, the prosecution must typically present the following key evidence:
Proof of Theft
The prosecution will need to demonstrate that you actually took possession of the property without the owner’s consent. This could come in the form of eyewitness accounts, surveillance footage, or the recovered stolen goods themselves.
Value of the Property
The monetary value of what was taken will have to be verified. Things like receipts, appraisals, or other documentation will be crucial for differentiating between a petty theft versus a more serious grand theft charge.
Intent to Deprive
The prosecution will also have to prove that you intended to permanently deprive the owner of their property. Any evidence of you trying to conceal, pawn, or sell the stolen goods would work in their favor here.
Identification
Linking you to the crime through eyewitness testimony, fingerprints, security footage, or other forensic evidence is mandatory for charges to stand.
Lack of Claim of Right
Finally, they’ll have to disprove any claim you might make that you had a legitimate right or permission to take the property in the first place. This “claim of right” defense can be a powerful one, so the prosecution will need to be prepared to overcome it.
The strength and thoroughness of your evidence are key for the prosecution to meet its burden of proving the theft crime beyond a reasonable doubt. It is the job of our theft crimes lawyers in San Fernando to identify gaps or weaknesses in the evidence that can provide openings for winning legal defenses against your theft allegations.
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When to Contact a San Fernando Theft Crimes Attorney
When facing any kind of theft-related charges in the San Fernando Valley, it’s crucial to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. The San Fernando theft crimes attorneys of the Simmrin Law Group are available 24/7 to assist you with your case.
Theft crimes can be complex, but our lawyers are so skilled in what they do that each phase, from the investigation to the trial, will go smoothly with their support. Avoid harsh penalties and safeguard your future by contacting us today.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form