Theft crimes committed in Santa Clarita, CA can be prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or a felony. This means that if you have been charged with a theft crime, you could be looking at fines, jail time, or both, depending on the severity of the crime.
Even if you’re facing something that appears to be minor, like petty theft, you can still benefit from contacting an experienced Santa Clarita theft crimes lawyer as soon as possible. At the Simmrin Law Group, we understand the impact a conviction can have on a person’s life and livelihood, and we do everything we legally can to fight for our clients’ lives.
Grand Theft
A grand theft charge is issued when a person steals property worth $950 or more. Depending on the situation, a grand theft charge may be escalated to a felony. For example, if a person stole a firearm that could then be used to harm others, this grand theft charge would likely be treated as a felony.
On a grand theft felony charge, you’re looking at a maximum of 3 years in state prison if convicted. Prison can be a frightening concept, no matter how short the sentence. Our lawyers at the Simmrin Law Group are experienced in handling every kind of theft crime in the state of California. With the knowledge we have gained from decades in the business, we are confident that we can offer you the best possible defense against these charges.
For a free legal consultation with a lawyer serving Santa Clarita, call (310) 896-2723
Grand Theft Auto
Grand theft auto is defined in the state of California as the taking of another person’s car with the intent to keep it indefinitely. Typically, grand theft auto is treated as a felony. This means that a conviction can carry up to 3 years in jail and maximum fines of $10,000.
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Petty Theft
You can be charged with petty theft in Santa Clarita if you stole property worth $950 or less. While petty theft is not as serious a crime as other kinds of theft crimes, it can still carry some painful consequences, such as six months in jail and fines of up to $1,000.
One of the most commonly prosecuted forms of petty theft is shoplifting. The term “petty theft,” however, can be used to refer to a number of lesser crimes involving stealing in some form or another. It can be confusing trying to understand the charges against you. You also may not be familiar with the areas of law that can be referenced in defending your case. For these reasons, you may want to consult with an experienced theft crimes lawyer.
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Robbery
Robbery is one of the more serious theft crimes because it involves taking something from someone by way of force or intimidation. In the state of California, robbery can be charged as one of two charges: first-degree robbery or second-degree robbery.
To be charged with first-degree robbery, the more serious of the two, a person must rob someone:
- At an ATM
- Who is either driving or riding in a cab, bus, or other such public transit
- Who is in an “inhabited structure” (i.e. their home or the home of another person)
Second-degree robbery is charged for any and all other kinds of robberies that do not take place in any of the above-mentioned situations. For instance, if you were accused of robbing a convenience store, then you would be charged with second degree robbery.
In the state of California, a first-degree robbery conviction can get you up to 9 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. A second-degree robbery conviction threatens the same maximum fines and up to 5 years in prison. Having an experienced Santa Clarita theft crime lawyer by your side can give you the support you need to more effectively fight the charge against you.
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Unlawful Taking of a Vehicle
If you take or drive a car unlawfully, but you do not intend to keep it, then you can be prosecuted under the “joyriding” law. Joyriding can be punished as either a misdemeanor or a felony.
Worse still is if the stolen car was then used, directly or indirectly, to commit another crime. For instance, if someone steals a car and then accidentally hits a pedestrian, the joyriding charge would more than likely be upgraded to a felony charge.
Charged with a Theft Crime in LA? Our Defense Lawyers Can Help!
If you are facing a theft crime charge in Santa Clarita, the lawyers at Simmrin Law Group can help. Connect with our criminal defense law firm by calling (310) 997-4688, or by filling out our contact form. Call today and you’ll get a FREE consultation with no obligation to retain.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form