Santa Monica considers theft crimes to be any act that involves stealing from other people. You can face severe penalties if convicted of a theft crime, including fines and even incarceration in either a jail or a prison.
Working on your defense as soon as possible can increase your chances for legal success. The Simmrin Law Group has skilled theft crime lawyers working in the Santa Monica area who can help defend you in and out of the courtroom.
Improve Your Odds of Beating a Theft Crimes Charge in Santa Monica
Theft crimes can refer to a number of different offenses in California, such as:
- Petty Theft
- Grand Theft
- Robbery
There are also the following theft crimes that deal specifically with motor vehicles:
- Unlawful Taking of a Vehicle
- Grand Theft Auto
California has both misdemeanor and felony charges for theft crimes. You can face more severe penalties if you are charged with a felony, but even a misdemeanor can lead to hefty fines and time in a jail. Don’t leave your future up to chance. Contact a skilled Santa Monica criminal defense lawyer to start building your case right away.
For a free legal consultation with a Criminal Defense lawyer serving Santa Monica, call (310) 896-2723
Petty Theft Charges in California
Santa Monica defines petty theft as the act of stealing something that is worth no more than $950. This charge only applies if you don’t directly rob an individual and if you do not steal:
- Horses
- Firearms
- Cars / Other Vehicles
You will also be charged with a more severe crime if you steal fish, shellfish, or agricultural products worth more than $250. Petty theft can be carried out in a number of ways, including through fraud, larceny, and embezzlement. You will be charged with a misdemeanor for petty theft and can face up to $1,000 in fines and 6 months of jail time if convicted.
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Santa Monica’s Charges for Grand Theft
You can be charged with grand theft if you are accused of stealing something worth more than $950. You may also face this charge for a smaller amount if you directly mugged a person or if you stole certain types of property.
Grand theft may be considered a misdemeanor or a felony in Santa Monica, depending on what was stolen and your personal history. A misdemeanor charge can lead to a year in jail, while a felony conviction can result in 3 years of time spent in prison.
You can improve your chances of fighting a petty or grand theft charge by working with a theft crime lawyer who has a history of courtroom successes.
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Robbery as a Theft Crime
Robbery refers to the act of taking the property of someone else with the use of fear or force. The property must be taken against the victim’s will and it must be taken from them physically. This charge only applies if someone intends to keep the stolen property over the long-term.
The state of California uses two charges to handle robbery in the court system:
First Degree Robbery
You can be charged with first degree robbery if you rob someone who is driving or riding in a motor vehicle. This charge also applies to robberies that occur near ATMs or inside inhabited structures. First degree robbery is a serious charge that can lead to fines of $10,000 and up to 9 years of time in prison.
Second Degree Robbery
Second degree robbery covers all the acts that are not considered first degree robbery. You will face less severe penalties if charged with second degree robbery. However, second degree robbery can still result in fines of $10,000 and up to 5 years of incarceration in state prison.
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Vehicular Theft Crimes in Santa Monica
California uses special charges to handle the theft of a motor vehicle. Depending on your situation, you could be charged with:
Unlawful Taking of a Vehicle
A charge of unlawful taking of a vehicle applies when you take another person’s vehicle without intending to keep it permanently. This act may be treated as a misdemeanor or a felony, based on your criminal history.
Grand Theft Auto
Grand theft auto is a serious criminal act that involves taking the motor vehicle of another person without intending to return it. The court system generally treats grand theft auto as a felony and levees harsh charges upon conviction, including fines of up to $10,000 and up to 3 years of jail time.
Find a Santa Monica Theft Crimes Lawyer and Defend Yourself
You can face serious penalties if you are convicted of a misdemeanor or felony theft crime in Santa Monica. Improve your chances for courtroom success by working with a skilled theft crimes lawyer who understands the court system in California. The Simmrin Law Group has a history of helping clients and beating Santa Monica prosecutors. Find out how we can assist you by contacting us today for a FREE consultation.
You can fill out the contact form on the right side of our website (scroll up) or call (310) 896-2723 to start building your case right away.
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