You can be charged with a theft crime if you are accused of stealing another person’s money, property, or motor vehicle. You can face serious repercussions if you are convicted of a theft crime, especially if you are accused of stealing something that is high in value.
Most people are overwhelmed if they try to handle theft crime charges on their own. You can get the help you need from the Simmrin Law Group. Make sure you’re ready to face any charge in court by getting help from a theft crimes lawyer in West Covina today.
West Covina’s General Theft Charges
Theft involves stealing from another person without the use of fear or force. The court system in West Covina uses two major charges to handle accusations of theft:
Petty Theft
California defines petty theft as indirectly stealing something worth less than $950. You will be charged with a more serious crime if you steal directly from someone else. You can also face harsher charges if you steal certain items, including:
- Horses
- Firearms
- Motor Vehicles
- Agricultural Products
You could face a number of different charges that are treated as petty theft in West Covina. For example, the court uses the same penalties to deal with:
- Larceny
- Shoplifting
- Embezzlement
- Theft by Fraud
- Theft by Trick
All of the charges associated with petty theft may be punished with fines of $1,000 and imprisonment for up to 6 months.
Grand Theft
You can face more severe charges if you are accused of grand theft in West Covina. Grand theft charges apply if someone steals more than $950. The court can also charge you with grand theft if you steal $250 worth of some agricultural products.
Grand theft can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on your situation. You can be sentenced to 3 years in prison if you are convicted of grand theft in West Covina.
Any theft charge can seriously impact your life. You can improve your odds of successfully handling your case by contacting a criminal defense lawyer in West Covina. A skilled lawyer can fight for you in and out of the courtroom.
For a free legal consultation with a Criminal Defense lawyer serving West Covina, call (310) 896-2723
Theft Charges for Motor Vehicles
The theft of a motor vehicle is handled with special charges in West Covina. You could face one of two charges if accused of stealing another person’s motor vehicle:
Unlawful Taking of a Vehicle
Individuals can face charges for unlawful taking of a vehicle if they take a motor vehicle while intending to return it. You may also hear this charge referred to as “joyriding.” Most of the time the court will charge you less harshly for joyriding than for grand theft auto.
Joyriding can be a difficult charge to get. It is sometimes offered if you accept a plea bargain after being initially charged with grand theft auto. Additionally, the court sometimes uses the joyriding charge for minors who are facing a first-time offense.
Grand Theft Auto
The most severe charge you can face for stealing a vehicle is grand theft auto. The court defines grand theft auto as stealing a motor vehicle with the intent to keep it. You can be fined $10,000 and sent to jail for 3 years if you are convicted of grand theft auto in West Covina.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Robbery Charges in West Covina
Individuals can be charged with robbery if they commit an act of theft by using force or fear. Robbery charges are generally handled more severely than petty theft or grand theft. You can face serious legal consequences if you harm or threaten someone to carry out a theft.
You can face the following charges if accused of robbery:
- First Degree Robbery
- Second Degree Robbery
Second degree robbery is considered less severe than first degree robbery, but both charges are felonies and come with very severe penalties. You can expect to spend 2-9 years in prison while facing fines of $10,000 if you are convicted of robbery.
Getting the help you need right away can improve your defense against robbery charges. A skilled theft crimes lawyer can provide you with the advice you need so you’re ready to face prosecutors and a court that is focused on convicting you.
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A Theft Crimes Lawyer Can Build Your Defense
Dealing with theft crime charges can take massive amounts of time and energy. You can get the help you need from the Simmrin Law Group. Our theft crime lawyers in West Covina understand what you’re going through. We’ll use our legal know-how to strengthen your case. Find out how we can help today with a FREE consultation.
You can contact us by filling out our contact form or calling us at (310) 997-4688.
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