Being arrested or charged with a theft crime in Alhambra can have life-changing consequences. Whether you are facing accusations of shoplifting, burglary, grand theft, or another type of property crime, the stakes are high. A conviction could mean jail or prison time, expensive fines, probation, and a permanent mark on your criminal record that could affect your future employment and housing opportunities. In many cases, even a misdemeanor theft charge can escalate to a felony depending on the circumstances involved.
That’s why you need a strong legal advocate on your side as early as possible. At My Rights Law, our Alhambra theft defense lawyers understand the seriousness of these charges and are ready to build an aggressive defense tailored to your unique case. Don’t delay—each moment counts when it comes to protecting your rights and freedom.
Contact a knowledgeable California theft attorney today at (213) 577-1988 for a free, confidential case evaluation. Let’s start working on your defense now.
Theft-related offenses in California cover a wide range of conduct, and how they're charged depends on the value of the property involved and other case details. These crimes all involve the unlawful taking of property belonging to someone else, but they differ in terms of how the act was committed and its legal consequences. In Alhambra, some of the most frequent theft charges we defend include:
Each of these theft offenses carries unique legal considerations. Whether you're accused of a misdemeanor or a felony, our experienced legal team will carefully review the facts, challenge the prosecution's evidence, and seek the best possible resolution in your case.
Under Penal Code section 484(a), petty theft refers to the unlawful taking of property valued at $950 or less. This offense commonly involves shoplifting, pickpocketing, or other low-dollar-value thefts. Even though it may seem like a minor offense, a petty theft charge can still result in significant consequences and a criminal record.
Penalty for a Petty Theft
Petty theft is usually classified as a misdemeanor and may lead to the following penalties:
The severity of penalties can vary based on the nature of the theft and other circumstances, such as whether the victim was elderly or disabled, or whether force was used. Prior convictions may lead to a charge of petty theft with a prior, which can be elevated to a felony. If you’re facing such charges in Alhambra, a knowledgeable theft attorney can help reduce or eliminate the impact on your life.
California Penal Code 459.5(a) defines shoplifting as entering an open business during regular hours with the intent to steal goods worth $950 or less. While many people associate shoplifting with simple retail theft, it can still carry serious legal consequences depending on your history and the circumstances.
Penalties for Shoplifting
For first-time offenders in Alhambra, a theft defense lawyer may be able to negotiate alternative sentencing, reduced charges, or even complete dismissal of the case. It’s critical to seek legal counsel immediately to protect your rights and explore all available legal options.
Under California Penal Code 487(a), grand theft occurs when someone unlawfully takes property valued at more than $950. Grand theft also applies to certain categories of items regardless of value, including firearms, vehicles, or some types of livestock. Unlike petty theft, grand theft often results in much harsher penalties and long-term consequences.
Penalties for Grand Theft
Grand theft is considered a “wobbler” offense, meaning it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony based on the case facts. Potential consequences include:
A felony conviction for grand theft can severely affect your future, from employment and housing opportunities to immigration consequences. That’s why having an experienced theft crime lawyer in Alhambra is vital. We can help evaluate the strength of the prosecution’s case, identify weaknesses, and fight for a favorable outcome, whether that means reducing the charge or securing a case dismissal.
California Penal Code 459 defines burglary as entering a building or structure with the intent to commit theft or any felony. Burglary is divided into two degrees: first-degree burglary typically involves residential structures and is considered more serious, while second-degree burglary generally relates to commercial premises.
Penalties for Burglary
Because burglary charges require proof of intent before entry, our Alhambra criminal defense team often focuses on challenging this key element. By demonstrating a lack of premeditated intent, we may be able to reduce the severity of the charge or have it dismissed altogether.
Embezzlement, as defined under Penal Code 503, involves the fraudulent taking of property by someone entrusted with it—often in an employment or fiduciary capacity. Common examples include employees misusing business funds or assets for personal gain. Even honest accounting errors can be misinterpreted as criminal acts without proper defense.
Penalties for Embezzlement
Because intent is a critical component of embezzlement cases, having a skilled Alhambra theft lawyer is crucial. We can help demonstrate that there was no fraudulent intent, especially in cases of misunderstandings or unintentional errors. With the right defense, you may be able to avoid criminal conviction and protect your future.
Passed in 2014, Proposition 47 reclassified many non-violent theft-related offenses as misdemeanors rather than felonies. This includes crimes like shoplifting, petty theft, and receiving stolen property—so long as the value of the stolen items is $950 or less.
This law allows many individuals to qualify for reduced charges or resentencing if they were previously convicted under harsher felony statutes.
If you are facing a felony theft charge in Alhambra, our team at My Rights Law can review your case to determine if you qualify for Prop 47 relief. We may be able to reduce your charge to a misdemeanor, helping you avoid a permanent felony record.
Every theft case is different, but at My Rights Law, we use proven strategies tailored to your specific charges. Common defense approaches include:
Intent is a critical component in any theft allegation. If we can show the act was accidental or based on misunderstanding, we may reduce or dismiss the charges.
Theft accusations often stem from unclear video or unreliable witnesses. If you weren’t accurately identified, we challenge the validity of the case.
If your constitutional rights were violated during the stop, search, or arrest, we can move to suppress evidence and damage the prosecution's case.
If the property was borrowed, gifted, or legally yours, we can argue there was no criminal intent or unlawful taking involved.
First-time offenders may qualify for:
Our priority is to protect your freedom, your reputation, and your future.
Being charged with theft in Alhambra can affect your life, but it's not the end. Our skilled attorneys work to reduce or eliminate consequences.
Overwhelming as it may be, being charged with a theft crime in California is not the end of the world. While it can affect every aspect of your life, a qualified Alhambra theft crime attorney can help you minimize them. Don't let the prosecutor drown you in charges and allegations; get help in advance.
At My Rights Law, our theft lawyer Alhambra team has a proven track record of beating charges, negotiating favorable outcomes, and keeping our clients out of jail. We are relentless, strategic, and completely dedicated to protecting your rights.
Don’t face this alone. Get a defense lawyer for theft crimes that Alhambra clients trust to handle their most serious legal battles.
Call us now at (213) 577-1988 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. One call could be the difference between jail time and walking free.
This page was written, edited, reviewed, and approved by Bobby Shamuilian.
Attorney Shamuilian is the managing partner and founder of My Rights Law and is widely recognized as a legal authority, frequently appearing as a legal analyst and TV pundit on national news outlets.
He has earned a perfect “10.0 – Top Attorney” rating on AVVO and a “10.0” rating on Justia, and has been named among the “Top 40 Under 40” and the “Top 100 Trial Lawyers” by The National Trial Lawyers.
With his proven expertise and dedication, Mr. Shamuilian is committed to protecting your rights and achieving the best possible outcome for your case.
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