Facing theft charges in Canoga Park can put your future and freedom at serious risk, and acting quickly is critical. Whether you’ve been accused of burglary, shoplifting, grand theft, or embezzlement, all theft-related crimes carry the potential for jail time, heavy fines, probation, and a criminal record that could impact your life for years to come. In more severe situations, you may even be facing felony charges that cannot be expunged and could follow you permanently.
At My Rights Law, we understand the stakes and are committed to protecting your legal rights. Our experienced theft defense attorneys will evaluate every detail of your case, challenge the prosecution’s claims, and work to reduce or dismiss the charges against you. Don’t delay — contact a knowledgeable California theft crime attorney today at 888-702-8882. The sooner we start building your defense, the stronger your position will be in court.
The California Penal Code classifies theft-related offenses into several categories, depending on the value of the property involved and the manner in which the theft occurred. Each category carries its own legal implications, and the approach to defending against these charges must be tailored accordingly. At its core, any theft crime involves the unlawful taking of another person’s property with the intent to deprive the rightful owner of it permanently or temporarily.
In Canoga Park, our clients most frequently face the following theft crime charges:
Regardless of which charge you are facing, our legal team has the knowledge and experience to fight back. In the next sections, we’ll walk you through each of these charges and how the law applies to them.
Under California Penal Code section 484(a), petty theft refers to the unlawful taking of someone else’s property when the value is $950 or less. This type of theft often includes minor acts like shoplifting, switching price tags, or taking unattended belongings. Although it may seem minor, petty theft charges can lead to serious legal consequences and a permanent criminal record.
Penalty for a Petty Theft
Petty theft is usually charged as a misdemeanor and punishments may include:
The outcome depends on the details of the case, such as the circumstances of the theft, the victim involved (such as a vulnerable person), or whether force or threats were used. Prior convictions may lead to more serious charges under the “petty theft with a prior” enhancement, which can even result in a felony. An experienced Canoga Park theft attorney from My Rights Law can work to reduce the charges or eliminate them entirely.
California Penal Code section 459.5(a) defines shoplifting as entering a commercial business during regular hours with the intent to steal merchandise valued at $950 or less. Unlike other theft offenses, shoplifting focuses on the initial intent at entry, not just the act of taking something.
Penalties for Shoplifting
For first-time offenders, it may be possible to avoid jail entirely through diversion programs or alternative sentencing. A Canoga Park theft lawyer from My Rights Law can negotiate for reduced penalties or even dismissal of your charges, especially if you have a clean record.
Under California Penal Code section 487(a), grand theft occurs when property valued over $950 is taken. It can also involve high-risk items such as firearms, automobiles, or certain types of livestock. Grand theft can result from a single item or a series of thefts involving the same victim that total over the statutory amount.
Penalties for Grand Theft
Grand theft is a “wobbler,” meaning it can be prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or a felony. The potential punishments include:
Felony grand theft convictions can have long-lasting effects on employment opportunities, housing eligibility, and immigration status. If you’re charged with grand theft in Canoga Park, you need an aggressive defense team that can push for the lowest charges possible—or fight to get the case dismissed entirely. My Rights Law has the skill and experience to help you build the strongest defense.
According to California Penal Code section 459, burglary occurs when someone enters a structure—residential or commercial—with the intention of committing theft or another felony. First-degree burglary applies to residential properties, while second-degree burglary typically involves businesses or other structures.
Penalties for Burglary
What sets burglary apart from other theft crimes is the presence of intent before the actual entry. This makes the case more complex, but it also gives your defense attorney more opportunities to challenge the charges. At My Rights Law, our Canoga Park theft attorneys are highly skilled at weakening the prosecution’s case and protecting your record.
Embezzlement, under California Penal Code section 503, is the unlawful appropriation of property that was entrusted to someone, usually in a position of trust. This crime frequently arises in employment settings when an employee misuses company funds, equipment, or accounts.
Penalties for Embezzlement
Even if the property was returned or the incident was a result of poor bookkeeping, you could still face criminal charges. That’s why having a Canoga Park embezzlement lawyer from My Rights Law is essential. We’ll work to show there was no criminal intent and help clarify misunderstandings before they become life-changing legal issues.
In 2014, California voters passed Proposition 47, which reduced many non-violent theft-related felonies to misdemeanors. Crimes like petty theft, shoplifting, and receiving stolen property—when valued at $950 or less—are now typically prosecuted as misdemeanors rather than felonies.
This legal reform means many individuals who were previously charged or convicted under harsher laws may be eligible for reduced penalties or resentencing.
If you are facing theft charges or have a prior felony conviction for a qualifying offense, My Rights Law in Canoga Park can assess your eligibility for Prop 47 relief and help you pursue a favorable outcome.
Each theft case is unique, but our attorneys at My Rights Law use proven strategies tailored to your situation. Common defense tactics include:
To be guilty of theft, intent must be proven. If we demonstrate that the act was accidental or misunderstood, we can push for dismissed or reduced charges.
Many theft charges rely on unclear surveillance or faulty eyewitnesses. If your identity is in question, we can challenge the case’s foundation entirely.
If police violated your rights during a stop or arrest, we can move to exclude unlawfully obtained evidence, which may significantly weaken the prosecution’s case.
If you had permission to use the item, or if it was yours, we’ll present evidence that no theft occurred, aiming to invalidate the charges.
For eligible first-time offenders, we may seek:
These paths can help you avoid a criminal conviction and protect your future from long-term consequences.
Theft charges in California can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face them alone. A skilled Canoga Park theft crime lawyer can protect your rights and minimize penalties.
At My Rights Law, our legal team has a successful record of reducing or dismissing charges and keeping clients out of jail. We fight aggressively and intelligently on your behalf.
Call us today at 888-702-8882 or contact us online for your free, confidential consultation. One call could change everything.
This page was written by the My Rights Law Editorial Team and reviewed for legal accuracy by Bobby Shamuilian.
Attorney Shamuilian is the founder and managing partner 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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