Being arrested or charged with a theft offense in Claremont can place your reputation, freedom, and future at serious risk. Whether you're facing charges for petty theft, grand theft, burglary, or another theft-related crime, the consequences can include time in jail, expensive fines, community service, and a permanent mark on your record. If the prosecution decides to pursue felony charges, the impact on your life may be long-lasting and far-reaching.
At My Rights Law, we understand how prosecutors operate in these cases and how to build an aggressive defense on your behalf. Our Claremont theft attorney has the skill and experience to defend your rights and seek the most favorable outcome. Don’t delay — early legal intervention can make all the difference in the success of your defense.
If you’ve been accused of a theft crime in Claremont, call us now to speak directly with an experienced California theft attorney at (909) 330-3880. Time is critical, so let’s start building your defense strategy today.
The California Penal Code outlines numerous theft-related offenses, each carrying different penalties depending on the facts of the case. Factors like the value of stolen property, the use of force or deception, and the suspect’s criminal history can all influence how a charge is classified and prosecuted. While every theft offense involves the unlawful taking of property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner, the circumstances make a significant difference in how cases are handled in court.
Below are some of the most frequent theft-related charges our law firm handles in the Claremont area:
No matter what statute you are charged under, our team at My Rights Law knows how to fight back. Let us explain what these charges entail and how we can help you challenge them effectively.
Under California Penal Code Section 484(a), petty theft involves unlawfully taking property valued at $950 or less. Common examples include shoplifting small items, stealing from unattended bags, or other low-value property crimes. Although it may seem minor, being charged with petty theft in Claremont can still carry serious consequences and result in a criminal record if not handled correctly.
Penalty for a Petty Theft
Typically, petty theft is prosecuted as a misdemeanor, which may include penalties such as:
Penalties may increase depending on the circumstances of the theft, such as the victim involved or the use of threats. Repeat offenders may face a charge of petty theft with a prior, which could be treated as a felony under certain conditions. At My Rights Law, our Claremont theft attorney can help you fight the charges and avoid harsher penalties.
Shoplifting is specifically defined under Penal Code 459.5(a) as entering a commercial business during regular hours with the intent to steal merchandise worth $950 or less. This offense became a separate crime under California law in recent years to distinguish it from traditional burglary charges.
Penalties for Shoplifting
First-time offenders in Claremont may qualify for alternative sentencing or diversion programs. An experienced theft lawyer at My Rights Law can negotiate for reduced penalties, or even dismissal, depending on the specifics of your case.
Under Penal Code Section 487(a), theft becomes “grand theft” when the property taken exceeds $950 in value. However, certain categories of property—such as automobiles, firearms, or livestock—can qualify as grand theft regardless of value. Grand theft can occur through larceny, trick, or embezzlement.
Penalties for Grand Theft
Grand theft is considered a “wobbler” offense, meaning it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the facts of the case:
A felony conviction for grand theft can negatively affect your future, including job opportunities, housing applications, and immigration status. Our skilled Claremont theft defense attorney will thoroughly review the evidence and work to downgrade your charge or have it dismissed entirely when possible.
California Penal Code Section 459 defines burglary as entering a building or structure with the intent to commit theft or any felony once inside. Burglary is categorized as either first-degree (residential) or second-degree (commercial) based on the type of location entered.
Penalties for Burglary
Prosecutors must prove you intended to commit a crime at the moment of entry. Our Claremont burglary defense attorney can challenge this key element, often leading to reduced charges or full dismissal if the intent cannot be established beyond a reasonable doubt.
Embezzlement is defined under Penal Code Section 503 as the fraudulent appropriation of property by a person entrusted with it. It often arises in employment situations where an employee is accused of misusing company funds, inventory, or sensitive financial data. Although embezzlement involves a breach of trust, it is still treated as a theft crime in California.
Penalties for Embezzlement
Even unintentional mistakes can lead to serious accusations. That’s why it’s vital to have a Claremont theft defense lawyer who can demonstrate that there was no criminal intent and that the incident may have been a misunderstanding or accounting error. Our attorneys know how to build a clear, compelling defense for embezzlement charges.
California voters approved Proposition 47 in 2014 to reduce penalties for many non-violent property and drug offenses. Crimes such as petty theft, shoplifting, receiving stolen property, and writing bad checks involving property valued at $950 or less are now treated as misdemeanors instead of felonies.
This shift has allowed thousands of people to seek resentencing or dismissal of older convictions. It also means that if you’re currently facing theft-related charges in Claremont, you may be eligible for significantly lighter penalties.
At My Rights Law, we stay up to date on Proposition 47 developments and can help determine if this law applies to your case. Our theft defense team will work to reduce your charge or secure a resentencing under Prop 47 whenever possible.
Each theft case is different, but at My Rights Law, we implement proven defense strategies and tailor them to fit the details of your situation.
Intent is a required element of theft. If we can show there was no intention to steal—perhaps it was a misunderstanding—we can fight to dismiss or reduce charges.
Many theft allegations depend on unclear video or faulty eyewitness accounts. If you weren’t clearly identified, we will challenge the case’s foundation.
Police must follow strict rules during stops and arrests. If your rights were violated, we’ll work to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence and weaken the case.
If the property was borrowed, given to you, or already yours, we’ll use that to show there was no criminal intent and no theft took place.
First-time offenders may qualify for:
These options can help you avoid a conviction and keep your record clean. Our priority is to protect your future and freedom.
A theft charge in California can impact your life dramatically, but it doesn’t have to define your future. An experienced Claremont theft crime attorney can help reduce the damage and fight for your rights.
At My Rights Law, our skilled attorneys know how to beat theft charges, secure plea deals, and avoid jail time. We fight smart, and we fight hard—for you.
Don’t face the legal system alone. Get a Claremont theft lawyer trusted to handle even the toughest cases.
Call us today at (909) 330-3880 or contact us online to book your free consultation. This one call could change everything.
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.
The last modified date shows when this page was most recently reviewed.
schedule a free confidential consultation
