Being charged with a theft-related crime in Fontana puts your future and freedom at risk, and every moment counts. Theft offenses can include shoplifting, burglary, grand theft, embezzlement, and more—all of which can result in jail time, hefty fines, probation, or even a permanent felony conviction that stays on your criminal record for life.
If you face theft charges, don’t delay—contact a skilled California theft attorney at (909) 330-3880 right away. The sooner you begin building your defense, the better your chances of reducing or avoiding severe consequences.
Theft crimes in California fall under several categories in the Penal Code. The way a case is prosecuted depends on the crime’s severity and specific circumstances. Generally, theft means unlawfully taking another person's property with intent to steal. In Fontana, some of the most frequent theft charges include:
No matter which theft statute you are charged under, we understand how to handle your case effectively. Below, we explain each charge and the legal implications involved.
Under Penal Code section 484(a), petty theft is defined as the unlawful taking of property valued at $950 or less. This often involves minor offenses like shoplifting, pickpocketing, or other low-value theft incidents.
Penalty for Petty Theft
Petty theft is usually charged as a misdemeanor and may result in penalties such as:
The severity of consequences depends on factors like the value of the stolen items and specific circumstances such as the victim’s status (business, elderly, disabled, or minor), use of force or intimidation, and any prior theft-related convictions. Repeat offenses can elevate petty theft charges, potentially leading to felony charges with harsher penalties. A knowledgeable Fontana theft attorney can help navigate these complexities and seek the best possible outcome for your case.
According to PC 459.5(a), shoplifting occurs when a person enters a commercial establishment during normal business hours intending to steal merchandise valued at $950 or less.
Penalties for Shoplifting
If shoplifting is your first offense, you may qualify for leniency. An experienced theft attorney in Fontana can advocate for reduced charges, alternative sentencing options, or possibly even a dismissal of the case.
Under Penal Code 487(a), grand theft is defined as stealing property valued over $950. It also covers theft involving firearms, automobiles, or specific types of livestock.
Penalties for Grand Theft
Grand theft is considered a "wobbler" offense, meaning it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the case details and the value of stolen property. The penalties include:
A felony conviction carries long-term consequences that extend beyond the courtroom, impacting employment opportunities, housing, and immigration status. To minimize these risks, securing an experienced theft attorney in Fontana is crucial to aggressively defend your rights and explore all defense strategies.
Penal Code 459 defines burglary as unlawfully entering a structure—whether residential or commercial—with the intent to commit theft or any felony inside. Burglary includes first-degree (residential) and second-degree (commercial) offenses.
Penalties for Burglary
Because burglary requires premeditated intent before entry, it is often punished more severely than other theft crimes. However, a skilled Fontana criminal defense attorney can challenge the intent element to reduce charges or achieve dismissal.
Embezzlement, under PC 503, involves the fraudulent appropriation of property by someone entrusted with it, commonly in employment or financial account contexts.
Penalties for Embezzlement
Embezzlement cases can be complex, and even innocent mistakes or accounting errors may lead to charges. A knowledgeable theft attorney in Fontana can help you demonstrate a lack of criminal intent and develop a strong defense to protect your future.
Passed in 2014, Proposition 47 reclassified many non-violent offenses from felonies to misdemeanors, including petty theft, shoplifting, and receiving stolen property when the value is $950 or less.
This change allows many defendants to seek reduced sentences or even resentencing if they were previously convicted under harsher laws.
If you face felony theft charges, our law firm can review your case to determine if you qualify for relief under Prop 47 and work to have your charges downgraded to misdemeanors.
Each theft case is unique, yet My Rights Law uses proven strategies tailored to your circumstances. The key defenses we apply include:
Intent is essential in theft crimes. If we show the act was accidental or misunderstood, we can work to reduce or dismiss your charges.
Theft accusations often depend on low-quality footage or unreliable witnesses. If your identity isn’t clear, we can challenge the prosecution’s entire case.
If law enforcement violated your rights during a stop, search, or arrest, we can file motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence, weakening the case against you.
If you legally borrowed, received, or owned the property, we will use this defense to prove no theft occurred.
For first-time offenders, we may seek alternatives such as:
These options aim to avoid convictions and protect your record. Our priority is defending your freedom, reputation, and future.
Though facing theft charges is stressful, it’s not the end. A skilled Fontana theft crime attorney can help reduce the impact and fight for your rights.
At My Rights Law, our Fontana theft defense team has a strong record of winning cases, negotiating better outcomes, and keeping clients out of jail.
Don’t face theft charges alone. Trust a defense lawyer Fontana residents rely on for serious legal battles.
Call us now at (909) 330-3880 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. One call could mean the difference between jail and freedom.
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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