Being charged with a theft crime in Highland puts your future and freedom at serious risk, and every moment counts. Theft offenses can include shoplifting, burglary, grand theft, embezzlement, and more—all carrying potential penalties like jail time, fines, and probation. In many cases, prosecutors may pursue felony charges, resulting in a permanent criminal record that impacts your life long-term.
If you are facing theft charges, don’t delay—contact a knowledgeable California theft lawyer at (909) 639-2551 immediately. The sooner you begin building your defense strategy, the better your chances of minimizing the consequences.
Theft offenses fall under various sections of the California Penal Code, each treated according to its seriousness and circumstances. While they differ in specifics, all theft crimes share a legal core: unlawfully taking someone else’s property with intent to steal. In Highland, we frequently handle charges including:
No matter which theft statute applies to your case, we have the experience to approach it properly. Let’s explore what these charges mean and how they can be contested.
Penal Code section 484(a) defines petty theft as unlawfully taking property valued at $950 or less. This offense often involves minor acts such as shoplifting, pickpocketing, or low-value thefts.
Penalty for Petty Theft
Typically, petty theft is charged as a misdemeanor and may include punishments such as:
The severity of the punishment depends on factors like the total value of stolen items and circumstances such as the victim’s status (e.g., business, elderly, disabled, minor), use of force or intimidation, and prior offenses. Repeat petty theft convictions may escalate to felony charges, resulting in harsher consequences. Having a skilled Highland theft attorney can make a significant difference in minimizing penalties and protecting your future.
Under Penal Code 459.5(a), shoplifting is defined as entering a commercial business during regular hours with the intent to steal merchandise valued at $950 or less.
Penalties for Shoplifting
If this is your first shoplifting offense, there may be options for reduced charges or alternative sentencing. A dedicated Highland theft attorney can work to negotiate lesser penalties, alternative programs, or even a dismissal depending on your case details.
According to Penal Code 487(a), grand theft occurs when the value of stolen property exceeds $950. This also applies to theft involving firearms, vehicles, or certain livestock.
Penalties for Grand Theft
Grand theft is considered a “wobbler” crime, meaning it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony based on circumstances and value of the property stolen. Possible penalties include:
A felony conviction can have serious long-term consequences beyond the courtroom, affecting employment opportunities, housing, and immigration status. To protect your rights and future, it’s essential to have an experienced Highland theft attorney who understands how to challenge felony charges and fight for reduced penalties.
Penal Code 459 defines burglary as unlawfully entering a building—residential or commercial—with the intent to commit theft or any felony inside. Burglary is classified as either first-degree (residential) or second-degree (commercial).
Penalties for Burglary
Burglary charges often carry heavier penalties because they require proof of intent before entry. A knowledgeable Highland defense attorney can challenge the prosecution’s evidence on intent or entry to reduce charges or seek dismissal where possible.
Embezzlement, covered under Penal Code 503, involves the fraudulent appropriation of property by someone entrusted with it, typically occurring in employment or financial account contexts.
Penalties for Embezzlement
Even misunderstandings or accounting errors can lead to embezzlement charges if malicious intent is assumed. A skilled theft lawyer in Highland can help demonstrate the absence of intent and clarify the facts to protect your rights and future.
Passed in 2014, Proposition 47 reclassified many non-violent offenses—including petty theft, shoplifting, and receiving stolen property valued at $950 or less—from felonies to misdemeanors.
This reform allows many defendants to seek reduced sentencing or even resentencing if they were previously convicted under harsher felony laws.
If you face felony theft charges, our legal team at My Rights Law can review your case to determine eligibility for Proposition 47 relief and advocate for misdemeanor treatment to reduce the impact on your life.
Every theft case is unique, but at My Rights Law, we use proven defense strategies tailored to your specific circumstances. Common approaches include:
The key element in theft crimes is intent. If we can show the act was accidental or misunderstood, we can seek reduced charges or dismissal.
Theft cases often rely on flawed video or unreliable witnesses. If you are not clearly identified, we will challenge the credibility of the evidence.
If law enforcement violated your constitutional rights during any search or arrest, we can file motions to exclude evidence, weakening the prosecution’s case.
If the property was borrowed, gifted, or belonged to you, we will raise this defense to show no unlawful taking occurred.
For first-time offenders, we may seek:
These alternatives help avoid convictions and protect your record. Our priority is to defend your freedom, reputation, and future.
Being charged with theft in California is overwhelming but not the end. A skilled Highland theft attorney can help reduce the impact on your life.
At My Rights Law, our Highland theft defense team fights aggressively to beat charges, negotiate better outcomes, and keep clients out of jail.
Don’t face this alone. Trust the Highland theft lawyers who protect your most serious legal interests.
Call us now at (909) 639-2551 or contact us online for a free consultation. One call can make all the difference.
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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