Facing theft charges in Inglewood puts your reputation, future, and freedom on the line. The clock starts ticking the moment you're arrested, and delaying your defense only makes things harder. Whether you’ve been accused of petty theft, burglary, shoplifting, grand theft, or embezzlement, any of these charges could result in harsh penalties—jail, probation, fines, and even a felony mark that could haunt you for years to come.
The criminal justice system doesn’t go easy on theft defendants, especially when prior convictions or aggravating circumstances are involved. That’s why you need a seasoned theft crimes defense attorney who knows how to challenge the evidence and protect your rights from the start. At My Rights Law, we understand what’s at stake and are ready to guide you through the legal process with strategic, personalized defense tactics.
Call our dedicated Inglewood theft attorney now at (213) 577-1988. The sooner we start, the stronger your defense can be.
Theft offenses in California are defined broadly under the Penal Code and can range from minor infractions to serious felonies, depending on the value of the stolen property and other case factors. No two theft charges are exactly alike, and each carries unique penalties and legal procedures. At their core, these crimes involve the unlawful taking of another’s property with the intent to deprive the rightful owner of it permanently.
In Inglewood, we commonly defend clients against the following theft-related charges:
Each charge comes with specific legal challenges, but we know how to fight them. Let us explain what these charges mean in more detail and how we can help defend you against them effectively.
Under California Penal Code section 484(a), petty theft involves unlawfully taking property valued at $950 or less. These cases often involve shoplifting small items, pocketing merchandise, or other acts involving low-value goods. Despite the seemingly minor nature of the offense, a conviction can carry lasting consequences on your record, affecting job opportunities and housing.
Penalty for a Petty Theft
Petty theft is commonly charged as a misdemeanor and penalties can include:
Aggravating factors can increase the severity of the penalties. These include prior convictions, the type of victim involved (such as elderly or disabled individuals), and whether force or fear was used. In some cases, petty theft may be escalated to a felony if you have prior convictions, classified as "petty theft with a prior." A skilled Inglewood theft attorney can help you avoid these enhanced consequences by building a solid defense and negotiating for reduced charges or case dismissal.
Shoplifting is outlined in Penal Code 459.5(a), which defines it as entering a commercial business during normal hours with the intent to steal merchandise worth $950 or less. It is a distinct charge from other theft crimes due to the requirement of intent at the time of entry.
Penalties for Shoplifting
If this is your first offense, you may qualify for alternative sentencing such as diversion programs or community service. A theft defense attorney in Inglewood can help minimize penalties or seek dismissal entirely by challenging evidence or negotiating with the court on your behalf.
Grand theft, as defined by Penal Code 487(a), occurs when someone unlawfully takes property valued at more than $950. It also applies to specific items like firearms, automobiles, or livestock, regardless of value. This type of theft is taken more seriously and carries steeper consequences than petty theft.
Penalties for Grand Theft
Grand theft is a “wobbler,” meaning it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony depending on the case details:
A felony conviction can affect nearly every aspect of your life—from employment and housing to immigration status. If you're accused of grand theft in Inglewood, you need a knowledgeable defense attorney who can aggressively fight the charges, dispute the value of the items involved, and argue for a misdemeanor or alternative sentencing.
Under Penal Code 459, burglary involves entering a building or structure (residential or commercial) with the intent to commit theft or another felony. There are two degrees of burglary: first-degree (residential) and second-degree (commercial).
Penalties for Burglary
Burglary charges carry serious consequences because they presume criminal intent before entering the premises. An experienced Inglewood criminal defense lawyer can challenge the prosecution's claims regarding your intent or negotiate to have the charges reduced or dismissed based on the evidence.
Embezzlement, governed by Penal Code 503, refers to the fraudulent taking of property by someone who was entrusted with it. This crime often arises in employment or financial management contexts where someone misuses funds or assets they were given authority over.
Penalties for Embezzlement
Embezzlement cases can be complicated, particularly when there are misunderstandings or discrepancies in accounting. Unfortunately, even honest errors can lead to charges. If you're accused of embezzlement in Inglewood, a theft attorney from My Rights Law can help demonstrate your lack of criminal intent and work to protect your reputation and future.
California voters passed Proposition 47 in 2014 to reclassify many non-violent felony offenses as misdemeanors. This includes crimes like petty theft, shoplifting, and receiving stolen property when the value does not exceed $950.
As a result, many individuals facing theft-related charges may now qualify for reduced penalties or resentencing. Prop 47 has been particularly helpful for those with past felony convictions who are seeking to clean up their records.
If you're dealing with felony theft allegations, our Inglewood criminal defense team can evaluate your case to determine if Proposition 47 relief applies. We’ll work to have your charges reduced to misdemeanors, potentially avoiding jail time and helping you move forward with a clean slate.
Each theft case we handle at My Rights Law is unique, but we apply several tried-and-true defense strategies tailored specifically to your circumstances. These include:
Intent is a key factor in any theft charge. If we can show there was no intent—perhaps it was a misunderstanding or accident—we may get charges reduced or dismissed.
Theft charges often stem from faulty video footage or incorrect witness identification. If there's doubt about who committed the act, we aggressively challenge the accusation.
When officers violate your rights during a stop or search, we can move to suppress the evidence, often crippling the prosecution’s case against you.
If the item was borrowed, gifted, or legitimately yours, this undermines the claim of theft. We use this to show there was no unlawful taking involved.
For those with no prior offenses, we often explore:
These alternatives help avoid a conviction and protect your record. We fight to safeguard your reputation and future.
Facing a theft charge in Inglewood doesn’t have to ruin your life. A skilled theft attorney can reduce the impact and help you move forward.
At My Rights Law, our Inglewood theft lawyers are known for successfully defending against charges, reducing penalties, and keeping clients out of jail. We are aggressive, strategic, and committed to fighting for you.
Don’t go through this alone. Hire a theft crime lawyer in Inglewood who’s trusted to handle serious legal challenges with care and precision.
Call us now at (213) 577-1988 or contact us online for a free consultation. That one call could make all the difference in your case.
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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