Being charged with a theft crime in Lancaster can have serious consequences that may affect your reputation, freedom, and future. Whether the allegations involve shoplifting, burglary, grand theft, or other related offenses, these charges can result in jail time, fines, and long-term probation. In more severe cases, you could face felony charges that will remain on your criminal record permanently, limiting employment, housing, and educational opportunities for the rest of your life.
At My Rights Law, we understand how overwhelming a theft accusation can be, and we’re here to fight for your rights. You need an experienced Lancaster theft attorney who can act quickly and develop a strong defense strategy tailored to your case. Don’t delay—call our office now at (661) 466 5990 for a free consultation. The sooner you act, the better your chances of minimizing or even avoiding serious penalties.
Theft-related charges in California are defined under various provisions in the Penal Code. The severity of a charge—and the consequences—often depend on the type of theft, the value of the property taken, and whether there was any prior criminal history involved. Despite the different classifications, all theft crimes share one core element: the unlawful taking of another person’s property with intent to deprive them of it permanently. Each charge must be addressed with a defense strategy that matches its specific legal characteristics.
In Lancaster, the most frequently prosecuted theft crimes include:
No matter the theft charge you’re facing, our legal team at My Rights Law has the experience and insight to navigate the court process. We’ll break down each charge for you and explain the legal path forward.
Under Penal Code section 484(a), petty theft involves unlawfully taking property valued at $950 or less. Common examples include minor shoplifting, pickpocketing, or low-value theft from a business or individual. Though these cases may seem minor, a conviction can still impact your criminal record and future opportunities.
Penalty for a Petty Theft
Petty theft is generally charged as a misdemeanor and may carry penalties such as:
The final penalty depends on factors like the value of the property, the use of threats or force, or if the victim was vulnerable (elderly, disabled, etc.). A prior record may elevate the charge to “petty theft with a prior,” which can be prosecuted as a felony. A Lancaster theft attorney from My Rights Law can work to mitigate these consequences or even help avoid charges altogether.
According to PC 459.5(a), shoplifting is defined as entering a retail store during regular hours with the intent to steal items valued at $950 or less. It’s distinct from burglary because it applies specifically to commercial locations and typically lower-value goods.
Penalties for Shoplifting
First-time offenders may qualify for diversion programs, alternative sentencing, or even full dismissal. A skilled Lancaster theft crime lawyer can present mitigating factors to argue for the most favorable outcome possible.
Penal Code 487(a) classifies theft as grand theft when the property taken is worth more than $950. It also includes specific items like firearms, automobiles, and certain types of livestock, regardless of their monetary value. Grand theft can be the result of a single incident or a series of acts adding up to the threshold amount.
Penalties for Grand Theft
This offense is considered a “wobbler” and may be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony:
A felony theft conviction can make it difficult to find employment, housing, or maintain immigration status. The stakes are high, but our Lancaster theft defense attorneys at My Rights Law know how to challenge evidence, argue for reductions, and push for dismissal when appropriate.
Under California Penal Code 459, burglary is defined as entering a structure with the intent to commit theft or any felony inside. It includes both residential (first-degree) and commercial (second-degree) burglary. The crime is considered more severe because it involves premeditated entry.
Penalties for Burglary
Because burglary requires intent before entry, the prosecution must prove what was in your mind at the time. That’s a tall order—and one our Lancaster burglary attorneys can challenge aggressively to get your charges reduced or dismissed.
Embezzlement, as defined in Penal Code 503, involves the fraudulent taking of property by someone who was entrusted with it. This often occurs in workplace settings, involving employee theft, misappropriation of funds, or unauthorized use of accounts or property.
Penalties for Embezzlement
Sometimes, misunderstandings or accounting errors are mistaken for criminal conduct. If you’re accused of embezzlement in Lancaster, the attorneys at My Rights Law can clarify intent, contest weak evidence, and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process.
Proposition 47, passed in 2014, reclassified several non-violent theft-related felonies as misdemeanors. This includes petty theft, shoplifting, and receiving stolen property where the value is $950 or less.
Thanks to Prop 47, many people now qualify for sentence reductions or even resentencing if previously convicted under more severe classifications.
If you’re currently facing felony theft charges or have an old conviction that might qualify for relief, My Rights Law’s Lancaster theft lawyers can review your case and advocate for reduced charges or expungement under Prop 47 protections.
Each theft case is different, but we implement proven strategies at My Rights Law and customize them to the facts of your Lancaster case. These include:
Intent is key to any theft charge. If we can demonstrate that the act was a misunderstanding or done without criminal intent, we aim to have charges reduced or dropped.
In many theft cases, identity is based on weak evidence. If you were misidentified due to poor video footage or unreliable witnesses, we will fight to discredit the case.
If police violated your rights during a search, stop, or arrest, we can push to have key evidence suppressed, which can significantly weaken the prosecution’s position.
If the property in question was loaned, gifted, or belonged to you, we will argue there was no unlawful taking and challenge the basis of the charges.
For eligible first-time offenders, we explore alternatives such as:
These routes help you avoid a criminal conviction and keep your future on track. We aim not just for a win—but to protect your life, your name, and your freedom.
Facing theft charges in Lancaster can impact your job, relationships, and freedom—but it doesn’t have to define your future. Our skilled theft crime attorneys are here to defend you.
At My Rights Law, our Lancaster theft defense team has a strong record of getting charges reduced or dismissed. We are aggressive, strategic, and 100% committed to fighting for your rights.
Don't take chances with your future. Get the Lancaster theft crime lawyer that clients rely on when everything is at stake.
Call us now at (661) 466 5990 or contact us online for a free consultation. This one call could make all the difference.
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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