Facing a theft crime charge in Norwalk can have serious consequences that may affect your career, reputation, and freedom. Whether you are being accused of shoplifting, burglary, grand theft, or embezzlement, all theft offenses are treated seriously under California law. A conviction can lead to time in jail, steep fines, restitution, and even a permanent mark on your criminal record—especially if charged as a felony. Acting quickly is key to protecting your rights and improving your chances of a favorable outcome.
At My Rights Law, we understand the complexities of theft-related statutes and use proven strategies to defend against these charges. The sooner you contact an experienced Norwalk theft lawyer, the better your chances of securing a reduced charge—or even a dismissal. Don’t wait—contact our office today to speak directly with a seasoned attorney who will fight to protect your future. Call (562) 203-0434 now for a free consultation.
Theft-related offenses are defined across several sections of the California Penal Code and can range from misdemeanors to felonies based on the value of the property and the circumstances surrounding the alleged crime. Regardless of how minor the accusation may seem, each type of theft charge carries its own legal implications and should be handled with care. The central theme across these offenses is the unlawful taking of another’s property with the intent to deprive them of it permanently.
In Norwalk, some of the most commonly charged theft crimes include:
Each of these offenses can result in different penalties depending on the details of the case, such as the value of the stolen property or whether a prior criminal history exists. At My Rights Law, we take the time to understand your situation and build a customized defense tailored to your case.
Under California Penal Code Section 484(a), petty theft involves the unlawful taking of property valued at $950 or less. This type of offense usually includes low-value incidents such as minor shoplifting, pocket-picking, or stealing unattended items. Although petty theft may appear minor, the legal consequences can still be significant and affect your record.
Penalty for a Petty Theft
Petty theft is most often classified as a misdemeanor and is subject to the following penalties:
The severity of the penalty may increase depending on various factors such as the method used, the characteristics of the victim (e.g., elderly or disabled), and whether force or intimidation was involved. Additionally, if you have previous theft-related convictions, you could face charges of “petty theft with a prior,” which may be elevated to a felony offense, exposing you to harsher sentencing. A Norwalk theft attorney can assess your record and work toward minimizing or avoiding these consequences.
Under Penal Code Section 459.5(a), shoplifting refers to entering a commercial establishment during regular hours with the intent to steal merchandise valued at $950 or less. This crime is commonly associated with retail theft and is usually considered less severe than burglary due to the absence of forced entry or trespassing.
Penalties for Shoplifting
If you’re a first-time offender, there may be opportunities to avoid jail time. A skilled Norwalk theft lawyer from My Rights Law can negotiate for reduced penalties, alternative sentencing options, or even have your charges dismissed depending on the circumstances.
Under Penal Code Section 487(a), grand theft is defined as the unlawful taking of property worth more than $950. It also applies to specific property types such as motor vehicles, firearms, or agricultural products like livestock. Unlike petty theft, grand theft carries more serious penalties and may be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the context—making it a "wobbler" offense.
Penalties for Grand Theft
The sentencing depends on whether the charge is filed as a misdemeanor or a felony:
A felony conviction for grand theft can seriously impact your ability to secure employment, obtain housing, or maintain your immigration status. That’s why it's crucial to have a Norwalk criminal defense attorney who understands how to challenge the prosecution’s evidence, argue for a reduced charge, or seek diversion programs where applicable.
California Penal Code Section 459 defines burglary as entering any structure—residential or commercial—with the intent to commit theft or a felony once inside. Burglary is divided into two categories: first-degree burglary, which involves residences, and second-degree burglary, which involves other types of structures like stores or offices.
Penalties for Burglary
Because burglary charges hinge on proving intent before entering the premises, this aspect of the case is often the focus of the defense. A Norwalk theft attorney can work to disprove that intent, potentially leading to a reduction or dismissal of the charges.
Under Penal Code Section 503, embezzlement occurs when someone fraudulently takes property that was lawfully entrusted to them. It often arises in situations involving employment or fiduciary relationships—such as an employee misappropriating company funds or a financial advisor diverting client assets.
Penalties for Embezzlement
In many cases, people accused of embezzlement may have made accounting errors or been caught in misunderstandings. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take the charges seriously. Our Norwalk theft attorneys can help clarify the facts, challenge the prosecution’s claims, and build a strong defense focused on intent and context.
Proposition 47, passed in California in 2014, reclassified several non-violent felony offenses—like petty theft, shoplifting, and receiving stolen property—as misdemeanors when the value involved is $950 or less.
This law created an opportunity for many individuals to reduce their charges or seek resentencing, even after a felony conviction. If you’re currently facing felony theft charges, our legal team at My Rights Law can assess your eligibility under Proposition 47 and push for a reduction in penalties.
Don't let outdated charges define your future—contact our Norwalk theft attorneys to explore all your legal options and fight for the most favorable outcome possible.
Each theft case is different, but we use proven defense strategies at My Rights Law, tailoring them to fit your unique situation. These include:
Intent is a critical factor in any theft case. If we can show that the alleged act was accidental or misunderstood, the charges may be dropped or reduced.
Theft charges often stem from unclear surveillance footage or unreliable witness accounts. If your identity is in question, we will challenge the prosecution’s case.
If the police obtained evidence unlawfully, we’ll fight to suppress that evidence and use the violation of your rights to weaken their position.
If the item in question was borrowed, gifted, or rightfully yours, we’ll present this to show no criminal act occurred and seek case dismissal.
For first-time offenders, we may pursue:
These alternatives can help avoid a conviction and protect your record. At My Rights Law, we fight to safeguard your freedom and future.
A theft charge can disrupt your life—but it doesn’t have to define it. The skilled Norwalk theft crime lawyers at My Rights Law are here to help. We know how to challenge the evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and fight for the best result in and out of court.
We’ve helped countless clients walk away from theft charges or receive reduced penalties, and we’re ready to do the same for you.
Call us now at (562) 203-0434 or contact us online to schedule your free, confidential consultation. Your defense starts today.
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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