Being accused of a theft crime in Pasadena puts your freedom and your future at serious risk. From shoplifting and burglary to grand theft and embezzlement, theft-related charges in California come with severe legal consequences. These may include jail or prison time, steep fines, probation, and a permanent criminal record. In some cases, prosecutors may pursue felony charges that can have a lifelong impact on your personal and professional life.
At My Rights Law, we understand the urgency and complexity of theft cases. That’s why we act quickly and strategically to build a solid defense tailored to your circumstances. If you've been arrested or are under investigation for a theft offense, it is critical to contact an experienced Pasadena theft lawyer immediately. Call (626) 628-2889 to schedule your free confidential case evaluation. The sooner we start working on your defense, the better chance we have of achieving a favorable outcome.
Theft crimes are categorized under several sections of the California Penal Code and can vary greatly in how they are charged, based on the details of the alleged incident. What connects them all is the unlawful taking of someone else’s property with the intent to deprive the rightful owner of it. The specific penalties and defenses available will depend on the nature of the offense, the value of the stolen property, and any prior criminal history.
Some of the most frequently charged theft-related offenses in Pasadena include:
No matter which theft statute applies to your case, My Rights Law is prepared to fight aggressively on your behalf. Below, we’ll explore these charges in more detail and explain how we work to defend clients against each type of theft allegation.
Under California Penal Code §484(a), petty theft occurs when someone unlawfully takes property valued at $950 or less. This offense often includes minor acts such as shoplifting, pocketing items without paying, or similar low-value theft-related behavior. Although it may seem like a minor issue, being convicted of petty theft can leave a mark on your criminal record that affects employment, licensing, and more.
Penalty for a Petty Theft
Petty theft is usually a misdemeanor and is punishable by:
Penalties can become more serious if there are aggravating factors like targeting vulnerable victims (elderly, minors), or if this is not your first theft-related offense. Repeat offenders may face charges for “petty theft with a prior,” which can even be elevated to a felony depending on your criminal history. Our Pasadena theft attorneys will work to have your charges dismissed or reduced.
As defined in Penal Code §459.5(a), shoplifting involves entering a retail business during normal hours with the intent to steal merchandise worth $950 or less. Unlike burglary, shoplifting focuses on low-value theft from stores but can still carry criminal consequences.
Penalties for Shoplifting
In many first-time shoplifting cases, alternative sentencing options are available. Our experienced Pasadena theft defense team at My Rights Law will push for a lighter outcome—whether that means case dismissal, diversion programs, or minimizing the charges so they don’t follow you for life.
According to Penal Code §487(a), theft is classified as grand theft when the value of the stolen property exceeds $950. In addition to high-value theft, stealing certain items—like firearms, vehicles, or specific livestock—can also qualify, regardless of value. These charges are taken seriously and often prosecuted aggressively.
Penalties for Grand Theft
Grand theft is a “wobbler,” meaning it may be filed as either a misdemeanor or felony based on the circumstances. Potential penalties include:
A felony grand theft conviction can have lasting effects beyond incarceration—including employment barriers, housing difficulty, and immigration complications. The Pasadena theft attorneys at My Rights Law fight to reduce felony charges and protect your future from long-term consequences.
Under Penal Code §459, burglary involves unlawfully entering a building (home, store, or office) with the intent to commit theft or another felony inside. First-degree burglary refers to residences, while second-degree burglary covers commercial locations.
Penalties for Burglary
Since burglary charges require proof of intent before entering the building, our legal team at My Rights Law in Pasadena focuses on disputing that element. Without it, prosecutors may be forced to drop or lessen the charges significantly.
Defined under Penal Code §503, embezzlement involves the fraudulent appropriation of property by someone entrusted with it—often occurring in employment settings or financial roles. Misuse of funds, altering records, or unauthorized transfers are common embezzlement accusations.
Penalties for Embezzlement
Even if the situation arose from an honest mistake or miscommunication, you may still be prosecuted. That’s why working with a skilled Pasadena theft attorney is critical. Our lawyers can build a strong defense to highlight the lack of criminal intent and protect your reputation and future.
Proposition 47, passed in 2014, reclassified many low-level, non-violent felonies—including theft-related offenses—into misdemeanors. This law covers petty theft, shoplifting, receiving stolen property, and similar crimes when the amount involved is $950 or less.
If you were previously convicted under harsher guidelines, Prop 47 may entitle you to a reduced sentence or even a resentencing. This change can make a huge difference for employment, housing, and clearing your record.
Our Pasadena theft lawyers at My Rights Law can assess your situation and determine if you qualify for Proposition 47 relief—potentially reducing your felony to a misdemeanor and helping you get a second chance.
Every theft charge is different, but My Rights Law applies proven strategies tailored to your specific case. Our defense approach often includes:
To prove theft, the prosecution must show intent. If we can demonstrate that your actions were accidental or a misunderstanding, we may achieve a dismissal or reduction of charges.
Theft accusations frequently stem from flawed eyewitness accounts or unclear surveillance footage. If your identification is in doubt, we aggressively challenge the validity of the case.
Police must follow the law when searching you or your property. If your rights were violated, any illegally obtained evidence can be excluded from your case.
If you had permission to take the item or genuinely believed it was yours, we’ll raise this issue to show there was no criminal intent involved.
First-time offenders may be eligible for:
These alternatives can keep your record clean and help you avoid jail time. Our goal is to protect your future, not just win your case.
Facing theft charges in California can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to define your future. A knowledgeable Pasadena theft crime attorney can guide you toward the best outcome. Don’t let the prosecution take control—take action now.
At My Rights Law, our experienced team has helped countless clients beat theft charges, secure reduced penalties, and stay out of jail. We fight with strategy, skill, and total dedication to your defense.
Call us now at (626) 628-2889 or contact us online to set up a free case review. Your freedom could depend on this one call.
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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