Facing theft charges in Placentia can have a major impact on your freedom, your record, and your future. Whether you’re accused of shoplifting, burglary, grand theft, embezzlement, or another theft-related offense, every case carries serious consequences. Convictions can result in jail time, steep fines, and lasting damage to your reputation. In some situations, a theft crime may be prosecuted as a felony, staying with you permanently and affecting your opportunities for years to come.
If you are under investigation or have already been charged with a theft offense in Placentia, it’s crucial to act quickly. Contact an experienced California theft attorney at (657) 378-7278 for a free case evaluation. Starting your defense immediately can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.
Theft crimes in California cover a wide range of situations, each addressed in the Penal Code. The severity and the specific circumstances surrounding an alleged theft will determine how it’s charged and prosecuted, which means every case is unique and requires a tailored approach. Generally, theft is defined as the unlawful taking of someone else’s property with the intent to deprive them of it permanently.
No matter what theft charge you’re facing, My Rights Law has the experience and knowledge to help. Let’s take a closer look at what these charges mean and how the law treats them.
Penal Code section 484(a) describes petty theft as the unlawful taking of property valued at $950 or less. This charge commonly arises from incidents such as minor shoplifting, taking unattended belongings, or other acts involving low-value items. Although it may seem like a minor offense, a petty theft conviction can have lasting effects, including a permanent criminal record.
Penalty for a Petty Theft
Petty theft is generally prosecuted as a misdemeanor, with possible penalties including:
The outcome depends on factors such as the value of the property, the identity of the victim (e.g., business, senior citizen, disabled person, minor), and any aggravating circumstances like use of force. If you have prior theft convictions, the prosecution may pursue harsher charges, including felony-level "petty theft with a prior." Seeking advice from a knowledgeable Placentia theft attorney is crucial for navigating these complexities and protecting your future.
Under Penal Code 459.5(a), shoplifting involves entering an open business during regular hours with the intent to steal merchandise valued at $950 or less. Shoplifting is a frequently charged offense in Placentia, often resulting from simple mistakes or misunderstandings.
Penalties for Shoplifting
For many first-time offenders, alternative sentencing or diversion programs may be available. With an experienced Placentia theft lawyer advocating for you, it may be possible to reduce the consequences, obtain a lesser sentence, or even secure a case dismissal based on the circumstances.
According to Penal Code 487(a), theft rises to the level of grand theft when the value of stolen property exceeds $950. Grand theft also applies when the property taken is a firearm, vehicle, or certain types of livestock, regardless of value. This charge covers a wide range of situations and is treated much more seriously under California law.
Penalties for Grand Theft
Grand theft is considered a “wobbler” offense, which means it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the facts of the case and your prior record. Potential consequences include:
A felony grand theft conviction can have severe long-term repercussions, affecting employment opportunities, housing, and even immigration status. If you are facing grand theft charges in Placentia, working with a skilled theft attorney is essential for developing an effective defense and minimizing the negative impact on your life.
Penal Code 459 defines burglary as entering any building—whether residential or commercial—with the intent to commit theft or any felony once inside. Burglary charges are divided into first-degree (residential) and second-degree (commercial), each carrying different penalties and legal consequences.
Penalties for Burglary
Burglary charges are taken very seriously due to the element of intent before entering the property. However, with a knowledgeable Placentia theft attorney on your side, it is often possible to challenge the prosecution’s case, negotiate for lesser charges, or even achieve a dismissal by disputing the required intent.
Embezzlement, as outlined in Penal Code 503, refers to the fraudulent appropriation of property by a person entrusted with it. This crime most commonly arises in employment or fiduciary settings where someone is responsible for managing funds or assets.
Penalties for Embezzlement
Even if the situation resulted from a misunderstanding or accounting error, you could still be charged with embezzlement. The best way to protect yourself from criminal liability and ensure the facts are clearly presented is to consult a Placentia theft defense attorney who can develop a strategy to refute intent and seek the most favorable outcome.
Proposition 47, passed in 2014, reclassified many non-violent property crimes, such as petty theft, shoplifting, and receiving stolen property, from felonies to misdemeanors when the value involved is $950 or less.
This law allows many individuals previously convicted of these offenses to seek reduced sentencing, or even resentencing, under the current, more lenient guidelines.
If you are facing a felony theft charge or want to see if your case qualifies for Prop 47 relief, our Placentia theft crime attorneys at My Rights Law can review your situation and advocate for reduced or alternative sentencing options.
Every theft case is different, but at My Rights Law, we use proven strategies customized to your unique circumstances. The core approaches we consider include:
Intent is crucial for a theft conviction. If we can demonstrate there was no intention to commit theft—such as a misunderstanding or accident—your charges may be reduced or dismissed.
Theft charges are often based on unclear surveillance or unreliable witnesses. If you weren’t clearly identified, we can aggressively challenge the evidence and the case itself.
If law enforcement violated your rights during a stop, search, or arrest, we can fight to suppress illegally obtained evidence, potentially undermining the prosecutor’s case against you.
If the property was borrowed, given to you, or rightfully yours, we’ll argue there was no unlawful taking, which can be a powerful defense to theft accusations.
For first-time theft offenses, we may seek alternatives such as:
These options are designed to help you avoid a conviction and protect your record. Our top priority is safeguarding your freedom and future.
Being charged with theft in California is serious, but it doesn’t have to define your life. An experienced Placentia theft crime attorney can help minimize the impact of the charges. Don’t let the prosecution overwhelm you—take action now.
At My Rights Law, our theft lawyers in Placentia have a strong record of getting charges dropped, securing favorable deals, and keeping clients out of jail. We are aggressive, strategic, and committed to your defense.
Don’t go through this alone. Contact a theft defense lawyer Placentia residents trust with their most challenging cases.
Call us today at (657) 378-7278 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. One call could be the difference between conviction and freedom.
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.
The last modified date shows when this page was most recently reviewed.
schedule a free confidential consultation
