Being accused of a theft offense in Pomona puts your reputation, freedom, and future at serious risk—and the clock starts ticking immediately. Whether you’re facing accusations of shoplifting, burglary, grand theft, or embezzlement, these charges carry serious consequences. A conviction may lead to jail time, financial penalties, probation, and in certain cases, a permanent felony record that can follow you for the rest of your life.
Don’t face theft charges alone. Reach out to a knowledgeable Pomona theft crimes lawyer at (909) 643-8890 to begin building your defense immediately. The sooner we begin preparing your case, the better your chances of minimizing or avoiding penalties altogether. At My Rights Law, we are committed to protecting your rights and aggressively defending your case from start to finish.
Theft-related charges are outlined throughout the California Penal Code, and they vary in severity based on the value of the stolen property, the method used, and prior offenses. No matter the specifics of the charge, theft is always defined as the unlawful taking of someone else’s property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. Every type of theft offense demands a distinct legal approach based on its unique circumstances.
Our Pomona theft defense attorneys have handled a wide range of cases, including:
Regardless of the specific statute under which you've been charged, our team has the experience and legal knowledge to fight for your best outcome. Below, we break down these charges and how they’re typically prosecuted under California law.
Under California Penal Code 484(a), petty theft refers to the unlawful taking of property valued at $950 or less. This typically includes offenses like shoplifting low-cost items, pickpocketing, or stealing from unattended property. Although considered less serious than grand theft, a petty theft conviction still carries serious legal and personal consequences, especially if you have prior convictions.
Penalty for a Petty Theft
Petty theft is generally charged as a misdemeanor and punishable by:
Penalties can vary depending on aggravating factors, such as the type of victim (e.g., elderly, minor), or whether force was used during the act. Repeat offenders may face an upgraded charge called “petty theft with a prior,” which can be filed as a felony. A Pomona theft attorney at My Rights Law can help reduce your charges or even get the case dismissed by challenging the evidence and negotiating alternative resolutions.
California Penal Code 459.5(a) defines shoplifting as entering an open business during regular hours with the intent to steal items valued at $950 or less. It does not matter whether anything was actually taken — the intent alone can lead to a shoplifting charge.
Penalties for Shoplifting
In many first-time shoplifting cases, a knowledgeable Pomona criminal defense attorney can negotiate for alternative sentencing such as diversion programs or community service. In some cases, a dismissal or reduction in charges is possible, especially when the evidence is weak or improperly obtained.
According to California Penal Code 487(a), grand theft occurs when someone unlawfully takes property worth more than $950. It also includes theft involving specific items like firearms, vehicles, and certain farm animals, regardless of their value. Grand theft charges can stem from a single large theft or multiple small ones over time.
Penalties for Grand Theft
This is considered a "wobbler" offense, which means it can be charged either as a misdemeanor or felony based on circumstances and prior criminal history:
A felony conviction for grand theft can severely impact your life, affecting your career, housing, and immigration status. Having an experienced Pomona theft defense lawyer from My Rights Law on your side can make a significant difference in minimizing or eliminating the damage a conviction can cause.
Penal Code 459 defines burglary as entering a building — whether a home, office, or other structure — with the intent to commit theft or another felony inside. It’s not necessary for the theft or felony to be completed; the act of entering with intent is enough to be charged.
Penalties for Burglary
Because burglary charges hinge on proving criminal intent before entry, a Pomona theft attorney may be able to argue that no such intent existed. This defense strategy can reduce the severity of the charge or even lead to a full dismissal.
Embezzlement, as defined by Penal Code 503, occurs when someone who is entrusted with money or property unlawfully takes it for personal use. This type of theft commonly occurs in workplaces or situations involving fiduciary responsibility, such as managing accounts or handling company assets.
Penalties for Embezzlement
Often, embezzlement cases arise from miscommunication, poor accounting, or lack of oversight — not criminal intent. That’s why you need a dedicated Pomona theft crime lawyer who understands how to navigate the complexities of these accusations and will work to prove your side of the story.
Passed in 2014, Proposition 47 reclassified several non-violent property crimes — including petty theft, shoplifting, and receiving stolen property — from felonies to misdemeanors when the value is $950 or less. This law aimed to reduce California’s prison population and offer second chances for minor offenses.
If you were previously convicted of a theft-related felony that would now be considered a misdemeanor under Prop 47, you might qualify for resentencing. This could significantly reduce or eliminate your criminal record’s long-term impact.
At My Rights Law, we can assess your eligibility under Proposition 47 and file the necessary petitions to help you benefit from these reforms. Don’t miss the opportunity to secure a better future — reach out to our Pomona legal team for a free evaluation.
Every theft case is different, but at My Rights Law in Pomona, we apply proven strategies customized to your unique legal situation. Our key defenses include:
Intent is crucial in any theft charge. If we can demonstrate that the alleged theft was accidental or based on a misunderstanding, we can fight for reduced or dismissed charges.
Many theft accusations stem from unreliable witnesses or unclear surveillance footage. If you were misidentified, we’ll challenge the credibility of the evidence presented.
If police obtained evidence through an unlawful search or violated your rights during the arrest, we will move to suppress that evidence and weaken the case against you.
If the property in question was borrowed, gifted, or believed to be yours, we will assert this defense to show there was no criminal intent to steal.
For eligible first-time offenders, we may pursue:
These alternatives can keep your record clean and help you move forward with your life. Our mission is to protect your freedom and future above all else.
A theft charge in California can have long-term consequences, but it doesn’t have to define your future. A skilled Pomona theft crime attorney can help reduce or eliminate the penalties you face. Don’t wait for the prosecution to build a case against you—get proactive legal help today.
At My Rights Law, our Pomona theft defense lawyers have a strong track record of achieving dismissals, securing reduced charges, and avoiding jail time for our clients. We fight hard, think strategically, and never lose sight of what’s at stake—your life, liberty, and reputation.
Call us now at (909) 643-8890 or contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation. One call could change the outcome of 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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