Being charged with a theft crime in Redlands puts your future and freedom at serious risk, and time is of the essence. Theft offenses vary—from shoplifting and burglary to grand theft and embezzlement—but all carry the potential for jail time, fines, and probation. In some situations, prosecutors may pursue felony charges that remain on your criminal record permanently, affecting your life long-term.
If you face theft charges, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced California theft lawyer at (909) 639-2551. Acting quickly to develop your defense strategy is crucial to protect your rights and reduce the possible penalties.
Theft crimes in California are defined under several Penal Code sections and can vary widely in seriousness and legal consequences. Each category requires a tailored defense approach based on the specific facts and charges. Generally, theft involves the unlawful taking of someone else’s property with intent to permanently deprive them of it.
Some of the most frequently charged theft offenses in Redlands include:
No matter which theft charge you face, we understand how to build a strong defense. Below, we explain each offense and how the law typically prosecutes them.
Under Penal Code section 484(a), petty theft involves unlawfully taking property valued at $950 or less. This offense typically includes minor acts like shoplifting, pickpocketing, or other low-value thefts.
Penalties for Petty Theft
Petty theft is generally charged as a misdemeanor and may result in penalties such as:
The punishment severity depends on factors such as the value of stolen goods, the victim’s status (e.g., business, elderly, disabled, minor), and whether force or fear was involved. Repeat offenses may lead to enhanced charges like petty theft with a prior, which can escalate to felony charges carrying harsher penalties. Having an experienced Redlands theft attorney can help you navigate these complexities and work toward reducing the consequences of your charge.
Defined under PC 459.5(a), shoplifting occurs when a person enters a commercial business during open hours intending to steal merchandise valued at $950 or less.
Shoplifting Penalties
For first-time offenders in Redlands, the consequences can sometimes be minimized or dismissed. A knowledgeable theft attorney can negotiate alternative sentencing or advocate for reduced penalties tailored to your unique situation.
According to PC 487(a), grand theft occurs when stolen property exceeds a value of $950, or when the theft involves certain items such as firearms, vehicles, or specific livestock.
Grand Theft Penalties
Grand theft is considered a “wobbler” offense in California, meaning it can be charged either as a misdemeanor or felony depending on circumstances:
A felony conviction carries significant long-term consequences, including difficulties with employment, housing, and immigration status. Protecting your future requires a skilled theft attorney in Redlands who can aggressively defend against felony theft charges and seek the best possible outcome.
Penal Code 459 defines burglary as unlawfully entering a building—whether a home or business—with the intent to commit theft or another felony inside. Burglary is categorized into first-degree (residential) and second-degree (commercial) burglary.
Burglary Penalties
Burglary charges tend to be more severe than other theft crimes because intent to commit a crime must be proven before entry. However, a skilled Redlands defense attorney can challenge the prosecution’s evidence and seek to reduce or dismiss the charges entirely.
Embezzlement, governed by PC 503, involves fraudulently taking property by someone entrusted with it, often occurring in workplaces or financial account management.
Penalties for Embezzlement
Even an honest mistake or bookkeeping error can sometimes trigger embezzlement charges. Having a knowledgeable theft lawyer in Redlands is crucial to establishing a defense that disproves malicious intent and clarifies the facts to protect your rights and future.
Passed in 2014, Proposition 47 reclassified many non-violent crimes, including petty theft, shoplifting, and receiving stolen property involving $950 or less, from felonies to misdemeanors.
This law has allowed many defendants to receive reduced sentences or even resentencing if previously convicted under harsher felony statutes.
If you face felony theft charges in Redlands, our law firm can assess your eligibility for relief under Proposition 47 and work to have your charges reduced to misdemeanors whenever possible.
Each theft case is unique, but at My Rights Law we use proven strategies tailored to your situation. Key defenses include:
A critical element in theft cases is proving intent. If we show the alleged theft was accidental or a misunderstanding, charges can be reduced or dismissed.
Theft accusations often rely on unclear video footage or unreliable witnesses. If you are not clearly identified, we will challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
If law enforcement violated your constitutional rights during a search or arrest, we can move to suppress the evidence and weaken the case against you.
If the property was borrowed, gifted, or belongs to you, we will argue there was no unlawful taking to defend your case.
For first-time offenders, we may seek alternatives such as:
These options help you avoid conviction and maintain a clean record. Our focus is protecting your freedom, reputation, and future.
Being charged with theft in California is daunting, but it’s not the end. A skilled Redlands theft attorney can help minimize the impact.
At My Rights Law, our experienced team has a strong record of beating charges and negotiating favorable results to keep clients out of jail.
Don’t face these charges alone. Get a trusted theft crime defense lawyer in Redlands to fight for your rights.
Call us now at (909) 639-2551 or contact us online for a free consultation. One call could change your life.
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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