Facing a theft charge in Redondo Beach can seriously impact your future and your freedom. The clock starts ticking the moment you're arrested. From minor offenses like shoplifting to serious charges like burglary, grand theft, or embezzlement, each can carry severe consequences. You may face jail time, expensive fines, and a criminal record that could follow you for the rest of your life. Some theft charges may even result in felony convictions that limit your job prospects and personal opportunities.
At My Rights Law, we understand the complexities of California theft laws and will build a defense strategy that fits your unique circumstances. The sooner you act, the more options you’ll have. Call our experienced Redondo Beach theft defense lawyer at (562) 337-3990 now to protect your rights and explore your legal options.
The California Penal Code outlines several types of theft crimes, each with its own elements and penalties. While all involve unlawfully taking another’s property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it, the details can vary significantly. Based on the value of the stolen property, the presence of force, or even the relationship between the parties, a theft offense could be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony.
Our Redondo Beach office frequently defends against a variety of theft-related charges, including:
No matter what statute you're facing, My Rights Law has the knowledge and resources to challenge the prosecution’s case and fight for the best possible outcome. Below, we’ll explain what each charge means and how we can help defend it.
Under California Penal Code § 484(a), petty theft involves unlawfully taking property valued at $950 or less. This typically includes offenses such as shoplifting small items, minor employee theft, or taking personal belongings without permission. These are commonly seen as “low-level” crimes, but the legal implications can still be serious.
Penalty for a Petty Theft
In most cases, petty theft is prosecuted as a misdemeanor. Penalties may include:
However, aggravating factors—such as prior convictions, use of force, or theft involving vulnerable victims—can lead to harsher consequences. In some circumstances, you may face a “petty theft with a prior” charge, which can be elevated to a felony. Having a Redondo Beach theft lawyer from My Rights Law can make all the difference in minimizing or dismissing these charges entirely.
Per California Penal Code § 459.5(a), shoplifting occurs when someone enters a commercial establishment during business hours intending to steal merchandise valued at $950 or less. Unlike petty theft, shoplifting is distinguished by the intent to commit the crime before entering the store.
Penalties for Shoplifting
First-time shoplifting offenders may be eligible for lenient resolutions, such as diversion or dismissal. An experienced Redondo Beach theft crime attorney can argue for a reduced sentence, or alternative punishment that keeps your record clean.
Under Penal Code § 487(a), grand theft refers to the unlawful taking of property valued above $950. It also covers theft involving firearms, motor vehicles, or certain types of livestock, regardless of monetary value. Grand theft is taken much more seriously than petty theft because of the greater value or nature of the stolen items.
Penalties for Grand Theft
Grand theft is classified as a “wobbler” in California, meaning it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony:
A felony conviction can carry lifelong consequences, including difficulties with employment, housing, and immigration. If you’re facing grand theft charges, having a skilled Redondo Beach theft attorney can help you contest the charges or negotiate them down to a less severe outcome.
Burglary, as defined under Penal Code § 459, involves entering a building, room, or structure with the intent to commit theft or another felony once inside. The crime is split into two degrees: first-degree (residential) and second-degree (commercial) burglary.
Penalties for Burglary
Because burglary requires “intent” before entry, a defense often centers on disproving that element. An experienced Redondo Beach criminal defense lawyer can scrutinize the case against you, challenge weak evidence, and aim to reduce or dismiss the charges entirely.
According to Penal Code § 503, embezzlement involves the fraudulent use or misappropriation of property that was lawfully entrusted to the defendant. This often arises in the context of employer-employee relationships, personal financial management, or when handling someone else’s property.
Penalties for Embezzlement
Many embezzlement cases stem from misunderstandings, bookkeeping errors, or misplaced trust. If you are facing accusations of embezzlement in Redondo Beach, a knowledgeable theft lawyer can work to clarify the situation, challenge the intent requirement, and protect your rights in and out of court.
In 2014, California voters passed Proposition 47, which reclassified many non-violent property crimes—including petty theft, shoplifting, and receiving stolen goods valued at $950 or less—from felonies to misdemeanors.
This reform opened the door for individuals facing certain theft-related felony charges to seek reduced penalties—or in some cases, resentencing—if they had been convicted under harsher laws prior to Prop 47’s enactment.
If you’ve been charged with theft in Redondo Beach, My Rights Law can determine whether your case qualifies for Prop 47 relief. Our skilled legal team will work to ensure your charges are treated appropriately and push for the most favorable outcome possible.
Every theft case is different, but at My Rights Law, we apply proven defense strategies tailored specifically to your circumstances. These often include:
To convict you of theft, prosecutors must prove intent. If we demonstrate the act was accidental or misunderstood, the charges may be dismissed or reduced.
Faulty video footage or unreliable witnesses can result in misidentification. If there's doubt about who committed the theft, we’ll use that to your advantage.
If police violated your rights during a search or arrest, key evidence may be excluded, weakening the prosecutor’s case significantly.
If the property was borrowed, gifted, or legally yours, we’ll present this evidence to show no theft occurred under California law.
First-time offenders may qualify for:
These options aim to protect your future by avoiding a conviction and clearing your record.
Facing theft charges in California can be overwhelming and life-altering. A skilled Redondo theft attorney can significantly reduce the impact on your life. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
At My Rights Law, our Redondo theft defense team has a long-standing record of getting charges dismissed, securing favorable deals, and protecting our clients from incarceration. We fight aggressively to defend your rights at every turn.
Call us now at (562) 337-3990 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation. One call can change everything.
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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