Facing theft charges in Rialto puts your future and liberty at risk, and every moment counts. Theft offenses come in many forms, including shoplifting, burglary, grand theft, embezzlement, and more. Each charge can carry serious consequences such as jail time, fines, and probation. In some instances, prosecutors may pursue felony charges that result in a permanent criminal record, affecting your life indefinitely.
If you are accused of theft, don't delay—contact a knowledgeable California theft attorney at (909) 639-2551 right away. Early action is critical to building a strong defense and minimizing the impact of these charges on your life.
Theft offenses are defined under various sections of the California Penal Code and can vary widely depending on the facts and seriousness of the case. While all theft crimes involve unlawfully taking someone else's property with the intent to steal, the legal approach differs by type of offense. Some of the most frequently charged theft crimes in Rialto include:
No matter which theft charge you face, we have the expertise to handle it effectively. Below, we explain what these charges mean and how they may be prosecuted in Rialto courts.
Under Penal Code section 484(a), petty theft is defined as the unlawful taking of property valued at $950 or less. This typically involves minor incidents such as shoplifting, pickpocketing, or other thefts with relatively low monetary value.
Penalty for Petty Theft
Petty theft is usually charged as a misdemeanor, with penalties including:
The seriousness of the punishment can vary based on the value of stolen goods, the nature of the victim (such as a business, elderly person, minor, or disabled individual), and whether force or fear was involved. Additionally, prior petty theft convictions can escalate charges to felony level, resulting in harsher penalties. It’s critical to have a knowledgeable Rialto theft attorney who can carefully review your case and seek to reduce or dismiss charges where possible.
Shoplifting is defined under PC 459.5(a) as entering a retail store during normal business hours with the intent to steal merchandise valued at $950 or less.
Penalties for Shoplifting
If shoplifting is your first offense, a skilled Rialto theft attorney can often negotiate reduced penalties, alternative sentencing, or even dismissal of charges. Early legal intervention greatly improves your chances of a favorable outcome.
Per PC 487(a), grand theft occurs when the stolen property exceeds $950 in value or involves specific items like firearms, vehicles, or livestock.
Penalties for Grand Theft
Grand theft is a "wobbler" offense, meaning it can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony based on circumstances and value. Typical penalties include:
A felony grand theft conviction can have severe long-term consequences beyond criminal penalties, including difficulty securing employment, housing challenges, and immigration complications. An experienced Rialto theft attorney will aggressively defend against felony charges to minimize these impacts and explore all possible defenses.
California PC 459 defines burglary as unlawfully entering any building, whether residential or commercial, with the intent to commit theft or any felony inside. Burglary is classified into first-degree (residential) and second-degree (commercial).
Penalties for Burglary
Burglary carries heavier penalties than other theft crimes due to the premeditated intent to commit a felony upon entry. However, an adept Rialto criminal defense lawyer can challenge this intent element to reduce or dismiss charges.
Embezzlement, as defined under PC 503, involves the fraudulent taking or misappropriation of property by someone entrusted with it. This often arises in employment or financial account management contexts.
Penalties for Embezzlement
Even honest mistakes or accounting errors can lead to embezzlement charges. The best defense involves an experienced theft lawyer in Rialto who can prove lack of criminal intent and clarify the circumstances to protect your future.
Passed in 2014, Proposition 47 reclassified many non-violent offenses, including petty theft, shoplifting, and receiving stolen property valued at $950 or less, from felonies to misdemeanors.
This reform allows many defendants to seek reduced sentencing or even resentencing if previously convicted under harsher laws.
If you face felony theft charges, our legal team can assess your eligibility for relief under Prop 47 and aggressively pursue misdemeanor reclassification.
Each theft case is unique, but at My Rights Law, we apply proven strategies tailored to your specific situation. Our key tactics include:
A core element of theft charges is intent. By showing the act was accidental or misunderstood, we can fight to reduce or dismiss charges.
Theft cases often rely on unclear video or unreliable witnesses. If you are not clearly identified, we challenge the credibility of the entire case.
If law enforcement violated your rights during a stop, search, or arrest, we can file motions to suppress evidence, weakening the prosecution’s case.
If the property was borrowed, gifted, or legally yours, we use this defense to show there was no unlawful taking involved.
For first-time offenders, we may pursue:
These alternatives help you avoid conviction and protect your record. Our focus is on safeguarding your freedom, reputation, and future.
Though overwhelming, a theft charge in California isn’t the end. A skilled Rialto theft attorney can help reduce the impact on your life and future.
At My Rights Law, our dedicated team has a strong record of beating charges, negotiating favorable outcomes, and keeping clients out of jail.
Don’t face this alone. Trust the Rialto theft lawyers clients rely on for serious defense.
Call us now at (909) 639-2551 or contact us online for a free consultation. One call can mean the difference between jail 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.
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