Being charged with a theft crime in Riverside puts your future and freedom at risk, and the clock is ticking. Theft offenses vary widely — from shoplifting and burglary to grand theft and embezzlement — but all carry serious consequences such as jail time, fines, and probation. In more severe cases, prosecutors may pursue felony charges that remain on your criminal record permanently, impacting your life for years to come.
If you are facing theft charges, do not delay. Contact an experienced California theft lawyer at (951) 900-3335 immediately. Acting quickly is essential to building an effective defense and minimizing the penalties you might face.
Theft crimes in California cover a range of offenses under the Penal Code, each requiring a tailored defense based on the details and severity of the charge. Generally, theft involves unlawfully taking someone else’s property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. In Riverside, the theft charges we frequently encounter include:
No matter which theft statute you are charged under, our team has the knowledge and experience to handle your case. Let us explain what these charges mean and how the prosecution might pursue them.
Penal Code section 484(a) defines petty theft as the unlawful taking of property valued at $950 or less. This offense commonly involves minor shoplifting, pickpocketing, or other thefts involving low-value items. In Riverside, petty theft charges are often the starting point for many theft cases but still carry serious consequences.
Penalty for a Petty Theft
Typically charged as a misdemeanor, petty theft can result in penalties such as:
The exact punishment depends on factors like the value and nature of the stolen property, whether the victim is a business, elderly, disabled, or a minor, and if any force or intimidation was used. Repeat offenders risk harsher charges, including petty theft with a prior conviction, which can be charged as a felony with more severe penalties. An experienced Riverside theft attorney can help navigate these complexities and fight to minimize your consequences.
Under Penal Code 459.5(a), shoplifting is defined as entering a commercial establishment during normal business hours with the intent to steal merchandise valued at $950 or less.
Penalties for Shoplifting
If shoplifting is your first offense, there is a possibility of reduced sentencing, alternative punishments, or even dismissal of charges. A dedicated Riverside theft crime lawyer can advocate for your best outcome.
According to Penal Code 487(a), grand theft occurs when the value of stolen property exceeds $950. It also includes thefts involving firearms, automobiles, or certain types of livestock.
Penalties for Grand Theft
Grand theft is a “wobbler” offense in California, meaning it can be charged either as a misdemeanor or felony depending on the circumstances and value of stolen items:
A felony conviction for grand theft can have lasting impacts beyond the courtroom, affecting employment opportunities, housing, and immigration status. To reduce these risks, it is crucial to hire a skilled Riverside theft attorney who understands how to fight felony charges effectively.
Under Penal Code 459, burglary is defined as unlawfully entering a building—whether residential or commercial—with the intent to commit theft or any felony inside. Burglary includes both first-degree (residential) and second-degree (commercial) offenses.
Penalties for Burglary
Because burglary requires proof of intent to commit a crime before entry, it is often punished more severely than other theft offenses. However, an experienced Riverside defense attorney can challenge this element and may secure a reduction or dismissal of charges.
Embezzlement, governed by Penal Code 503, involves the fraudulent appropriation of property by someone who was entrusted with it. It most frequently occurs in employment or financial account settings.
Penalties for Embezzlement
Even honest mistakes or accounting errors can lead to embezzlement charges. A Riverside theft lawyer can help prove lack of intent and protect your rights, ensuring misunderstandings do not damage your future.
Passed in 2014, Proposition 47 reclassified many non-violent offenses from felonies to misdemeanors, including petty theft, shoplifting, and receiving stolen property when the value involved is $950 or less.
This law allows many defendants to seek reduced sentencing or resentencing if previously convicted under harsher standards.
If you are facing felony theft charges, our law firm can review your case for potential Proposition 47 relief and pursue misdemeanor reclassification where applicable.
Every theft case is unique, but at My Rights Law, we use proven strategies tailored to your specific situation. Our main defense tactics include:
A key element in theft cases is proving intent. If we can show the taking was accidental or misunderstood, charges can be reduced or dismissed entirely.
Many theft cases rely on poor-quality evidence or mistaken eyewitness accounts. If you cannot be clearly identified, we challenge the prosecution’s entire case.
If law enforcement violated your constitutional rights during search or arrest, we will work to exclude unlawfully obtained evidence and weaken the case against you.
If the property was borrowed, gifted, or belongs to you, we will assert these facts to prove no illegal taking occurred in your case.
For first-time offenders, we pursue:
These alternatives help you avoid a criminal record. Our focus is on protecting your freedom, reputation, and future.
Facing theft charges in California is overwhelming but not hopeless. A skilled Riverside theft crime attorney can help minimize the impact on your life.
At My Rights Law, our Riverside theft defense team has a strong history of winning cases, negotiating reduced penalties, and keeping clients out of jail.
Don’t face these serious charges alone. Call us now at (951) 900-3335 or contact us online for a free consultation. One call could save your future.
This page was written, edited, reviewed, and approved by Bobby Shamuilian.
Attorney Shamuilian is the managing partner and founder 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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