Adelanto Theft Attorney

Theft Attorney in Adelanto – Free Strategy Session

Being accused of a theft crime in Adelanto puts your future and freedom on the line, and every moment counts. Theft charges range widely — from shoplifting and burglary to grand theft and embezzlement — yet all carry serious risks including jail time, heavy fines, and probation. Some charges may escalate to felony convictions, which remain on your criminal record indefinitely, affecting your life long-term.

If you’re facing theft allegations, don’t delay. Contact a knowledgeable California theft lawyer at (760) 490-0308 immediately. Early action is critical to build an effective defense and minimize the consequences of the charges against you.

Ready to speak with a Adelanto theft crime attorney? Contact us now at (760) 490-0308 or contact us online.

Common Adelanto Theft Crimes

Theft offenses in California are divided into different categories under the Penal Code, each with its own prosecutorial approach depending on the crime’s nature and severity. Fundamentally, theft involves unlawfully taking someone else’s property with the intent to steal. Some of the most frequent theft charges we encounter in Adelanto include:

• Petty Theft – PC 484(a)
• Shoplifting – PC 459.5(a)
• Grand Theft – PC 487(a)
• Burglary – PC 459
• Embezzlement – PC 503
• Receiving Stolen Property – PC 496

No matter the specific theft charge, we have the expertise to address it thoroughly. Below, we’ll explain each offense and how the prosecution may proceed.

Petty Theft

Penal Code section 484(a) defines petty theft as the unlawful taking of property valued at $950 or less. Common examples include minor shoplifting, pickpocketing, or other small-scale thefts that usually involve low-value items.

Penalty for Petty Theft

Petty theft is generally charged as a misdemeanor and may carry consequences such as:

• Up to 6 months in county jail
• A fine up to $1,000
• Probation, community service, or theft education classes

The severity of punishment can increase depending on factors such as the nature of the victim (e.g., business, elderly person, minor), whether force or intimidation was used, or if you have prior convictions. A petty theft with a prior conviction may even be charged as a felony, resulting in harsher penalties. Having a dedicated Adelanto theft attorney can help minimize these consequences by carefully reviewing your case.

Shoplifting

Under Penal Code 459.5(a), shoplifting occurs when someone enters a commercial establishment during business hours intending to steal merchandise worth $950 or less.

Penalties for Shoplifting

• Usually charged as a misdemeanor
• Possible jail time up to six months
• Fines and potential restitution payments
• If convicted of serious prior offenses, shoplifting charges can escalate to a felony

If this is your first offense in Adelanto, there may be opportunities to reduce your sentence, pursue alternative sentencing, or even have the charges dismissed. An experienced theft attorney can guide you through these options to protect your future.

Grand Theft

According to Penal Code 487(a), grand theft involves stealing property valued over $950, or certain specific items like firearms, vehicles, or livestock.

Penalties for Grand Theft

Grand theft is considered a “wobbler,” meaning it can be charged either as a misdemeanor or felony depending on circumstances and value. Potential penalties include:

• Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail
• Felony: Up to 3 years in state prison
• Restitution and probation may also apply

A felony conviction can have long-term impacts on your life, including difficulties securing employment, housing, and potential immigration consequences. Having a skilled Adelanto theft attorney is critical to contesting felony charges and aiming for the best possible outcome.

Burglary

Penal Code 459 defines burglary as unlawfully entering a building or structure—whether residential or commercial—with the intent to commit theft or any felony inside. This includes first-degree burglary (residential) and second-degree burglary (commercial).

Penalties for Burglary

• First-degree burglary is always a felony
• Prison terms of 2, 4, or 6 years
• Considered a strike offense under California’s Three Strikes Law
• Second-degree burglary is a wobbler offense
• Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail
• Felony: Up to 3 years in state prison

Because burglary requires intent before entry, it is treated more severely than other theft crimes. However, a knowledgeable Adelanto criminal defense attorney can challenge this element to reduce or dismiss the charges.

Embezzlement

Embezzlement, governed by Penal Code 503, involves fraudulently taking property entrusted to you. It commonly arises in employment settings or situations involving financial accounts.

Penalties for Embezzlement

• Charged based on the value of the property involved:
• Under $950: Usually a misdemeanor
• Over $950: Typically charged as a felony
• May include restitution, fines, jail or prison time, and professional consequences

Embezzlement charges can arise even if the issue was an honest mistake or accounting error. It is crucial to have an experienced Adelanto theft lawyer to build a defense that proves lack of malicious intent and clarifies the facts.

Proposition 47

Passed in 2014, Proposition 47 reclassified many non-violent offenses from felonies to misdemeanors. This includes petty theft, shoplifting, and receiving stolen property involving amounts of $950 or less.

As a result, many defendants now qualify for reduced sentencing or resentencing if previously convicted under harsher felony laws.

If you face felony theft charges, our law firm can evaluate your eligibility for Proposition 47 relief and advocate for misdemeanor treatment to minimize your legal consequences.

Defending Strategy Against Theft Charges

Every theft case is unique, but at My Rights Law, we apply proven strategies tailored specifically to your situation. Our main defense tactics include:

Lack of Intent

A key element of theft is intent. If we can show the act was accidental or misunderstood, we can fight to reduce or dismiss the charges.

Mistaken Identity

Theft accusations often depend on unclear video or unreliable witnesses. If you cannot be positively identified, we will challenge the credibility of the evidence.

Illegal Search and Seizure

If your constitutional rights were violated during a search, stop, or arrest, we can move to exclude that evidence, weakening the prosecution’s case significantly.

Consent or Ownership Dispute

If the property was borrowed, given to you, or belongs to you, we will argue there was no unlawful taking to defend your case effectively.

Diversion and Probation Options

For first-time offenders, we may seek:

• Pretrial diversion programs
• Probation as an alternative to incarceration
• Theft awareness and education courses

These alternatives can help you avoid conviction and keep your record clean. Our priority is to protect your freedom, reputation, and future.

Protect Your Future – Contact With Adelanto Theft Crime Attorney

Being charged with theft in California is overwhelming but not the end. A skilled Adelanto theft attorney can help reduce the impact on your life and future.

At My Rights Law, our Adelanto theft defense team has a strong track record of beating charges, negotiating favorable results, and keeping clients out of jail. We are dedicated, strategic, and relentless in protecting your rights.

Don’t face this alone. Choose a trusted theft defense lawyer in Adelanto to handle your case with care and expertise.

Call us now at (760) 490-0308 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. One call could be the difference between jail and freedom.

Ready to speak with a Adelanto theft crime attorney? Contact us now at (760) 490-0308 or contact us online.