Anaheim Theft Attorney

Theft Attorney in Anaheim – Free Strategy Session

Facing theft charges in Anaheim puts your future and reputation on the line. Whether you’re accused of shoplifting, burglary, grand theft, embezzlement, or another theft-related crime, the consequences can be severe—ranging from jail time and heavy fines to long-term probation. In some cases, you could be facing felony charges that will remain on your criminal record for life, affecting your career, your family, and your opportunities long after your case is over.

If you’ve been arrested or charged with a theft crime, do not wait to get legal help. Contact an experienced California theft attorney at (657) 378-7278 right away. The sooner you start building a strong defense, the better your chances of minimizing the impact on your future. Don’t risk your freedom—speak with a skilled Anaheim theft lawyer and learn how we can fight for your rights today.

Ready to speak with a Anaheim theft crime attorney? Contact us now at (657) 378-7278 or contact us online.

Common Anaheim Theft Crimes

Theft crimes in California are divided into several different categories, each with its own unique legal challenges and penalties. How your case is prosecuted will depend on the circumstances of your arrest and the type of theft crime alleged. However, all theft offenses involve the unlawful taking of property that belongs to someone else, with the intent to deprive the owner of it permanently. Understanding the charges against you is the first step toward protecting your rights and building a strong defense.

• 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 which theft charge you’re facing in Anaheim, our legal team understands the law and the most effective ways to address it. Below, we’ll explain what each of these charges means and how they can be prosecuted in Orange County courts.

Petty Theft

Under California Penal Code section 484(a), petty theft refers to the unlawful taking of property valued at $950 or less. This category typically covers lower-level offenses such as minor shoplifting, pickpocketing, or thefts involving items of relatively low value. Petty theft may seem minor, but the consequences can still be significant.

Penalty for a Petty Theft

In most cases, petty theft is prosecuted as a misdemeanor in Anaheim, carrying penalties like:

• Up to 6 months in county jail
• Maximum fines of $1,000
• Probation, mandatory community service, or theft education programs

The exact punishment may depend on factors such as the value of the stolen goods, the nature of the victim (for instance, if they are elderly or disabled), and whether any force or threats were used. Repeat offenses may result in more severe charges, including “petty theft with a prior,” which can even be elevated to a felony if certain criteria are met. Having a knowledgeable Anaheim theft attorney on your side can help you understand your options and avoid lasting consequences.

Shoplifting

According to Penal Code 459.5(a), shoplifting is defined as entering a commercial establishment during business hours with the intent to steal merchandise valued at $950 or less. Unlike general theft, shoplifting is specific to retail environments and is prosecuted independently from burglary or robbery.

Penalties for Shoplifting

• Usually charged as a misdemeanor
• Up to 6 months in county jail
• Fines, restitution, or community service requirements
• If you have prior convictions for certain serious crimes, shoplifting can be elevated to a felony offense

First-time offenders in Anaheim may have options for alternative sentencing, such as diversion programs or sentence reductions. An experienced theft attorney can negotiate with the prosecution to minimize or dismiss charges, especially for those without significant criminal records.

Grand Theft

Under Penal Code 487(a), grand theft is defined as the unlawful taking of property valued at over $950. Grand theft also applies to theft involving certain items such as automobiles, firearms, or livestock, regardless of their value. This charge is more serious than petty theft and can carry far-reaching consequences.

Penalties for Grand Theft

Grand theft is considered a “wobbler” offense in California, meaning it can be charged either as a misdemeanor or a felony based on the facts of the case and the defendant’s criminal history. The potential penalties include:

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

A felony conviction for grand theft can have life-changing impacts, including trouble securing employment, housing, or even affecting immigration status. If you’re accused of grand theft in Anaheim, it’s crucial to have a seasoned theft attorney who can challenge the evidence, negotiate for reduced charges, or even secure a dismissal.

Burglary

Burglary, as outlined in Penal Code 459, is entering a building (either residential or commercial) with the intent to commit theft or another felony inside. There are two degrees of burglary: first-degree (residential) and second-degree (commercial).

Penalties for Burglary

• First-degree burglary (residential): Always a felony
• 2, 4, or 6 years in state prison
• Counts as a strike under California’s Three Strikes Law
• Second-degree burglary (commercial): A wobbler offense
• Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail
• Felony: Up to 3 years in prison

Because burglary charges hinge on the intent to commit a crime before entry, an experienced Anaheim criminal defense lawyer can often dispute this key element to negotiate lesser charges or even seek a case dismissal. Don’t face these allegations alone—work with a skilled defense team.

Embezzlement

Embezzlement, defined by Penal Code 503, occurs when a person who is entrusted with property fraudulently appropriates it for their own use. This type of theft most commonly arises in employment or fiduciary settings involving access to money, accounts, or property.

Penalties for Embezzlement

• Penalties depend on the value involved:
• Property under $950: Misdemeanor
• Property over $950: Felony
• Potential consequences include restitution, fines, incarceration, and loss of professional licenses or employment

Embezzlement charges can result from misunderstandings, bookkeeping mistakes, or unfounded allegations. A dedicated Anaheim theft attorney can help clarify the facts, establish a lack of intent, and vigorously defend your rights to help you avoid unfair penalties.

Proposition 47

Proposition 47, passed by California voters in 2014, reclassified many non-violent theft offenses—such as petty theft, shoplifting, and receiving stolen property—from felonies to misdemeanors when the value is $950 or less.

This important legal reform means many defendants may now qualify for reduced sentences or even resentencing if their cases were previously prosecuted as felonies. If you or a loved one are facing theft charges in Anaheim, My Rights Law can review your case for Prop 47 relief and fight for misdemeanor treatment whenever possible.

Defending Strategy Against Theft Charges

Every theft case is different, but at My Rights Law, we rely on proven strategies, customizing each defense to your specific circumstances. Our key approaches include:

Lack of Intent

A crucial element in any theft charge is intent. If we can demonstrate that your actions were accidental, misunderstood, or lacked criminal intent, we can seek reduced or even dismissed charges.

Mistaken Identity

Theft accusations often depend on unclear surveillance or unreliable eyewitness accounts. If your identification is in doubt, we will challenge the prosecution’s case at every turn.

Illegal Search and Seizure

If law enforcement violated your constitutional rights during a stop, search, or arrest, we can move to suppress that evidence and significantly weaken the prosecution’s position.

Consent or Ownership Dispute

If there is evidence that the property was borrowed, gifted, or actually belongs to you, we can use this to show there was no unlawful taking.

Diversion and Probation Options

For first-time offenders, we often seek:

• Pretrial diversion programs
• Probation as an alternative to jail
• Theft education classes

These alternatives can help avoid a conviction and keep your record clean. Our goal is to defend your freedom, reputation, and future at every step.

Protect Your Future – Contact With Anaheim Theft Crime Attorney

Getting charged with a theft crime in California is serious, but it’s not the end of your story. While the consequences can be severe, a skilled Anaheim theft attorney can help minimize them. Don’t let the prosecutor overwhelm you; act early.

At My Rights Law, our Anaheim theft lawyers have a proven record of beating charges, negotiating better outcomes, and keeping clients out of jail. We are strategic, relentless, and dedicated to protecting your rights at every stage.

Don’t go through this alone. Work with a theft crime defense lawyer Anaheim residents trust with their toughest cases.

Call us today at (657) 378-7278 or contact us online for a free consultation. One call could change everything.

Ready to speak with a Anaheim theft crime attorney? Contact us now at (657) 378-7278 or contact us online.