Beverly Hills Theft Attorney

Theft Attorney in Beverly Hills – Free Strategy Session

Being arrested for a theft offense in Beverly Hills can have serious consequences that impact your career, freedom, and reputation. Whether you are facing charges for shoplifting, burglary, grand theft, or another theft-related crime, the legal penalties can include county jail time, steep fines, probation, or even a felony conviction that remains on your permanent record. A conviction could also jeopardize your future employment and housing opportunities, especially in a competitive community like Beverly Hills.

At My Rights Law, we understand what’s at stake. Our theft crime attorneys are highly experienced in California criminal defense and will aggressively pursue a favorable outcome in your case. Whether it’s reducing the charge, negotiating alternatives to jail, or seeking a full dismissal, we’ll work tirelessly on your behalf. Call us today at (424) 421-2330 to schedule a free, confidential case review. Acting quickly could mean the difference between a conviction and your freedom.

Ready to speak with a Beverly Hills theft crime attorney? Contact us now at (424) 421-2330 or contact us online.

Common Beverly Hills Theft Crimes

Theft offenses in Beverly Hills can take many different forms under California law. The way a theft case is prosecuted depends on a variety of factors, including the value of the property taken, the circumstances of the alleged crime, and whether it’s a first or repeat offense. Despite these differences, all theft crimes share a basic element: the unlawful taking of someone else’s property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it.

Our law firm frequently represents clients charged with theft crimes under the following California Penal Code sections:

• 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 what specific charge you’re facing, our Beverly Hills theft attorneys can help you understand your legal options and build a solid defense. Let us explain how these charges are prosecuted and what defense strategies may be available in your unique situation.

Petty Theft

Under California Penal Code section 484(a), petty theft is defined as unlawfully taking someone else’s property when its value does not exceed $950. In Beverly Hills, this commonly includes offenses like shoplifting minor items, stealing from unlocked vehicles, or misappropriating unattended belongings. Even though these are considered minor thefts, they can carry serious consequences if not handled properly. A conviction can create a criminal record and negatively affect your reputation, employment opportunities, and more.

Penalty for a Petty Theft

Petty theft is usually prosecuted as a misdemeanor and may result in:

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

The penalties can be even more severe if aggravating factors are present, such as prior convictions or special victims (like minors or elderly individuals). Repeat offenders may face a “petty theft with a prior” charge, which could escalate the case to a felony with much harsher repercussions. A Beverly Hills theft attorney from My Rights Law can intervene early to reduce or dismiss the charges.

Shoplifting

Shoplifting is addressed under Penal Code section 459.5(a) and is defined as entering an open business during regular hours with the intent to steal merchandise valued at $950 or less. In Beverly Hills, shoplifting is often charged in high-end retail settings, which makes legal representation critical, especially when the perceived intent is questioned.

Penalties for Shoplifting

• Generally classified as a misdemeanor
• Up to six months in jail
• Fines, restitution to the retailer, and possible probation
• In cases involving serious prior convictions (e.g., violent felonies), it can be charged as a felony

If this is your first offense, a skilled Beverly Hills shoplifting attorney can often negotiate alternative sentencing such as diversion programs or argue for dismissal. Our team at My Rights Law is experienced in minimizing the long-term impact of a shoplifting charge and protecting your clean record.

Grand Theft

Under Penal Code section 487(a), grand theft occurs when the property taken is valued at more than $950. It also applies when certain types of items are stolen—such as automobiles, firearms, or farm animals—regardless of their value. In Beverly Hills, grand theft can stem from complex allegations like luxury item theft, white-collar schemes, or high-value electronic thefts.

Penalties for Grand Theft

Grand theft is classified as a “wobbler,” meaning it can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the case details and defendant’s criminal history:

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

A felony grand theft conviction can significantly alter your future—impacting job applications, professional licenses, and immigration status. That’s why you need an experienced Beverly Hills theft lawyer from My Rights Law who can fight the charges, challenge the valuation of the items, and pursue the best possible outcome.

Burglary

California Penal Code section 459 defines burglary as entering a residential or commercial building with the intent to commit theft or any felony inside. There are two types of burglary: first-degree (residential) and second-degree (commercial). Beverly Hills sees a mix of both due to its luxury homes and high-end retail spaces, making it essential to understand what prosecutors must prove.

Penalties for Burglary

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

Since burglary charges rely heavily on the intent before entering the property, this element is often challenged in court. An experienced Beverly Hills criminal defense attorney from My Rights Law can dispute the prosecution’s claims and work toward reducing or eliminating the charges altogether.

Embezzlement

Penal Code section 503 defines embezzlement as the fraudulent appropriation of property by someone to whom it was entrusted. Most commonly seen in workplace scenarios, this crime might involve taking company funds, falsifying financial records, or unauthorized use of assets. In a city like Beverly Hills, embezzlement cases often arise in professional, corporate, or real estate contexts.

Penalties for Embezzlement

• Determined by the value of the stolen property:
• Under $950: Typically a misdemeanor
• Over $950: Can be charged as a felony
• Possible penalties include jail or prison, fines, restitution, and long-term professional damage

Even if the incident was an error or misunderstanding, embezzlement charges can severely harm your reputation. That’s why hiring a knowledgeable Beverly Hills theft defense attorney is critical. My Rights Law will help clarify the facts, establish the absence of intent, and protect your career and future.

Proposition 47

California voters passed Proposition 47 in 2014, significantly impacting the classification of certain non-violent theft offenses. Under this law, crimes like petty theft, shoplifting, and receiving stolen property involving goods valued at $950 or less are generally treated as misdemeanors rather than felonies.

This change not only affects new cases but also offers a pathway for those previously convicted to seek resentencing. If you were charged before this reclassification or are now facing charges that may qualify, you could be eligible for a sentence reduction.

At My Rights Law, we carefully examine each Beverly Hills theft case to determine if Prop 47 relief is possible and pursue every legal avenue to have your charge reduced. Our goal is to help you avoid unnecessary incarceration and a permanent felony record.

Defending Strategy Against Theft Charges

Every theft case presents its own facts, but My Rights Law applies time-tested defense strategies tailored to your unique situation. These include:

Lack of Intent

Intent is a critical part of any theft accusation. If we can prove there was no intent to steal—perhaps it was a misunderstanding—we can work to reduce or dismiss your charges.

Mistaken Identity

Theft accusations often stem from unclear surveillance footage or flawed eyewitness accounts. If you were misidentified, we will aggressively challenge the case against you.

Illegal Search and Seizure

If the police violated your rights during the stop, search, or arrest, we can file motions to exclude unlawfully obtained evidence from the case.

Consent or Ownership Dispute

Sometimes, what appears to be theft is really a disagreement over ownership or consent. We highlight these disputes to show that no crime occurred.

Diversion and Probation Options

First-time offenders may qualify for:

• Diversion programs before trial
• Probation in lieu of jail
• Court-approved theft education classes

These alternatives can keep your record clean and help you move forward with your life.

Protect Your Future – Contact With Beverly Hills Theft Crime Attorney

Being charged with theft in California is serious, but it doesn’t have to define your future. A skilled Beverly Hills theft attorney can help reduce the damage. At My Rights Law, our experienced team knows how to fight back, challenge the prosecution, and secure positive outcomes.

Don’t risk your freedom or your future. Let a trusted theft defense lawyer in Beverly Hills guide you through this.

Call us now at (424) 421-2330 or contact us online for a free case review. One phone call could change everything.

Ready to speak with a Beverly Hills theft crime attorney? Contact us now at (424) 421-2330 or contact us online.