Brea Theft Attorney

Theft Attorney in Brea – Free Strategy Session

Facing a theft crime charge in Brea puts your reputation, freedom, and future at risk—and every moment counts. There are a wide range of theft-related offenses in California, including shoplifting, burglary, grand theft, and embezzlement, among others. Any of these charges can result in harsh penalties such as jail time, heavy fines, and a permanent criminal record. In the most serious cases, you could be charged with a felony that can have lifelong consequences and make it difficult to find employment or housing.

If you have been accused of a theft crime, don’t delay—contact an experienced California theft defense attorney at (657) 378-7278 today. The sooner you begin building your defense, the better your chances of a favorable outcome. Take action now to protect your rights and your future.

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

Common Brea Theft Crimes

Theft crimes are classified in several ways under the California Penal Code. How a case is prosecuted depends on the value of the property, the method of the alleged theft, and the circumstances surrounding the incident. Regardless of the specifics, theft crimes all share a central element—taking another person’s property with the intention of permanently depriving them of it.

Some of the theft charges most frequently prosecuted in Brea 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 which theft crime statute you’re facing, My Rights Law has the experience and strategy to fight for your best possible result. Let’s examine what these different charges mean and how they can be addressed in court.

Petty Theft

Under Penal Code section 484(a), petty theft is defined as the unlawful taking of property valued at $950 or less. This often includes minor offenses like shoplifting, pickpocketing, or stealing low-value items. Even though the value involved might seem small, a petty theft charge in Brea can carry serious legal consequences. If convicted, you may face not only criminal penalties but also a permanent record that can affect your future opportunities. In some cases, petty theft can be charged as “petty theft with a prior,” which carries even harsher penalties if you have previous theft-related convictions. The consequences will also depend on the circumstances, such as who the victim was (for example, a business or a vulnerable person), whether force or intimidation was used, and whether you have prior criminal history.

Penalty for a Petty Theft

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

• Up to 6 months in county jail
• Fines up to $1,000
• Probation, community service, or attendance in a theft education course

If you have prior offenses, the charge can be elevated to a felony, leading to more severe consequences. It is crucial to consult with a skilled Brea theft attorney to minimize the impact on your life.

Shoplifting

California Penal Code 459.5(a) defines shoplifting as entering a commercial establishment during regular business hours with the intent to steal merchandise valued at $950 or less. Shoplifting is one of the most common theft-related offenses in Brea and can have long-term repercussions if not handled properly.

Penalties for Shoplifting

• Generally prosecuted as a misdemeanor
• Up to six months in county jail
• Court fines and potential restitution to the victim
• If you have prior convictions for serious crimes (such as sex offenses, homicide, or certain violent felonies), shoplifting may be charged as a felony

First-time offenders may be eligible for alternative sentencing, diversion programs, or a reduction or dismissal of the charges. Having a knowledgeable Brea theft crime attorney by your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

Grand Theft

Pursuant to Penal Code 487(a), grand theft is defined as stealing property valued at more than $950. Grand theft charges also apply to certain items regardless of value, such as firearms, automobiles, or livestock. Unlike petty theft or shoplifting, grand theft is considered more severe and may be prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances and your prior record.

Penalties for Grand Theft

Grand theft is a “wobbler” offense, meaning it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. The potential consequences are:

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

A felony conviction for grand theft in Brea can have a devastating effect on your future, including employment prospects, housing opportunities, and immigration status. An experienced theft attorney can help you fight for reduced charges or explore sentencing alternatives to protect your future.

Burglary

Burglary, as outlined in Penal Code 459, involves entering any structure—residential or commercial—with the intent to commit theft or another felony. There are two types of burglary: first-degree (residential) and second-degree (commercial). The law treats these cases particularly seriously because of the element of premeditated intent.

Penalties for Burglary

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

Because burglary charges hinge on intent, a skilled Brea criminal defense lawyer can sometimes challenge this element to reduce or dismiss the charges. Don’t leave your case to chance—consult a professional to protect your rights.

Embezzlement

Embezzlement, under Penal Code 503, refers to the fraudulent taking of property by someone to whom it was entrusted, such as an employee or someone managing financial accounts. These cases are common in professional environments and often arise from misunderstandings or accounting mistakes.

Penalties for Embezzlement

• Charged based on the value of the property:
  • Less than $950: Usually a misdemeanor
  • More than $950: Can be charged as a felony
• May result in restitution, fines, jail or prison time, and loss of professional credentials

It’s important to remember that you can be charged even if you did not intend to permanently deprive the owner of their property. If you’re accused of embezzlement in Brea, working with a knowledgeable theft attorney is the best way to protect yourself, demonstrate your intentions, and potentially resolve the issue without a criminal conviction.

Proposition 47

Proposition 47, passed in 2014, reclassified many non-violent theft offenses from felonies to misdemeanors—including petty theft, shoplifting, and receiving stolen property—if the value involved does not exceed $950.

As a result, many defendants in Brea are now eligible for reduced sentences or even resentencing if they were previously convicted under the older, harsher laws.

If you are facing a felony theft charge, the attorneys at My Rights Law can review your case for potential Proposition 47 relief, helping you seek misdemeanor treatment and minimize the impact on your life.

Defending Strategy Against Theft Charges

Every theft case is unique, but we use proven strategies at My Rights Law while adapting our approach to fit your specific situation. Key tactics include:

Lack of Intent

Intent is a core element of any theft crime. If we can show there was no intent to steal—such as an honest mistake or misunderstanding—charges may be reduced or dismissed.

Mistaken Identity

Theft allegations often hinge on unreliable witnesses or poor video evidence. If your identity isn’t confirmed, we can challenge the validity of the prosecution’s case.

Illegal Search and Seizure

If your rights were violated during a stop, search, or arrest, we will fight to have the evidence suppressed, making it difficult for prosecutors to prove their case.

Consent or Ownership Dispute

If you had permission to use the property or rightfully owned it, we will highlight this to show there was no unlawful taking, strengthening your defense.

Diversion and Probation Options

For eligible first-time offenders, we can pursue:

• Pretrial diversion programs
• Probation in place of jail time
• Theft education classes

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

Protect Your Future – Contact With Brea Theft Crime Attorney

Being charged with theft in California is overwhelming, but it’s not the end. With a dedicated Brea theft crime attorney, you can fight the charges and minimize their impact. Don’t let prosecutors overwhelm you—get strong legal help now.

At My Rights Law, our Brea theft lawyer team is known for beating charges, negotiating great outcomes, and keeping clients out of jail. We are strategic, relentless, and always focused on your rights.

Don’t face this alone. Trust the defense lawyer Brea residents rely on for serious theft charges.

Call us today at (657) 378-7278 or contact us online for a free consultation. One call could be the difference between jail and freedom.

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