Brentwood Theft Attorney

Theft Attorney in Brentwood – Free Strategy Session

Facing theft crime charges in Brentwood puts your future and freedom on the line. The stakes are high, and acting fast is critical. Whether you’re dealing with charges like shoplifting, burglary, grand theft, or embezzlement, the consequences can include time in jail, steep fines, probation, and even a felony conviction. A felony theft offense can stay on your record permanently, making employment, housing, and other life opportunities much harder to access.

At My Rights Law, we understand the California Penal Code and how to develop effective strategies tailored to your specific situation. If you’ve been accused of theft, don’t wait. Call an experienced Brentwood theft attorney today at (424) 421-2330. Early legal intervention is often the key to reducing or even dismissing the charges against you.

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

Common Brentwood Theft Crimes

The California Penal Code defines many types of theft offenses, each with distinct elements, penalties, and legal defenses. Depending on the case, theft can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Prosecutors often pursue the harshest penalties possible, which is why every type of theft allegation requires a tailored defense approach. Despite these differences, all theft crimes involve unlawfully taking another person’s property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it.

At My Rights Law, we frequently defend against a range of theft charges in Brentwood, including:

• 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 theft charge you are facing, our team is prepared to fight for you. We will explain the specifics of the charge, potential consequences, and how we plan to protect your rights every step of the way.

Petty Theft

Under California Penal Code Section 484(a), petty theft refers to unlawfully taking someone else’s property valued at $950 or less. This offense often arises from acts like shoplifting, taking unattended belongings, or other forms of low-level theft. Although the value may seem minor, a petty theft conviction can lead to serious consequences that affect your criminal record and future opportunities. Even a single lapse in judgment can result in legal challenges that follow you for years.

Penalty for a Petty Theft

Most petty theft cases are prosecuted as misdemeanors and can lead to:

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

Additional factors such as the victim’s identity (for example, if the victim is elderly or disabled), or the use of force or intimidation, can result in harsher penalties. If you have a prior theft-related conviction, you could be charged with “petty theft with a prior,” which may be elevated to a felony. A skilled Brentwood theft attorney can help minimize or even eliminate these consequences.

Shoplifting

As defined under Penal Code 459.5(a), shoplifting involves entering a commercial establishment during business hours with the intent to steal merchandise valued at $950 or less. Unlike burglary, which can happen any time and involves broader criminal intent, shoplifting is specific to retail settings and lower-value thefts.

Penalties for Shoplifting

• Usually charged as a misdemeanor
• Up to six months in county jail
• Fines and potential restitution to the store
• In felony cases (due to prior serious convictions), up to 3 years in prison

If this is your first offense, it may be possible to avoid jail time altogether. A knowledgeable theft attorney in Brentwood may be able to negotiate alternatives like diversion programs, reduced sentencing, or even a dismissal. Don’t let a shoplifting accusation define your future—get legal help early.

Grand Theft

Under Penal Code 487(a), grand theft applies when the property stolen exceeds $950 in value. This charge also applies regardless of the value when firearms, automobiles, or certain livestock are involved. Grand theft is treated more severely than petty theft because of the higher stakes and potential for greater harm to victims.

Penalties for Grand Theft

Grand theft is a “wobbler,” meaning it may be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony depending on the facts of the case:

• Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail
• Felony: Up to 3 years in prison
• Possible restitution, probation, or community service

A felony grand theft conviction can significantly affect your life—including employment eligibility, housing options, and immigration status. That’s why it’s essential to work with a Brentwood criminal defense attorney who knows how to challenge the evidence, reduce the charge, or secure an acquittal.

Burglary

California Penal Code Section 459 defines burglary as unlawfully entering a residential or commercial structure with the intent to commit theft or another felony inside. Burglary is categorized into first-degree (residential) and second-degree (commercial) offenses, each carrying distinct penalties.

Penalties for Burglary

• First-degree burglary (always a felony):
• 2, 4, or 6 years in state prison
• Strike offense under California’s Three Strikes Law
• Second-degree burglary (wobbler):
• Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail
• Felony: Up to 3 years in prison

Because burglary charges depend on proving criminal intent at the time of entry, an experienced theft attorney in Brentwood may be able to challenge this element. Successfully arguing that you lacked the intent to commit a crime before entering the property can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

Embezzlement

Embezzlement, defined under Penal Code 503, is the fraudulent appropriation of property by someone who was entrusted with it. This crime is most often seen in employment or financial settings—such as an employee misusing company funds or a bookkeeper manipulating records for personal gain.

Penalties for Embezzlement

• Classification depends on the value of the property:
• Less than $950: Usually charged as a misdemeanor
• More than $950: May be filed as a felony
• Additional consequences may include restitution, court fines, and jail or prison time
• Professional repercussions such as job termination or license suspension

In some cases, simple misunderstandings or accounting errors can be mistaken for criminal acts. A qualified Brentwood theft attorney can evaluate your situation and develop a defense strategy that clarifies your intent and challenges the prosecution’s claims. Don’t let a misinterpreted financial action destroy your reputation or livelihood—act quickly to secure legal help.

Proposition 47

Passed by California voters in 2014, Proposition 47 reclassified several non-violent felony offenses as misdemeanors. This includes crimes like petty theft, shoplifting, and receiving stolen property, provided the value involved is $950 or less.

This law offers a significant opportunity for those previously convicted under harsher statutes to seek reduced penalties or resentencing. If your case qualifies, it could mean avoiding jail time or removing a felony from your record.

Our Brentwood theft attorneys at My Rights Law can review your case and determine if you are eligible for Proposition 47 relief. We are here to help you minimize your charges and fight for the most favorable outcome possible.

Defending Strategy Against Theft Charges

Every theft case is different, but at My Rights Law, we apply time-tested legal strategies while customizing them to fit the details of your situation. These include:

Lack of Intent

Intent is a critical part of any theft charge. If we can demonstrate that there was no intent to steal—perhaps it was a mistake or misunderstanding—we may be able to get your charges dismissed or reduced.

Mistaken Identity

Many theft cases depend on weak surveillance footage or mistaken witness accounts. If there’s any doubt about who committed the act, we’ll expose that uncertainty in court.

Illegal Search and Seizure

If police failed to follow legal procedures during your stop or search, we may be able to suppress the evidence and get your case thrown out.

Consent or Ownership Dispute

When the property in question was borrowed, gifted, or legally yours, we’ll raise a valid defense showing that no theft occurred.

Diversion and Probation Options

For eligible first-time offenders, we may recommend:

• Pretrial diversion programs
• Probation instead of incarceration
• Theft prevention classes

These alternatives can help avoid a conviction and give you a second chance. Our mission is to defend your freedom and protect your future.

Protect Your Future – Contact a Brentwood Theft Crime Attorney

Theft charges can threaten your freedom, finances, and future—but the right defense can make all the difference. Our Brentwood theft lawyers at My Rights Law fight to reduce charges, dismiss cases, and keep clients out of jail.

Don’t take chances with your future. Trust a Brentwood defense attorney who knows how to challenge theft allegations effectively.

Call us today at (424) 421-2330 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation. Your strongest defense starts with a single call.

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