Camarillo Theft Attorney

Theft Attorney in Camarillo – Free Strategy Session

Facing theft charges in Camarillo puts your future and liberty at risk, and every moment counts. Theft offenses, including shoplifting, burglary, grand theft, embezzlement, and more, can result in serious consequences like jail time, fines, and probation. Some cases may even lead to felony convictions that remain on your criminal record indefinitely, affecting your life permanently.

If you are accused of a theft crime, don’t delay—contact a skilled California theft defense attorney at (805) 263-1499 right away. Acting quickly is crucial to building an effective defense strategy tailored to your case.

Ready to speak with a Camarillo theft crime attorney? Contact us now at (805) 263-1499 or contact us online.

Common Camarillo Theft Crimes

Theft crimes in California cover a range of offenses under the Penal Code. Each charge carries different legal implications depending on the crime’s severity and circumstances, requiring a specific defense approach. In general, theft crimes involve unlawfully taking someone else’s property with the intent to steal.

Some of the most frequent theft-related charges we encounter in Camarillo 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 charge you face, we understand how to handle your case with precision. Let’s explore what these charges mean and how prosecutors typically pursue them.

Petty Theft

Under Penal Code section 484(a), petty theft is defined as unlawfully taking property valued at $950 or less. This typically involves minor incidents such as shoplifting, pickpocketing, or other small-scale thefts. Petty theft is often seen as a less severe crime but can still carry significant consequences.

Penalty for Petty Theft

Petty theft is usually charged as a misdemeanor and may result in punishments such as:

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

The exact penalties depend on factors like the value of the stolen goods, the nature of the victim (e.g., business, elderly, minor), use of force or intimidation, and your prior criminal record. Repeat offenses can elevate charges to a felony, leading to harsher consequences. An experienced Camarillo theft attorney can help evaluate your case and fight for the best possible outcome.

Shoplifting

Per Penal Code 459.5(a), shoplifting occurs when a person enters a commercial establishment during regular business hours with the intent to steal merchandise valued at $950 or less. It is a common theft-related offense that carries specific legal consequences.

Penalties for Shoplifting

• Usually charged as a misdemeanor
• Possible jail time up to six months
• Court fines and restitution to the victim
• In cases with prior convictions for serious offenses, shoplifting may be charged as a felony

For first-time offenders, there may be opportunities for reduced sentences, alternative penalties, or even dismissal. A dedicated Camarillo theft crime attorney can negotiate on your behalf to minimize the impact of these charges.

Grand Theft

According to Penal Code 487(a), grand theft is committed when the value of stolen property exceeds $950. This classification also includes theft of firearms, automobiles, or certain livestock. Grand theft is considered more serious than petty theft and carries stiffer penalties.

Penalties for Grand Theft

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

• Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail
• Felony: Up to 3 years in state prison
• Possible restitution and probation terms

A felony conviction can severely affect your life, including future employment opportunities, housing prospects, and immigration status. If you face grand theft charges in Camarillo, you need a skilled attorney who can aggressively defend you and strive to reduce or dismiss the charges.

Burglary

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

Penalties for Burglary

• First-degree burglary is always charged as a felony, with penalties including:
• 2, 4, or 6 years in state prison
• Classified as a “strike” 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 to commit a crime before entry, it is treated more harshly than other theft offenses. However, a knowledgeable Camarillo criminal defense attorney can challenge this intent element to potentially reduce or dismiss the charges.

Embezzlement

Embezzlement, governed by Penal Code 503, involves the fraudulent taking or appropriation of property by someone entrusted with it. This crime often occurs in employment settings or situations involving financial accounts and fiduciary responsibilities.

Penalties for Embezzlement

• Charges depend on the value of the property involved:
• Less than $950: Misdemeanor
• More than $950: Felony
• Penalties may include restitution, fines, jail or prison time, and professional consequences such as loss of license or job

Even honest mistakes, like accounting errors or misunderstandings, can lead to embezzlement charges. Retaining a theft lawyer in Camarillo is crucial to build a strong defense that disproves intent and clarifies facts.

Proposition 47

Passed in 2014, Proposition 47 reclassified many non-violent offenses from felonies to misdemeanors, including petty theft, shoplifting, and receiving stolen property when the value involved is $950 or less.

This change means that many defendants now qualify for reduced sentences or even resentencing if they were previously convicted under stricter felony laws.

If you face felony theft charges in Camarillo, our law firm can review your case for potential Proposition 47 relief and advocate for misdemeanor treatment to lessen your legal consequences.

Defending Strategy Against Theft Charges

Each theft case is unique, but at My Rights Law, we apply proven strategies tailored to your specific situation. The primary defenses we use include:

Lack of Intent

A key element in theft charges is proving intent. If we demonstrate the taking was accidental or misunderstood, we can work to reduce or dismiss the charges.

Mistaken Identity

Many theft cases rely on unclear video footage or unreliable witnesses. If you are not positively identified, we challenge the prosecution’s case entirely.

Illegal Search and Seizure

If law enforcement violated your rights during a stop, search, or arrest, we can seek to exclude evidence obtained unlawfully, weakening the prosecutor’s case.

Consent or Ownership Dispute

If the property was borrowed, gifted, or rightfully yours, we raise this defense to show there was no unlawful taking.

Diversion and Probation Options

For first-time offenders, we may pursue:

• Pretrial diversion
• Probation instead of jail time
• Theft education programs

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

Protect Your Future – Contact a Camarillo Theft Crime Attorney

Facing theft charges in California is tough, but it’s not the end. A skilled Camarillo theft attorney can help reduce the impact and fight for your rights.

At My Rights Law, our dedicated Camarillo theft crime defense team has a strong track record of beating charges and negotiating favorable outcomes to keep clients out of jail.

Don’t face this alone. Call us now at (805) 263-1499 or contact us online for a free consultation. One call can make all the difference.

Ready to speak with a Camarillo theft crime attorney? Contact us now at (805) 263-1499 or contact us online.