Cerritos Theft Attorney

Theft Attorney in Cerritos – Free Strategy Session

Facing theft charges in Cerritos can put your freedom, your record, and your future in serious jeopardy. Whether you’ve been accused of shoplifting, burglary, grand theft, embezzlement, or another theft-related crime, these charges carry serious consequences. You could be looking at jail time, heavy fines, restitution, probation, and even a lasting felony record that could follow you for the rest of your life.

At My Rights Law, we understand how stressful and overwhelming theft allegations can be. That’s why we’re committed to standing by your side every step of the way and building a tailored legal defense designed to protect your rights. With our knowledge of California theft laws and courtroom strategy, we aim to reduce or dismiss your charges whenever possible.

If you’re facing a theft accusation in Cerritos, don’t delay. Contact an experienced Cerritos theft crimes lawyer today at (562) 203-0434. Your future depends on the legal decisions you make now, and we’re ready to help you take control of your case.

Ready to speak with a Cerritos theft crime attorney? Contact us now at (562) 203-0434 or contact us online.

Common Cerritos Theft Crimes

Theft crimes in California are classified under various sections of the Penal Code and prosecuted based on factors like the value of the stolen property and the circumstances of the offense. Regardless of the charge, all theft crimes are defined as the unlawful taking of someone else’s property with the intent to deprive the owner of it. Depending on your case, the penalties can range from minor misdemeanors to severe felony convictions.

In Cerritos, we frequently defend clients against the following theft-related charges:

• 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 the nature of the accusation, our experienced legal team at My Rights Law knows how to handle it. We’ll walk you through what each charge means and develop a strategy aimed at minimizing or eliminating the impact on your life.

Petty Theft

Under Penal Code section 484(a), petty theft occurs when someone unlawfully takes property valued at $950 or less. This is often seen in cases like minor shoplifting, stealing from unlocked vehicles, or misappropriating unattended personal belongings. Even though it involves low-value items, a conviction can result in a criminal record that may impact future opportunities.

Penalty for a Petty Theft

Typically, petty theft is charged as a misdemeanor and entails such punishments as:

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

The final sentence depends on the specifics—like the nature of the stolen item, whether the victim is a protected party (such as a senior), or if force was involved. Prior offenses can escalate the charge to a felony under “petty theft with a prior,” resulting in much harsher outcomes. My Rights Law will work to mitigate or dismiss these consequences altogether.

Shoplifting

According to PC 459.5(a), shoplifting is defined as entering an open business with the intent to steal merchandise worth $950 or less during regular hours. This covers a wide range of conduct—from concealing items in a bag to switching price tags. Although it sounds minor, shoplifting charges carry legal consequences that shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Penalties for Shoplifting

• Usually charged as a misdemeanor
• Up to six months in county jail
• Court fines, restitution to the business, and possible community service
• Elevated to a felony if you have prior serious convictions (e.g., murder or rape)

If it’s your first offense, you may qualify for alternative sentencing such as diversion or a deferred entry of judgment. A skilled Cerritos theft attorney from My Rights Law can present your case to seek a reduction, rehabilitation-focused penalties, or even dismissal.

Grand Theft

Under Penal Code 487(a), grand theft applies when property stolen exceeds $950 in value. It can also apply to the theft of certain items—like firearms, vehicles, or specific animals—regardless of value. These cases are taken far more seriously and can have long-term implications if not properly handled.

Penalties for Grand Theft

Grand theft is considered a “wobbler” offense, meaning it can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances. Punishments include:

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

A felony theft conviction can negatively affect job prospects, housing, and even immigration status. My Rights Law provides aggressive legal defense to reduce the charge or have it dismissed—particularly in cases involving misunderstandings or disputes over property ownership.

Burglary

Penal Code 459 defines burglary as entering a structure (home, office, or store) with the intent to commit theft or any felony inside. There are two degrees: first-degree burglary involves residential property and is automatically a felony, while second-degree burglary involves commercial properties and is classified as a wobbler offense.

Penalties for Burglary

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

Burglary charges hinge on whether intent to steal existed before entry. This is a technical and complex element that can often be challenged. A Cerritos burglary attorney from My Rights Law can strategically question this intent to weaken the prosecution’s case.

Embezzlement

California Penal Code 503 defines embezzlement as the fraudulent appropriation of property by someone entrusted with it. Most often, it occurs in professional environments—like when an employee is accused of misusing company funds or mishandling client accounts. It’s treated as a theft offense and can have both criminal and civil consequences.

Penalties for Embezzlement

• Charges depend on the value misappropriated:
• Under $950: Usually a misdemeanor
• Over $950: May be charged as a felony
• Additional consequences include restitution, fines, jail/prison time, and loss of professional licenses

In many cases, people accused of embezzlement didn’t act with criminal intent—it might have been an honest mistake, bookkeeping error, or miscommunication. A qualified theft lawyer in Cerritos from My Rights Law can help demonstrate the lack of criminal intent and work toward clearing your name.

Proposition 47

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

This law opened the door for reduced penalties, and in many cases, resentencing for those previously convicted under stricter statutes. It has significantly decreased incarceration for low-level theft crimes.

If you’re currently facing felony theft charges or have past convictions that might qualify for relief under Prop 47, the attorneys at My Rights Law in Cerritos can assess your case and seek sentencing reductions or expungement wherever possible.

Defending Strategy Against Theft Charges

Every theft case has its own circumstances, but we use proven strategies at My Rights Law while adapting our defense to your unique situation. These include:

Lack of Intent

Intent is crucial in theft cases. If we can show you lacked the intention to steal—whether due to confusion or mistake—we may get charges reduced or dismissed.

Mistaken Identity

Theft accusations are often based on unclear footage or unreliable witnesses. If you weren’t clearly identified, we challenge the entire foundation of the case.

Illegal Search and Seizure

Police must follow strict procedures. If your rights were violated during a search or arrest, we can file motions to suppress evidence and weaken the prosecution.

Consent or Ownership Dispute

If the item was loaned, given to you, or belonged to you, we’ll present these facts to argue there was no theft involved.

Diversion and Probation Options

For first-time theft offenses, we may seek:

• Pretrial diversion
• Probation in lieu of incarceration
• Theft education or rehabilitation programs

These solutions can prevent a conviction and preserve your clean record. Our ultimate aim is protecting your freedom and future.

Protect Your Future – Contact a Cerritos Theft Crime Attorney

Theft charges in California are serious, but with the right defense, they don’t have to ruin your life. Our Cerritos theft crime attorneys know how to minimize the damage and fight back effectively. Don’t let the state stack charges against you—get ahead of it.

At My Rights Law, we’ve helped countless clients avoid jail and clear their names through aggressive, tailored strategies. We’re committed to standing up for your rights.

Call us today at (562) 203-0434 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. One phone call could be the difference between conviction and freedom.

Ready to speak with a Cerritos theft crime attorney? Contact us now at (562) 203-0434 or contact us online.