Chino Hills Theft Attorney

Theft Attorney in Chino Hills – Free Strategy Session

Being charged with a theft crime in Chino Hills puts your future and liberty at risk, and the clock is ticking. Theft offenses such as shoplifting, burglary, grand theft, and embezzlement carry serious consequences including jail time, fines, and probation. Some cases may result in felony convictions that remain on your record permanently, affecting your life indefinitely.

If you face theft charges, don’t delay—contact a knowledgeable California theft attorney at (909) 330-3880 today. Acting quickly is crucial to building a strong defense and minimizing the impact of the charges against you.

Ready to speak with a Chino Hills theft crime attorney? Contact us now at (909) 330-3880 or contact us online.

Common Chino Hills Theft Crimes

Theft crimes are categorized under different sections of the California Penal Code. Each type varies by severity and circumstances, requiring a tailored legal approach. Generally, theft involves unlawfully taking another person’s property with the intent to steal.

Some common theft charges encountered in Chino Hills 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 have the expertise to handle your case. Let’s review each offense and how the prosecution may pursue it.

Petty Theft

Penal Code section 484(a) defines petty theft as the unlawful taking of property valued at $950 or less. This usually includes minor offenses such as shoplifting, pickpocketing, or other low-value thefts common in everyday scenarios.

Penalty for Petty Theft

Petty theft is generally charged as a misdemeanor, which can lead to penalties such as:

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

The severity of punishment depends on factors like the exact value of stolen property, the nature of the victim (business, elderly, disabled, or minor), any use of force or intimidation, and prior criminal history. Repeat offenses or aggravating circumstances could elevate petty theft to a more serious charge, possibly a felony, which carries harsher consequences.

Shoplifting

Under Penal Code 459.5(a), shoplifting is defined as entering a commercial establishment during business hours with the intent to steal merchandise valued at $950 or less.

Penalties for Shoplifting

• Usually charged as a misdemeanor
• Up to six months in jail
• Court-imposed fines and restitution to the victim
• If you have serious prior convictions (such as violent felonies), the charge can escalate to a felony

First-time shoplifting offenses often result in lighter sentences. A dedicated Chino Hills theft attorney can negotiate alternatives such as reduced charges, probation, or even case dismissal depending on your unique circumstances.

Grand Theft

According to Penal Code 487(a), grand theft occurs when the value of stolen property exceeds $950, or when the stolen items include firearms, vehicles, or certain livestock.

Penalties for Grand Theft

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

• Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail
• Felony: Up to 3 years in state prison
• Restitution to victims and formal probation terms

A felony conviction for grand theft can significantly impact your future—affecting employment, housing opportunities, and even immigration status. To protect your rights and reduce potential penalties, you need a knowledgeable theft defense attorney in Chino Hills with experience handling complex felony cases.

Burglary

Penal Code 459 defines burglary as entering a residential or commercial structure with the intent to commit theft or any felony inside. This includes first-degree burglary (residential) and second-degree burglary (commercial).

Penalties for Burglary

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

Because burglary involves premeditated intent, courts treat it more harshly than other theft crimes. However, an experienced Chino Hills criminal defense lawyer can challenge the prosecution’s evidence of intent to gain reductions or dismissals of charges.

Embezzlement

Embezzlement, defined under Penal Code 503, is the fraudulent appropriation of property by someone entrusted to manage or hold it—often occurring in employment or financial contexts.

Penalties for Embezzlement

• Charges depend on the value of the property involved:
• Less than $950: Usually a misdemeanor
• More than $950: Treated as a felony
• Penalties may include restitution, fines, jail or prison time, and professional license consequences

Embezzlement cases can be complicated because misunderstandings or accounting errors might trigger charges. To protect yourself from wrongful accusations, it’s critical to work with a Chino Hills theft attorney who will build a defense based on lack of malicious intent and the facts of your case.

Proposition 47

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

This law allows many defendants to seek reduced sentencing or even resentencing if they were convicted under previous harsher standards.

If you face felony theft charges, our legal team can review your case for possible Proposition 47 relief and advocate for misdemeanor treatment to minimize your penalties and protect your future.

Defending Strategy Against Theft Charges

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

Lack of Intent

A key element in theft crimes is intent. If we show the taking was accidental or a misunderstanding, we can seek reduced or dismissed charges.

Mistaken Identity

Theft charges often rely on unclear video or unreliable witnesses. If your identity is uncertain, we can challenge the validity of the case.

Illegal Search and Seizure

If police violated your constitutional rights during any stop, search, or arrest, we can move to suppress evidence and weaken the prosecution’s case.

Consent or Ownership Dispute

When the item was borrowed, gifted, or belongs to you, we use this defense to prove no unlawful taking occurred.

Diversion and Probation Options

For first-time offenders, we may pursue:

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

These options help avoid conviction and keep your record clean. Our focus is protecting your freedom, reputation, and future.

Protect Your Future – Contact With Chino Hills Theft Crime Attorney

Facing theft charges in California is stressful but not hopeless. A skilled Chino Hills theft crime attorney can reduce the impact and defend your rights.

At My Rights Law, our team has a strong track record of beating charges and negotiating favorable results to keep clients out of jail.

Don’t face this alone. Trust a defense lawyer Chino Hills residents rely on for serious theft crime cases.

Call us now at (909) 330-3880 or contact us online for a free consultation. One call could mean the difference between jail time and freedom.

Ready to speak with a Chino Hills theft crime attorney? Contact us now at (909) 330-3880 or contact us online.