Diamond Bar Theft Attorney

Theft Attorney in Diamond Bar – Free Strategy Session

Facing a theft charge in Diamond Bar can place your future, reputation, and freedom at serious risk. Whether you’re dealing with shoplifting, grand theft, embezzlement, or burglary, all theft-related offenses in California carry significant legal consequences. These may include county jail time, costly fines, and a permanent mark on your criminal record. In many cases, prosecutors can escalate charges to a felony, depending on the value of property involved and prior convictions.

If you or a loved one has been arrested or accused of a theft crime in Diamond Bar, the sooner you take legal action, the better. At My Rights Law, our experienced California theft defense attorneys are ready to examine your case, explain your rights, and fight for a favorable outcome. Don’t delay—call us today at (626) 412-4840 for your free, confidential legal consultation.

Ready to speak with a Diamond Bar theft crime attorney? Contact us now at (626) 412-4840 or contact us online.

Common Diamond Bar Theft Crimes

Theft crimes in California fall under several statutes within the Penal Code, and each type carries its own set of elements and potential penalties. Regardless of the specific accusation, theft charges center around the unlawful taking of another’s property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it. These offenses can range from low-level misdemeanors to serious felonies, and they require a custom-tailored legal defense.

At My Rights Law, we commonly handle theft crime cases in Diamond Bar involving:

• 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 Penal Code violation you’re facing, our attorneys know the legal system inside and out. We’re here to provide you with a clear explanation of what you’re up against and how we’ll defend your case at every stage of the process.

Petty Theft

Under California Penal Code 484(a), petty theft is the unlawful taking of property valued at $950 or less. Common examples include shoplifting, taking someone’s phone, or grabbing an item from an unattended bag. Even though the value is low, these charges are still criminal offenses that can follow you for life. A momentary lapse in judgment, misunderstanding, or false accusation could lead to lasting consequences unless handled correctly.

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 outcome depends on the circumstances—such as the value of the item, the method of theft, and whether there were aggravating factors like threats or prior convictions. Repeat offenses may trigger “petty theft with a prior,” which can lead to felony charges. That’s why it’s crucial to work with a seasoned Diamond Bar theft attorney to seek dismissal, charge reduction, or alternative sentencing.

Shoplifting

Per Penal Code 459.5(a), shoplifting occurs when someone enters a store during regular business hours with the intent to steal merchandise worth $950 or less. Unlike traditional burglary charges, this statute was created to address low-level, non-violent retail theft. It still carries significant consequences and should not be underestimated.

Penalties for Shoplifting

• Usually charged as a misdemeanor
• Up to 6 months in county jail
• Fines, restitution to the store, and possible civil penalties
• Felony charge possible for those with prior convictions for serious offenses

If this is your first time being accused of shoplifting, you may be eligible for a diversion program or an alternative to incarceration. My Rights Law’s Diamond Bar criminal defense lawyers can fight to minimize the legal damage and push for your case to be dropped or resolved through a reduced plea deal.

Grand Theft

California Penal Code 487 defines grand theft as unlawfully taking property valued over $950. It also includes theft of certain items like vehicles, firearms, or livestock, even if their value is less than $950. Grand theft may occur through larceny, fraud, trickery, or embezzlement, and often involves more complex fact patterns than petty theft or shoplifting.

Penalties for Grand Theft

This offense is classified as a “wobbler,” meaning it can be charged either as a misdemeanor or a felony, based on the specifics of the case:

• Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail
• Felony: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison
• Restitution and probation may also apply

A felony theft conviction can be devastating—it may impact your job, housing, licensing, and immigration status. But with the right legal team, you may avoid those harsh penalties. At My Rights Law, our experienced Diamond Bar theft lawyers analyze the evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and fight aggressively to reduce or dismiss grand theft charges.

Burglary

According to Penal Code 459, burglary involves entering a building, room, or vehicle with the intent to commit theft or another felony. California law distinguishes between first-degree (residential) and second-degree (commercial) burglary. Intent at the time of entry is the critical factor—and also one of the most contested elements in court.

Penalties for Burglary

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

Prosecutors often pursue burglary charges aggressively, especially when residential homes are involved. However, if your case lacks solid proof of intent before entry, your lawyer can challenge that claim. Our Diamond Bar theft defense attorneys at My Rights Law know how to dismantle weak burglary allegations and protect your rights from excessive prosecution.

Embezzlement

Penal Code 503 covers embezzlement, which is the misappropriation of money or property by someone in a position of trust—often an employee, agent, or fiduciary. Unlike outright theft, embezzlement cases stem from violations of responsibility or deception over time. This offense is frequently associated with company losses, accounting issues, or abuse of authority.

Penalties for Embezzlement

• Charges depend on the value of misappropriated property:
• Less than $950: Misdemeanor
• More than $950: Felony
• Possible restitution, jail or prison time, probation, and damage to career or licensing

Many people are charged with embezzlement after simple misunderstandings, financial mismanagement, or without clear evidence of criminal intent. If you’ve been accused, working with a knowledgeable theft attorney in Diamond Bar is critical. My Rights Law can help you challenge the intent element, present accounting justifications, and work toward keeping your record clean.

Proposition 47

Proposition 47, passed in 2014, reclassified certain non-violent property crimes as misdemeanors instead of felonies, provided the value involved does not exceed $950. Offenses impacted by Prop 47 include petty theft, shoplifting, check fraud, and receiving stolen property. This law was a major shift in California’s criminal justice policy, aimed at reducing prison populations and giving people a second chance.

As a result, many people facing felony charges today may qualify for misdemeanor treatment—and some with past felony convictions can even petition for resentencing under Prop 47.

At My Rights Law, we evaluate every Diamond Bar theft case for Prop 47 eligibility and can help you file for sentence reduction or downgrade your current charges. Don’t let a non-violent offense ruin your life when the law may already be on your side.

Defending Strategy Against Theft Charges

Every theft case is different, but our attorneys at My Rights Law use tested legal strategies that we tailor to your unique circumstances. These include:

Lack of Intent

To convict you of theft, the prosecution must prove intent. If we can show the incident was accidental or a misunderstanding, we can fight to get charges reduced or dropped entirely.

Mistaken Identity

Theft accusations often rest on unclear surveillance or flawed witness accounts. If you weren’t clearly identified, we’ll challenge the credibility of the evidence.

Illegal Search and Seizure

If law enforcement violated your constitutional rights during a stop or search, we may be able to suppress the evidence and weaken the prosecutor’s case.

Consent or Ownership Dispute

If the property was borrowed, gifted, or lawfully yours, we will present evidence to dispute any unlawful taking claims.

Diversion and Probation Options

For eligible first-time offenders, we pursue alternatives like:

• Pretrial diversion programs
• Probation in place of incarceration
• Theft-specific education classes

These options can help you avoid a conviction and protect your future. Our aim is to minimize the impact on your life, freedom, and reputation.

Protect Your Future – Contact With Diamond Bar Theft Crime Attorney

Facing theft charges in California can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to define your future. A skilled Diamond Bar theft crime attorney can help mitigate the consequences and fight for your freedom.

At My Rights Law, our Diamond Bar legal team has successfully defended countless clients, secured dismissals, and negotiated favorable results. We are strategic, aggressive, and unwavering in our commitment to your rights.

Don’t go through this alone. Trust the theft crime attorney Diamond Bar residents rely on when everything is on the line.

Call us today at (626) 412-4840 or contact us online for a free case evaluation. One conversation could change everything.

Ready to speak with a Diamond Bar theft crime attorney? Contact us now at (626) 412-4840 or contact us online.