Downey Theft Attorney

Theft Attorney in Downey – Free Strategy Session

Facing theft charges in Downey puts both your freedom and your future at serious risk. The clock starts ticking the moment you’re arrested, and any delay in building a strong legal defense can result in devastating outcomes. Theft crimes come in many forms—whether it’s shoplifting, burglary, grand theft, or embezzlement—but they all carry the possibility of jail time, expensive fines, probation, and a lasting criminal record. In severe situations, a theft conviction could be filed as a felony, permanently impacting your reputation and employment prospects.

Don’t underestimate how aggressively these charges can be prosecuted. If you’ve been arrested or are under investigation for any theft-related offense, reach out to a dedicated Downey theft attorney at (562) 203-0434. We know the California legal system inside and out and will act quickly to begin crafting your defense. The sooner you call, the better your chances of minimizing or eliminating the charges altogether.

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

Common Downey Theft Crimes

Theft offenses in California are categorized under various sections of the Penal Code, and how they are prosecuted often depends on the nature of the alleged act and its impact. Although each theft case is different, the shared element is the unlawful taking of another person’s property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. Understanding the distinctions between different types of theft is critical for building a successful legal defense tailored to your case.

Here are some of the most frequently charged theft crimes in Downey:

• 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 specific theft statute you’re facing, My Rights Law has the experience to guide you through it. Let’s take a closer look at each category to better understand how they’re defined and prosecuted under California law.

Petty Theft

Under California Penal Code section 484(a), petty theft is defined as the unlawful taking of property valued at $950 or less without the owner’s consent. This often includes actions such as shoplifting, stealing from an employer, or other minor theft-related conduct. Though it may seem like a small offense, a petty theft charge can still result in a criminal record that affects your future job prospects and reputation.

Penalty for a Petty Theft

In most cases, petty theft is classified as a misdemeanor and is punishable by:

• Up to 6 months in county jail
• A maximum fine of $1,000
• Probation, community service, or court-mandated theft education courses

The penalties may vary depending on the value of the stolen property and whether aggravating factors are present—such as targeting vulnerable victims, use of force, or prior convictions. Repeat offenders may face a charge known as “petty theft with a prior,” which can be elevated to a felony. A seasoned Downey theft attorney can help prevent such escalation and aim for reduced charges or alternative sentencing.

Shoplifting

Per Penal Code 459.5(a), shoplifting is defined as entering a commercial business during regular hours with the intent to steal merchandise valued at $950 or less. Unlike traditional burglary, shoplifting focuses on theft committed while a store is open and operational.

Penalties for Shoplifting

• Typically charged as a misdemeanor
• Up to 6 months in county jail
• Fines, restitution, and possible probation
• May be charged as a felony for defendants with prior convictions for serious or violent crimes

First-time shoplifting offenders in Downey may qualify for alternative sentencing options such as diversion programs, community service, or conditional dismissal. At My Rights Law, we help clients fight for lighter outcomes and work to keep their records clean whenever possible.

Grand Theft

Under Penal Code 487(a), grand theft occurs when the value of the property stolen exceeds $950, or when specific items like firearms, vehicles, or certain livestock are taken—regardless of value. This type of theft often arises in cases involving employer theft, high-value electronics, or high-ticket retail fraud.

Penalties for Grand Theft

Grand theft is a “wobbler” in California, meaning it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony depending on the case details:

• Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail
• Felony: Up to 3 years in state prison
• Fines, restitution, and formal probation

A felony grand theft conviction can have long-lasting consequences, including difficulty securing employment or housing and potential immigration-related issues. If you’re facing grand theft charges in Downey, a qualified criminal defense attorney at My Rights Law can assess the evidence, protect your rights, and push for charge reductions or dismissals.

Burglary

California Penal Code 459 defines burglary as entering a structure, whether commercial or residential, with the intent to commit theft or any felony once inside. Burglary charges are divided into first-degree (residential) and second-degree (non-residential) offenses, with residential burglaries carrying harsher consequences.

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 (wobbler offense):
• Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail
• Felony: Up to 3 years in prison

Burglary cases hinge on proving that you had criminal intent before entering the premises. Our Downey defense team at My Rights Law frequently challenges this element to seek reduced or dismissed charges, especially in cases where intent cannot be clearly demonstrated.

Embezzlement

Embezzlement, defined under Penal Code 503, involves the fraudulent appropriation of property that was legally entrusted to someone—commonly in employment or fiduciary contexts. Examples include misappropriating company funds, manipulating financial accounts, or misusing assets you were given control over.

Penalties for Embezzlement

• Charged based on value of property:
• Less than $950: Misdemeanor
• Over $950: Felony
• May include jail or prison time, fines, restitution, and reputational damage

One of the challenges with embezzlement cases is that they can arise from simple misunderstandings, bookkeeping errors, or unclear procedures. If you are under investigation or have been charged, a Downey theft lawyer from My Rights Law can work to show lack of criminal intent and present exculpatory evidence to protect your future and professional standing.

Proposition 47

California voters passed Proposition 47 in 2014 to reclassify certain non-violent property crimes from felonies to misdemeanors—primarily for offenses involving property worth $950 or less. This includes petty theft, shoplifting, writing bad checks, and receiving stolen goods.

This reform opened the door for many individuals to seek reduced charges or even retroactive resentencing for older convictions. As a result, those previously convicted of felonies for minor theft crimes may now be eligible for misdemeanor relief under Prop 47.

At My Rights Law in Downey, we can evaluate your situation to determine whether you qualify for Proposition 47 relief and help file for a reduction or resentencing to mitigate long-term consequences.

Defending Strategy Against Theft Charges

Every theft case has its own circumstances, but we apply proven strategies at My Rights Law that are tailored to the details of your situation. These include:

Lack of Intent

Intent is a key factor in any theft allegation. If we can show that you did not intend to steal — perhaps due to a misunderstanding or accident — your charges could be reduced or dismissed.

Mistaken Identity

Theft charges often hinge on poor surveillance footage or faulty eyewitness testimony. If your identity as the suspect is unclear, we will challenge the reliability of the identification.

Illegal Search and Seizure

If your rights were violated by law enforcement through an unlawful stop, search, or arrest, we can move to suppress any evidence obtained as a result, significantly weakening the prosecution’s case.

Consent or Ownership Dispute

If the property in question was given to you, borrowed with permission, or rightfully yours, we will use that to argue there was no criminal intent involved.

Diversion and Probation Options

First-time offenders in Downey may be eligible for alternatives to jail, such as:

• Pretrial diversion programs
• Supervised probation
• Theft rehabilitation courses

Our goal is not only to defend your case but to help you move forward without a criminal conviction following you.

Protect Your Future – Contact With Downey Theft Crime Attorney

Facing a theft charge in California can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to define your future. With the right defense team on your side, you can challenge the allegations and work toward a more favorable outcome.

At My Rights Law, our Downey theft attorneys have successfully defended clients across a wide range of theft-related charges. We fight to protect your rights, limit the impact on your record, and keep you out of jail.

Don’t go through this process alone. Turn to the theft crime lawyer Downey residents rely on when everything is at stake.

Call us today at (562) 203-0434 or contact us online for a free case evaluation. One phone call could change everything.

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