El Monte Theft Attorney

Theft Attorney in El Monte – Free Strategy Session

Being accused of a theft crime in El Monte can have a serious impact on your future, reputation, and freedom. You may be facing criminal charges such as shoplifting, burglary, grand theft, or embezzlement — all of which can lead to jail or prison time, steep fines, and a damaging permanent record. In some cases, theft offenses are filed as felonies, which can significantly affect your employment opportunities, immigration status, and more.

At My Rights Law, we know how overwhelming this process can be, and we’re here to help. Our experienced theft crime attorneys in El Monte are prepared to build a strong defense that is tailored to your specific case. Don’t wait and risk losing your rights. Call us today at (626) 412-4840 to speak with a dedicated California theft lawyer and begin planning your legal strategy right away. Every second counts, and early intervention can make a major difference in the outcome of your case.

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

Common El Monte Theft Crimes

Theft-related offenses are outlined across various sections of the California Penal Code. The penalties and legal approach to each type of theft depend on the circumstances involved, such as the value of the property, whether force or deceit was used, and the offender’s criminal history. At its core, theft is defined as the unlawful taking of someone else’s property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it.

In El Monte, we frequently handle a wide range of theft charges, including:

• 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 specific theft charge, our team understands the legal nuances involved and is fully equipped to fight on your behalf. Below, we’ll explain the most common charges in more detail and discuss how we defend against them.

Petty Theft

Under California Penal Code section 484(a), petty theft refers to the unlawful taking of someone else’s property valued at $950 or less. This often involves minor incidents such as shoplifting, picking up unattended belongings, or stealing items from vehicles. Although considered less severe than grand theft, a petty theft conviction can still carry lasting consequences on your criminal record.

Penalty for a Petty Theft

Petty theft is generally charged as a misdemeanor, and penalties may include:

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

Penalties can escalate if aggravating factors are present, such as the nature of the victim (elderly, minor, disabled), or if force was involved. Prior convictions could also lead to enhanced charges, including “petty theft with a prior,” which might be filed as a felony. Working with an experienced El Monte theft attorney can significantly reduce the legal consequences or even get the charges dismissed.

Shoplifting

Under Penal Code 459.5(a), shoplifting is defined as entering an open business with the intent to steal merchandise worth $950 or less. This law specifically covers thefts committed during regular business hours and applies regardless of whether the merchandise was actually taken.

Penalties for Shoplifting

• Typically charged as a misdemeanor
• Up to 6 months in county jail
• Monetary fines and potential restitution to the store
• If the offender has prior serious convictions, charges may be upgraded to a felony

First-time shoplifting offenders in El Monte may be eligible for alternative sentencing, diversion programs, or even charge dismissal. A skilled theft lawyer at My Rights Law can negotiate for reduced penalties or seek to have your charges dropped, depending on your circumstances.

Grand Theft

Penal Code 487(a) defines grand theft as the unlawful taking of property valued over $950. In addition to high-value property, grand theft includes stealing items like firearms, automobiles, and certain animals. This offense is treated more seriously due to the value and type of property involved.

Penalties for Grand Theft

Grand theft is a “wobbler” offense, which means it can be prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or felony depending on the case specifics. Potential penalties include:

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

A felony conviction for grand theft can impact your future, from employment to immigration. A knowledgeable theft attorney in El Monte can assess your case, negotiate with prosecutors, and build a defense strategy aimed at reducing or eliminating charges altogether.

Burglary

According to Penal Code 459, burglary occurs when a person enters any building—residential or commercial—with the intent to commit theft or another felony. It’s important to note that the crime is based on intent at the time of entry, not whether the theft or felony was successfully completed. Burglary is divided into two degrees: first-degree (residential) and second-degree (commercial).

Penalties for Burglary

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

Because burglary hinges on proving your intent prior to entering the premises, it is often possible to challenge this element. An experienced El Monte theft defense lawyer can investigate the evidence and push to reduce the charge or secure a case dismissal.

Embezzlement

Embezzlement, under Penal Code 503, involves the fraudulent use or taking of property by someone entrusted to manage or control it. These cases commonly occur in workplace settings, where employees handle money, financial accounts, or valuable assets. What makes embezzlement unique is the breach of trust element, which can complicate legal outcomes.

Penalties for Embezzlement

• The penalties are based on the value of the misappropriated property:
  • Less than $950: Typically a misdemeanor
  • More than $950: Could be charged as a felony
• Consequences may include restitution, fines, incarceration, and a damaged professional record

Even if the incident stemmed from an honest mistake or clerical error, you may still face charges. With the help of a theft crime attorney in El Monte, you can present evidence to show lack of intent or misunderstanding and work toward clearing your name and record.

Proposition 47

In 2014, California voters passed Proposition 47, which reclassified many non-violent crimes—including certain theft offenses—as misdemeanors when the property value is $950 or less. This includes petty theft, shoplifting, forgery, and receiving stolen goods.

If you were previously convicted of a felony for a qualifying theft-related offense, you may be eligible for resentencing or a reduced charge under Prop 47. This law was designed to prevent overly harsh penalties for non-violent crimes and offer second chances.

At My Rights Law, our El Monte theft attorneys can review your charges or prior convictions and determine if Proposition 47 relief applies to your situation. If so, we will file the necessary petitions to pursue sentence reductions or expungements on your behalf.

Defending Strategy Against Theft Charges

Each theft case is different, but at My Rights Law, we implement proven defense strategies tailored to your individual circumstances. These include:

Lack of Intent

Intent is a crucial factor in theft cases. If we can demonstrate that there was no intent to steal—perhaps due to confusion or accident—we can work to reduce or dismiss the charges.

Mistaken Identity

Many theft allegations rely on weak surveillance footage or flawed witness accounts. If your identity is not clearly established, we can contest the prosecution’s evidence.

Illegal Search and Seizure

If police violated your rights by conducting an unlawful search or seizure, we can move to suppress the evidence, significantly weakening the case against you.

Consent or Ownership Dispute

If the property in question was loaned, given, or lawfully yours, we’ll raise this defense to demonstrate that no crime occurred.

Diversion and Probation Options

For those with no prior criminal history, we may pursue:

• Pretrial diversion programs
• Probation as an alternative to incarceration
• Theft education or counseling

These alternatives can prevent a conviction and protect your criminal record. Our top priority is safeguarding your freedom and future.

Protect Your Future – Contact With El Monte Theft Crime Attorney

Theft charges in California are serious, but they don’t have to define your life. A skilled El Monte theft attorney can fight to minimize the consequences. Don’t wait until it’s too late—start building your defense now.

At My Rights Law, our El Monte theft lawyers have a track record of reducing charges, securing dismissals, and protecting our clients from jail time. We fight smart, hard, and with your best outcome in mind.

Call us now at (626) 412-4840 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. This call could be the turning point in your case.

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