Fontana Theft Attorney

Theft Attorney in Fontana – Free Strategy Session

Being charged with a theft-related crime in Fontana puts your future and freedom at risk, and every moment counts. Theft offenses can include shoplifting, burglary, grand theft, embezzlement, and more—all of which can result in jail time, hefty fines, probation, or even a permanent felony conviction that stays on your criminal record for life.

If you face theft charges, don’t delay—contact a skilled California theft attorney at (909) 330-3880 right away. The sooner you begin building your defense, the better your chances of reducing or avoiding severe consequences.

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

Common Fontana Theft Crimes

Theft crimes in California fall under several categories in the Penal Code. The way a case is prosecuted depends on the crime’s severity and specific circumstances. Generally, theft means unlawfully taking another person’s property with intent to steal. In Fontana, some of the most frequent theft charges 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 statute you are charged under, we understand how to handle your case effectively. Below, we explain each charge and the legal implications involved.

Petty Theft

Under Penal Code section 484(a), petty theft is defined as the unlawful taking of property valued at $950 or less. This often involves minor offenses like shoplifting, pickpocketing, or other low-value theft incidents.

Penalty for Petty Theft

Petty theft is usually charged as a misdemeanor and may result in penalties such as:

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

The severity of consequences depends on factors like the value of the stolen items and specific circumstances such as the victim’s status (business, elderly, disabled, or minor), use of force or intimidation, and any prior theft-related convictions. Repeat offenses can elevate petty theft charges, potentially leading to felony charges with harsher penalties. A knowledgeable Fontana theft attorney can help navigate these complexities and seek the best possible outcome for your case.

Shoplifting

According to PC 459.5(a), shoplifting occurs when a person enters a commercial establishment during normal business hours intending to steal merchandise valued at $950 or less.

Penalties for Shoplifting

• Usually charged as a misdemeanor
• Up to six months in county jail
• Court-imposed fines and potential restitution to the victim
• Prior serious convictions (e.g., rape, murder, sex crimes) may upgrade shoplifting to a felony

If shoplifting is your first offense, you may qualify for leniency. An experienced theft attorney in Fontana can advocate for reduced charges, alternative sentencing options, or possibly even a dismissal of the case.

Grand Theft

Under Penal Code 487(a), grand theft is defined as stealing property valued over $950. It also covers theft involving firearms, automobiles, or specific types of livestock.

Penalties for Grand Theft

Grand theft is considered a “wobbler” offense, meaning it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the case details and the value of stolen property. The penalties include:

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

A felony conviction carries long-term consequences that extend beyond the courtroom, impacting employment opportunities, housing, and immigration status. To minimize these risks, securing an experienced theft attorney in Fontana is crucial to aggressively defend your rights and explore all defense strategies.

Burglary

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

Penalties for Burglary

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

Because burglary requires premeditated intent before entry, it is often punished more severely than other theft crimes. However, a skilled Fontana criminal defense attorney can challenge the intent element to reduce charges or achieve dismissal.

Embezzlement

Embezzlement, under PC 503, involves the fraudulent appropriation of property by someone entrusted with it, commonly in employment or financial account contexts.

Penalties for Embezzlement

• Charges depend on the value of the property:
• Less than $950: Typically a misdemeanor
• Over $950: Often charged as a felony
• Penalties may include restitution, fines, incarceration, and professional sanctions

Embezzlement cases can be complex, and even innocent mistakes or accounting errors may lead to charges. A knowledgeable theft attorney in Fontana can help you demonstrate a lack of criminal intent and develop a strong defense to protect your future.

Proposition 47

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

This change allows many defendants to seek reduced sentences or even resentencing if they were previously convicted under harsher laws.

If you face felony theft charges, our law firm can review your case to determine if you qualify for relief under Prop 47 and work to have your charges downgraded to misdemeanors.

Defending Strategy Against Theft Charges

Each theft case is unique, yet My Rights Law uses proven strategies tailored to your circumstances. The key defenses we apply include:

Lack of Intent

Intent is essential in theft crimes. If we show the act was accidental or misunderstood, we can work to reduce or dismiss your charges.

Mistaken Identity

Theft accusations often depend on low-quality footage or unreliable witnesses. If your identity isn’t clear, we can challenge the prosecution’s entire case.

Illegal Search and Seizure

If law enforcement violated your rights during a stop, search, or arrest, we can file motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence, weakening the case against you.

Consent or Ownership Dispute

If you legally borrowed, received, or owned the property, we will use this defense to prove no theft occurred.

Diversion and Probation Options

For first-time offenders, we may seek alternatives such as:

• Pretrial diversion programs
• Probation in place of jail time
• Theft awareness or education courses

These options aim to avoid convictions and protect your record. Our priority is defending your freedom, reputation, and future.

Protect Your Future – Contact a Fontana Theft Crime Attorney

Though facing theft charges is stressful, it’s not the end. A skilled Fontana theft crime attorney can help reduce the impact and fight for your rights.

At My Rights Law, our Fontana theft defense team has a strong record of winning cases, negotiating better outcomes, and keeping clients out of jail.

Don’t face theft charges alone. Trust a defense lawyer Fontana residents rely on for serious legal battles.

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

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