Fountain Valley Theft Attorney

Theft Attorney in Fountain Valley – Free Strategy Session

Being accused of a theft crime in Fountain Valley puts your reputation, your freedom, and your future at serious risk. There are many types of theft charges—such as shoplifting, burglary, grand theft, and embezzlement—all of which carry the potential for severe penalties, including incarceration, hefty fines, and lasting probation. In more serious cases, a theft conviction could result in a felony on your record, potentially impacting you for the rest of your life.

If you are facing theft charges, reach out to a knowledgeable California theft attorney at (714) 248-8111 immediately. Taking prompt action is essential, as every moment counts when building an effective defense strategy.

Ready to speak with a Fountain Valley theft crime attorney? Contact us now at (714) 248-8111 or contact us online.

Common Fountain Valley Theft Crimes

Theft crimes in California are covered by a range of laws in the Penal Code, and the approach to prosecution can differ based on the specific type of offense and the unique facts of each case. Regardless of the specific charge, theft crimes generally involve the unlawful taking of property belonging to another person, with the intent to deprive them of it permanently.

• 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 offense you’re charged with, our legal team understands the best way to defend against it. Below, we’ll explain what each of these common charges means and how they are prosecuted in Fountain Valley.

Petty Theft

Under California Penal Code section 484(a), petty theft refers to the unlawful taking of property valued at $950 or less. This type of theft most commonly involves acts like shoplifting, pickpocketing, or other situations where low-value goods are stolen. In Fountain Valley, petty theft cases are prosecuted vigorously, and a conviction—even for a seemingly minor incident—can have serious consequences for your record and future opportunities.

Penalty for Petty Theft

Petty theft is generally charged as a misdemeanor, which can include:

• Up to 6 months in county jail
• Fines up to $1,000
• Probation, community service, or participation in a theft education class

The punishment can increase depending on circumstances such as the type of victim, the use of force, or prior criminal history. For example, if you have previous theft convictions, you could be charged with “petty theft with a prior,” which may elevate the charge to a felony and lead to more severe penalties. It is essential to have a Fountain Valley theft attorney review your situation to minimize the consequences and protect your rights.

Shoplifting

According to Penal Code 459.5(a), shoplifting is defined as entering an open business during regular hours with the intent to steal merchandise valued at $950 or less. Shoplifting is prosecuted independently from burglary or grand theft and usually involves retail environments where suspects are apprehended on the spot.

Penalties for Shoplifting

• Typically charged as a misdemeanor
• Up to six months in county jail
• Court fines and possible restitution to the store
• If you have a prior conviction for serious crimes (such as sex offenses, murder, or certain violent felonies), the charge can be elevated to a felony

First-time shoplifting offenses often allow for leniency. With an experienced Fountain Valley theft attorney on your side, you may be able to pursue alternatives like diversion, reduced charges, or even a dismissal, helping to keep your record clean and your future intact.

Grand Theft

Under Penal Code 487(a), grand theft is committed when someone unlawfully takes property worth more than $950, or specific types of property like automobiles or firearms, regardless of their value. This charge covers a broad range of situations, from stealing expensive electronics to misappropriating funds in a business setting. The seriousness of grand theft means the legal consequences can be substantial, with the case being prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or a felony—a so-called “wobbler” offense.

Penalties for Grand Theft

Depending on how the prosecution chooses to file the case and the facts involved, possible penalties include:

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

A felony grand theft conviction can impact your life long after your sentence ends, making it difficult to find work, qualify for housing, or even affect your immigration status if you are not a U.S. citizen. With so much at stake, you need an experienced Fountain Valley theft lawyer who understands how to challenge the evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and seek reduced charges or case dismissal whenever possible.

Burglary

California Penal Code 459 describes burglary as entering a building—whether a home or business—with the intent to commit theft or any felony. There are two degrees of burglary: first-degree (residential) and second-degree (commercial). The prosecution does not need to prove that the theft or felony actually occurred, only that you intended to commit the crime upon entry.

Penalties for Burglary

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

Because burglary cases often revolve around the element of intent, it’s critical to have a Fountain Valley theft defense attorney who can challenge the prosecution’s claims and seek to reduce or dismiss the charges based on the facts of your case.

Embezzlement

Embezzlement, defined by Penal Code 503, is the unlawful and fraudulent taking of property by someone who was entrusted with it. Embezzlement is most often seen in workplace situations or fiduciary relationships, such as when an employee is accused of taking company funds or assets. These cases can be complex, as they often involve detailed financial records and disputes about intent or permission.

Penalties for Embezzlement

• Punishment depends on the value of the property taken:
• If the value is $950 or less, the crime is a misdemeanor
• If the value exceeds $950, it may be charged as a felony
• Consequences may include jail or prison, fines, restitution, probation, and even professional discipline for licensed workers

Embezzlement can sometimes result from an honest mistake or miscommunication. If you are facing embezzlement charges in Fountain Valley, having a knowledgeable theft crime lawyer is crucial for developing a defense, establishing your intentions, and protecting your future from life-altering penalties.

Proposition 47

In 2014, California voters passed Proposition 47, a law that reclassified many non-violent property crimes—such as petty theft, shoplifting, and receiving stolen property valued at $950 or less—from felonies to misdemeanors. This means individuals facing certain theft charges now may be eligible for reduced penalties or resentencing, even if they were previously convicted under more stringent laws.

If you’re currently facing theft charges in Fountain Valley or want to see if you qualify for Prop 47 relief, our team at My Rights Law can review your case, explain your rights, and advocate for the best possible outcome under current California law.

Defending Strategy Against Theft Charges

Every theft case in Fountain Valley is unique, but we apply proven defense strategies at My Rights Law while customizing them for your specific circumstances. Common approaches include:

Lack of Intent

A key element of theft is intent. If we can demonstrate there was no intent to commit theft—whether through misunderstanding or accident—we can seek to have charges reduced or dismissed entirely.

Mistaken Identity

Theft charges often depend on questionable surveillance footage or unreliable witnesses. If your identity is not clearly established, we’ll challenge the prosecution’s case from the start.

Illegal Search and Seizure

If your rights were violated during a stop, search, or arrest, we can seek to have the resulting evidence excluded, greatly weakening the case against you.

Consent or Ownership Dispute

If the property in question was borrowed, gifted, or rightfully yours, we will use these facts to show there was no unlawful taking or theft.

Diversion and Probation Options

For first-time offenders, we may pursue options such as:

• Pretrial diversion programs
• Probation instead of incarceration
• Theft awareness or education classes

These alternatives can help keep your record clean and avoid a conviction. Our top priority is to protect your freedom, reputation, and future.

Protect Your Future – Contact With Fountain Valley Theft Crime Attorney

Facing theft charges in California can feel overwhelming, but it’s not the end. The right Fountain Valley theft crime attorney can minimize the impact on your life and help you move forward. Don’t let the prosecution build their case unchecked—get proactive legal support today.

At My Rights Law, our Fountain Valley theft lawyers have a strong record of beating charges, securing favorable deals, and keeping clients out of jail. We’re strategic, relentless, and dedicated to your defense.

Don’t go through this alone. Call the theft crime attorneys Fountain Valley residents trust to protect their future.

Call us now at (714) 248-8111 or contact us online for a free consultation. One call could make all the difference.

Ready to speak with a Fountain Valley theft crime attorney? Contact us now at (714) 248-8111 or contact us online.