Glendora Theft Attorney

Theft Attorney in Glendora – Free Strategy Session

Facing theft crime charges in Glendora puts your reputation, freedom, and future at serious risk. Whether you are accused of shoplifting, burglary, embezzlement, or another form of theft, you could be looking at harsh penalties that may include jail time, steep fines, or a criminal record that impacts your employment and personal life. Depending on the type and value of the property involved, you may even face felony charges with long-lasting consequences.

At My Rights Law, we understand how California theft laws work and how prosecutors build these cases. The sooner you contact us, the faster we can begin creating a customized defense strategy designed to protect your rights. Our skilled Glendora theft defense attorneys are prepared to challenge the evidence against you and work toward the best possible outcome. Don’t take chances with your future—speak with an experienced theft lawyer now by calling (626) 412-4840.

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

Common Glendora Theft Crimes

Theft offenses in California are outlined under various sections of the Penal Code, and how the case is charged depends on factors such as the value of the stolen property and the circumstances surrounding the incident. Although all theft crimes involve the unlawful taking of someone else’s property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it, each category carries its own legal implications and defenses.

Some of the most frequently prosecuted theft crimes in Glendora 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 charge you are facing, My Rights Law has the legal knowledge and courtroom experience to address your specific case. Let us walk you through the key definitions and legal standards for each of these theft charges and explore the strongest path forward in your defense.

Petty Theft

Under California Penal Code section 484(a), petty theft is defined as the unlawful taking of someone else’s property valued at $950 or less. This offense commonly involves acts such as minor shoplifting, pickpocketing, or taking items without permission in various everyday settings. Even though the value may seem low, a petty theft conviction can leave a serious mark 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 maximum fine of $1,000
• Community service, probation, or a theft education class

Penalties can be harsher if aggravating circumstances are present—such as theft from a vulnerable victim or repeat offenses. If you’ve had a prior theft-related conviction, you could be facing a charge of “petty theft with a prior,” which may be prosecuted as a felony. A Glendora theft attorney from My Rights Law can help ensure that your side of the story is heard and fight for a better outcome.

Shoplifting

California Penal Code section 459.5(a) defines shoplifting as entering a commercial business during regular hours with the intent to steal merchandise worth $950 or less. Unlike other theft offenses, shoplifting does not require you to leave the store with the items—it’s the intent that counts.

Penalties for Shoplifting

• Generally charged as a misdemeanor
• Up to 6 months in county jail
• Fines, restitution to the business, and other court penalties
• If you have prior serious convictions, the offense may be treated as a felony

First-time shoplifters in Glendora may be eligible for lighter penalties, including diversion programs or case dismissal. My Rights Law’s attorneys work to get your charges reduced or dismissed and explore all options for favorable resolutions.

Grand Theft

Grand theft under Penal Code section 487(a) occurs when someone unlawfully takes property valued at more than $950. In addition to exceeding the monetary threshold, grand theft charges may also apply when certain types of property are involved, such as firearms, motor vehicles, or livestock. The seriousness of the offense increases when the circumstances include a breach of trust or complex criminal intent.

Penalties for Grand Theft

Grand theft is considered a “wobbler” offense, meaning it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony based on the situation:

• Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail
• Felony: Up to 3 years in state prison
• Additional penalties may include restitution and probation

Felony grand theft convictions can impact your life long after the sentence is served, affecting job prospects, housing, and more. If you’re facing grand theft charges in Glendora, working with an experienced criminal defense attorney can help protect your future and explore alternatives like reduced charges or case dismissal.

Burglary

Per California Penal Code section 459, burglary occurs when someone enters a structure—whether it’s a home or business—with the intention of committing theft or a felony. There are two classifications of burglary: first-degree (residential) and second-degree (commercial). The degree of the crime and the evidence of intent are critical in how the charge is prosecuted and punished.

Penalties for Burglary

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

Since burglary hinges on the intent to commit a crime before entry, a strong legal defense can focus on challenging that element. A skilled Glendora burglary attorney from My Rights Law can leverage this strategy to potentially reduce or dismiss the charges.

Embezzlement

Embezzlement, outlined in Penal Code section 503, is when a person fraudulently takes property that was entrusted to them. This often happens in the context of employment or when someone has access to company funds or property. Embezzlement cases can be complex and are sometimes misunderstood as mere mistakes or accounting errors.

Penalties for Embezzlement

• Based on the amount taken:
• Under $950: Misdemeanor
• Over $950: Felony
• Additional penalties may include jail/prison time, restitution, fines, and damage to professional reputation

Even if no harm was intended, embezzlement can still result in harsh legal consequences. If you’ve been accused in Glendora, having a knowledgeable theft defense lawyer can be the key to showing that your actions were not criminal, but rather a misunderstanding. My Rights Law will help craft a defense focused on lack of intent and clarify any misinterpretations of your actions.

Proposition 47

Proposition 47, passed in California in 2014, significantly reformed the state’s criminal justice system by reducing many non-violent property and drug crimes from felonies to misdemeanors. This includes offenses such as petty theft, shoplifting, and receiving stolen property—provided the value involved is $950 or less.

This law allows for reduced penalties and even resentencing for individuals who were previously convicted under stricter laws. If you are currently facing theft charges in Glendora or have a prior felony conviction that might qualify, our legal team at My Rights Law can assess your eligibility under Prop 47 and advocate for a lesser charge or sentence.

Defending Strategy Against Theft Charges

Each theft case has its own facts, but we apply tried-and-true legal strategies at My Rights Law, tailored specifically to your Glendora situation. These include:

Lack of Intent

A critical aspect of theft cases is proving intent. If we demonstrate that you never intended to steal—perhaps due to confusion or a mistake—the charges can be reduced or dismissed.

Mistaken Identity

Eyewitness errors and poor surveillance footage often lead to false accusations. We challenge weak identifications to create reasonable doubt in your case.

Illegal Search and Seizure

If your rights were violated through an unlawful search or seizure, we fight to exclude that evidence—often crippling the prosecutor’s case against you.

Consent or Ownership Dispute

We raise strong defenses when there’s a misunderstanding over ownership—whether you had permission, believed the item was yours, or were involved in a civil dispute.

Diversion and Probation Options

First-time offender? We may seek:

• Diversion programs
• Probation instead of incarceration
• Theft rehabilitation courses

These alternatives protect your future by avoiding a criminal conviction and keeping your record clean.

Protect Your Future – Contact With Glendora Theft Crime Attorney

Theft charges in California can disrupt your entire life—but they don’t have to define your future. With the right legal defense, you can fight back and regain control. Our skilled Glendora theft attorneys at My Rights Law have a history of reducing or eliminating charges through aggressive legal tactics and personalized strategies.

Let us help you avoid jail, fines, and a criminal record. Trust a Glendora theft defense lawyer who knows how to win.

Call us now at (626) 412-4840 or contact us online for your free, confidential consultation. One conversation could change the outcome of your entire case.

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