Granada Hills Theft Attorney

Theft Attorney in Granada Hills – Free Strategy Session

Being accused of a theft crime in Granada Hills can have serious, long-term consequences for your life and your reputation. Whether you’re facing charges for shoplifting, embezzlement, burglary, or another theft-related offense, your freedom, your future, and your clean record are at stake. A conviction can bring jail or prison time, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record, especially if the case is charged as a felony. California prosecutors take theft cases seriously, and even a seemingly minor charge can quickly escalate based on prior convictions or the circumstances of the arrest.

That’s why it’s critical to act fast. At My Rights Law, we understand the nuances of California’s theft laws and are ready to create a personalized legal strategy that focuses on reducing or eliminating the charges against you. If you’ve been arrested or suspect you may be under investigation, don’t wait. Speak directly with a skilled Granada Hills theft lawyer by calling (747) 249 5077. The sooner we get involved, the more options we have to protect your rights.

Ready to speak with a Granada Hills theft crime attorney? Contact us now at (747) 249 5077 or contact us online.

Common Granada Hills Theft Crimes

Theft-related crimes are defined under several statutes in the California Penal Code, and each comes with its own legal standards and potential penalties. The exact charge you face depends on the value of the property involved, whether force or deception was used, and your criminal history. Still, all theft charges share a core definition: the unlawful taking of someone else’s property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it.

Some of the most common theft charges our law firm handles in the Granada Hills area 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

Each of these charges carries unique legal elements and potential defenses. At My Rights Law, we understand how prosecutors build these cases and how to effectively counter them. In the next section, we’ll explore these charges in greater detail and explain how we can fight them on your behalf.

Petty Theft

Under California Penal Code § 484(a), petty theft refers to the unlawful taking of someone else’s property valued at $950 or less. In Granada Hills, this often arises from minor incidents such as shoplifting, snatching unattended belongings, or taking items without proper payment. Although the value may be small, the legal consequences can be serious, especially if not handled correctly. A petty theft conviction can leave you with a criminal record that could affect your job, housing, or education opportunities.

Penalty for a Petty Theft

Petty theft is typically charged as a misdemeanor and may include:

• Up to 6 months in county jail
• A fine of up to $1,000
• Community service, probation, or a theft diversion program

Additional factors such as the type of victim or prior convictions can increase the severity of your charges. For example, repeat offenses may lead to a “petty theft with a prior” charge, which can be elevated to a felony with harsher consequences. Consulting with a Granada Hills theft lawyer early on is key to avoiding long-term repercussions.

Shoplifting

California Penal Code § 459.5(a) defines shoplifting as entering an open business with the intent to steal merchandise worth $950 or less during normal business hours. In Granada Hills, shoplifting charges can stem from actions as simple as walking out with unpaid goods, even if no items were physically removed from the store. What matters is the proven intent to steal at the time of entry.

Penalties for Shoplifting

• Generally charged as a misdemeanor
• Up to 6 months in county jail
• Fines and possible restitution to the store owner
• Felony charges if you have prior convictions for serious crimes

If this is your first offense, the court may allow alternative sentencing such as diversion programs or probation. A Granada Hills theft defense attorney can work to reduce your charge, seek dismissal, or argue for a non-custodial sentence that minimizes impact on your future.

Grand Theft

Per California Penal Code § 487(a), grand theft involves unlawfully taking property valued over $950, or certain items regardless of value—such as firearms, vehicles, or agricultural products. In Granada Hills, these cases often involve workplace theft, fraud, or coordinated schemes that lead to high-value losses. Because of the amount or type of property stolen, grand theft is treated much more seriously than petty theft.

Penalties for Grand Theft

Grand theft is a “wobbler” offense and can be charged as either:

• 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 harm your reputation and future opportunities. It can affect everything from job applications to immigration status. A knowledgeable theft attorney in Granada Hills can challenge the value of the stolen property, present mitigating circumstances, or negotiate a felony reduction to avoid long-term consequences.

Burglary

California Penal Code § 459 defines burglary as entering any structure—whether a home or business—with the intent to commit theft or a felony inside. There are two degrees: first-degree (residential) and second-degree (commercial). In Granada Hills, burglary charges can arise from incidents involving forced entry into homes, break-ins at retail stores, or simply entering with criminal intent.

Penalties for Burglary

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

What makes burglary particularly serious is the requirement of intent at the time of entry. If intent cannot be proven, the charges may not stand. That’s why having a seasoned Granada Hills criminal defense lawyer is critical—they can dismantle the prosecution’s case and challenge the supposed intent to commit a crime inside.

Embezzlement

Embezzlement, as defined in Penal Code § 503, is the misappropriation of property by someone who was entrusted with it. These cases often arise in employment or business settings where funds, inventory, or company assets are involved. In Granada Hills, embezzlement charges can impact not only your freedom but your professional reputation and career prospects.

Penalties for Embezzlement

• Charges depend on the value of the stolen property:
• Less than $950: Misdemeanor
• More than $950: Felony
• Penalties may include jail or prison time, restitution, and fines
• Professional licenses may be revoked or suspended

Because embezzlement involves a breach of trust, the prosecution will try to paint the act as deliberate and malicious. But misunderstandings, accounting errors, or poor documentation can be to blame. An experienced Granada Hills theft attorney can build a strong defense to demonstrate a lack of criminal intent and protect your future from irreversible damage.

Proposition 47

Passed in 2014, Proposition 47 reclassified certain non-violent theft crimes—such as petty theft, shoplifting, and possession of stolen property—as misdemeanors if the value involved is $950 or less. This law has provided meaningful relief to many individuals in Granada Hills who previously faced harsher penalties for low-level offenses.

If you’ve been charged with a felony for a qualifying offense, or were convicted prior to Prop 47’s enactment, you may be eligible for a sentence reduction or resentencing. This can significantly reduce the time you spend in custody and eliminate the long-term burdens of a felony record.

At My Rights Law, we can review your case to determine if Prop 47 applies and pursue the best possible outcome—whether that’s misdemeanor treatment or a complete dismissal.

Defending Strategy Against Theft Charges

Every theft case is different, but our Granada Hills legal team at My Rights Law uses proven defense strategies tailored to your unique circumstances. These include:

Lack of Intent

Intent is a crucial element in any theft charge. If we can show that your actions were accidental or stemmed from a misunderstanding, your charges may be dropped or reduced.

Mistaken Identity

Theft cases often involve unclear surveillance footage or unreliable witnesses. If there’s any doubt about your identification, we’ll aggressively challenge the prosecution’s case.

Illegal Search and Seizure

If law enforcement violated your Fourth Amendment rights during a stop or arrest, we’ll move to suppress that evidence—potentially dismantling the prosecution’s argument.

Consent or Ownership Dispute

If you believed the property was yours—or had permission to take or use it—we will build a defense showing no criminal intent was involved.

Diversion and Probation Options

First-time offenders may qualify for alternative resolutions such as:

• Pretrial diversion programs
• Probation in place of incarceration
• Court-approved theft education courses

These can keep your record clean and help avoid jail. Our mission is to defend your freedom, your future, and your reputation.

Protect Your Future – Contact With Granada Hills Theft Crime Attorney

Theft charges in California can derail your future—but they don’t have to. An experienced Granada Hills theft attorney can help you fight back before it’s too late. Don’t wait until the prosecutor builds a case against you.

At My Rights Law, our skilled Granada Hills theft crime lawyers have secured countless case dismissals, favorable plea deals, and alternative sentencing outcomes. We work relentlessly to shield you from harsh penalties and wrongful convictions.

Take control of your situation now. Contact the Granada Hills defense attorney trusted to protect what matters most.

Call us today at (747) 249 5077 or contact us online to schedule your free, confidential consultation. Your future may depend on it.

Ready to speak with a Granada Hills theft crime attorney? Contact us now at (747) 249 5077 or contact us online.