Highland Theft Attorney

Theft Attorney in Highland – Free Strategy Session

Being charged with a theft crime in Highland puts your future and freedom at serious risk, and every moment counts. Theft offenses can include shoplifting, burglary, grand theft, embezzlement, and more—all carrying potential penalties like jail time, fines, and probation. In many cases, prosecutors may pursue felony charges, resulting in a permanent criminal record that impacts your life long-term.

If you are facing theft charges, don’t delay—contact a knowledgeable California theft lawyer at (909) 639-2551 immediately. The sooner you begin building your defense strategy, the better your chances of minimizing the consequences.

Ready to speak with a Highland theft crime attorney? Contact us now at (909) 639-2551 or contact us online.

Common Highland Theft Crimes

Theft offenses fall under various sections of the California Penal Code, each treated according to its seriousness and circumstances. While they differ in specifics, all theft crimes share a legal core: unlawfully taking someone else’s property with intent to steal. In Highland, we frequently handle 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 which theft statute applies to your case, we have the experience to approach it properly. Let’s explore what these charges mean and how they can be contested.

Petty Theft

Penal Code section 484(a) defines petty theft as unlawfully taking property valued at $950 or less. This offense often involves minor acts such as shoplifting, pickpocketing, or low-value thefts.

Penalty for Petty Theft

Typically, petty theft is charged as a misdemeanor and may include punishments such as:

• Up to 6 months in county jail
• A fine of up to $1,000
• Probation, community service, or mandatory theft education classes

The severity of the punishment depends on factors like the total value of stolen items and circumstances such as the victim’s status (e.g., business, elderly, disabled, minor), use of force or intimidation, and prior offenses. Repeat petty theft convictions may escalate to felony charges, resulting in harsher consequences. Having a skilled Highland theft attorney can make a significant difference in minimizing penalties and protecting your future.

Shoplifting

Under Penal Code 459.5(a), shoplifting is defined as entering a commercial business during regular hours with the intent to steal merchandise valued at $950 or less.

Penalties for Shoplifting

• Usually charged as a misdemeanor
• Up to six months in county jail
• Court fines and possible restitution
• Felony charges possible if you have prior serious convictions such as rape, murder, or sex crimes

If this is your first shoplifting offense, there may be options for reduced charges or alternative sentencing. A dedicated Highland theft attorney can work to negotiate lesser penalties, alternative programs, or even a dismissal depending on your case details.

Grand Theft

According to Penal Code 487(a), grand theft occurs when the value of stolen property exceeds $950. This also applies to theft involving firearms, vehicles, or certain livestock.

Penalties for Grand Theft

Grand theft is considered a “wobbler” crime, meaning it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony based on circumstances and value of the property stolen. 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 conviction can have serious long-term consequences beyond the courtroom, affecting employment opportunities, housing, and immigration status. To protect your rights and future, it’s essential to have an experienced Highland theft attorney who understands how to challenge felony charges and fight for reduced penalties.

Burglary

Penal Code 459 defines burglary as unlawfully entering a building—residential or commercial—with the intent to commit theft or any felony inside. Burglary is classified as either first-degree (residential) or second-degree (commercial).

Penalties for Burglary

• First-degree burglary is always a felony
• Prison terms of 2, 4, or 6 years
• Considered 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

Burglary charges often carry heavier penalties because they require proof of intent before entry. A knowledgeable Highland defense attorney can challenge the prosecution’s evidence on intent or entry to reduce charges or seek dismissal where possible.

Embezzlement

Embezzlement, covered under Penal Code 503, involves the fraudulent appropriation of property by someone entrusted with it, typically occurring in employment or financial account contexts.

Penalties for Embezzlement

• Charges depend on the value of the property involved
• Less than $950: misdemeanor
• Over $950: felony
• May include restitution, fines, jail or prison time, and professional consequences

Even misunderstandings or accounting errors can lead to embezzlement charges if malicious intent is assumed. A skilled theft lawyer in Highland can help demonstrate the absence of intent and clarify the facts to protect your rights and future.

Proposition 47

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

This reform allows many defendants to seek reduced sentencing or even resentencing if they were previously convicted under harsher felony laws.

If you face felony theft charges, our legal team at My Rights Law can review your case to determine eligibility for Proposition 47 relief and advocate for misdemeanor treatment to reduce the impact on your life.

Defending Strategy Against Theft Charges

Every theft case is unique, but at My Rights Law, we use proven defense strategies tailored to your specific circumstances. Common approaches include:

Lack of Intent

The key element in theft crimes is intent. If we can show the act was accidental or misunderstood, we can seek reduced charges or dismissal.

Mistaken Identity

Theft cases often rely on flawed video or unreliable witnesses. If you are not clearly identified, we will challenge the credibility of the evidence.

Illegal Search and Seizure

If law enforcement violated your constitutional rights during any search or arrest, we can file motions to exclude evidence, weakening the prosecution’s case.

Consent or Ownership Dispute

If the property was borrowed, gifted, or belonged to you, we will raise this defense to show no unlawful taking occurred.

Diversion and Probation Options

For first-time offenders, we may seek:

• Pretrial diversion programs
• Probation instead of incarceration
• Theft education courses

These alternatives help avoid convictions and protect your record. Our priority is to defend your freedom, reputation, and future.

Protect Your Future – Contact With Highland Theft Crime Attorney

Being charged with theft in California is overwhelming but not the end. A skilled Highland theft attorney can help reduce the impact on your life.

At My Rights Law, our Highland theft defense team fights aggressively to beat charges, negotiate better outcomes, and keep clients out of jail.

Don’t face this alone. Trust the Highland theft lawyers who protect your most serious legal interests.

Call us now at (909) 639-2551 or contact us online for a free consultation. One call can make all the difference.

Ready to speak with a Highland theft crime attorney? Contact us now at (909) 639-2551 or contact us online.