Hollywood Theft Attorney

Theft Attorney in Hollywood – Free Strategy Session

Being accused of a theft crime in Hollywood puts your freedom, future, and reputation in serious jeopardy. Whether the charges involve shoplifting, burglary, grand theft, or embezzlement, every theft offense in California is treated seriously and can result in severe penalties, including jail time, expensive fines, probation, and a permanent mark on your criminal record. In certain situations, prosecutors may even pursue felony charges, which can have lifelong consequences for your employment and personal life.

Don’t leave your future to chance—speak to an experienced Hollywood theft defense attorney as soon as possible. At My Rights Law, we understand how to build strong defenses that can help reduce or dismiss charges altogether. Contact our office now for a free, no-obligation strategy session by calling (424) 421-2330. The sooner we begin crafting your defense, the better your chances for a favorable outcome.

Ready to speak with a Hollywood theft crime attorney? Contact us now at (424) 421-2330 or contact us online.

Common Hollywood Theft Crimes

Theft-related offenses in California are categorized in the Penal Code and prosecuted based on the value of the property and circumstances of the crime. Each theft charge requires a unique legal approach, but the general definition is the unlawful taking of another’s property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. In Hollywood, we routinely help clients charged with a variety of theft crimes, 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

Regardless of which theft charge you’re facing, our team at My Rights Law knows how to tackle it. We’ll explain the legal definitions, potential penalties, and your best defense options moving forward.

Petty Theft

Under California Penal Code section 484(a), petty theft is defined as the unlawful taking of property valued at $950 or less. These offenses often include acts like shoplifting small items, pickpocketing, or taking unattended property. Despite the low dollar value, being convicted of petty theft can still lead to criminal consequences and affect your record. If you are charged with petty theft in Hollywood, you should take the charge seriously, especially if you’ve had prior theft-related offenses.

Penalty for a Petty Theft

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

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

The severity of the punishment can increase depending on the circumstances — for example, if the victim was particularly vulnerable, or if there was the use of fear or force. A prior record can also escalate the charge to “petty theft with a prior,” which may result in felony charges and far stricter sentencing. A knowledgeable Hollywood theft lawyer can help avoid these outcomes.

Shoplifting

Shoplifting, under Penal Code 459.5(a), occurs when someone enters a commercial establishment during regular hours with the intent to steal merchandise worth $950 or less. Even if nothing is actually taken, having the intent alone can lead to a shoplifting charge. These cases are especially common in busy areas like Hollywood, and surveillance footage often becomes a key part of the prosecution’s case.

Penalties for Shoplifting

• Usually a misdemeanor
• Up to six months in jail
• Court fines and possible restitution
• Can be charged as a felony if you have prior serious convictions (rape, murder, sex crimes)

If this is your first offense, the court may offer alternative sentencing, such as diversion programs. An experienced Hollywood theft attorney can often negotiate a dismissal or reduced sentence, especially if the offense was minor or driven by a momentary lapse in judgment.

Grand Theft

Grand theft, defined under Penal Code section 487(a), refers to stealing property valued over $950. It also includes the theft of certain items regardless of value, such as firearms, motor vehicles, or certain livestock. Grand theft can be charged based on the property’s worth or its nature. In Hollywood, grand theft cases can arise from retail theft, employee theft, or even online transactions gone wrong.

Penalties for Grand Theft

Grand theft is classified as a “wobbler” offense, meaning it can be filed as either a misdemeanor or a felony:

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

Being convicted of grand theft — especially as a felony — can significantly affect your life. Beyond jail time, you may face trouble securing employment, housing, or even immigration-related issues. That’s why having a Hollywood theft crime attorney by your side is crucial. We work to have your charges reduced or dismissed by challenging the evidence and negotiating with the prosecution.

Burglary

Under Penal Code 459, burglary is defined as entering any building — residential or commercial — with the intent to commit theft or a felony once inside. First-degree burglary applies to residential homes and is always a felony, while second-degree burglary involves places like stores or businesses and can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony.

Penalties for Burglary

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

Burglary charges hinge heavily on proving intent before entry. A skilled Hollywood burglary defense lawyer can often dispute this intent, which may lead to reduced or dropped charges depending on the circumstances. Don’t face these charges alone — a solid legal defense makes a significant difference in the outcome.

Embezzlement

Embezzlement is covered under Penal Code section 503 and involves the fraudulent taking of property by someone who was entrusted with it. It often occurs in professional or financial settings — for instance, employees managing funds or assets. What makes embezzlement different from other theft crimes is the breach of trust rather than simple unauthorized taking.

Penalties for Embezzlement

• Classified based on the amount taken:
• Less than $950: Misdemeanor
• Over $950: Felony
• Penalties include restitution, court fines, jail or prison time, and damage to professional reputation

Because embezzlement cases often involve complex financial records, misunderstandings or accounting errors can lead to criminal charges. If you’ve been accused of embezzlement in Hollywood, having a theft lawyer with experience in white-collar crimes is critical. We can help clarify the facts, present evidence in your favor, and demonstrate lack of criminal intent — often the deciding factor in these cases.

Proposition 47

Proposition 47, passed by California voters in 2014, significantly changed the landscape for non-violent theft crimes. It reclassified many former felonies — including petty theft, shoplifting, and receiving stolen property — as misdemeanors if the value involved is $950 or less.

This change offers many individuals the opportunity for reduced sentencing, or even resentencing in past convictions. If you’ve been charged with a theft crime in Hollywood, you may qualify for Proposition 47 relief.

At My Rights Law, we assess every theft case for Prop 47 eligibility and work to ensure you receive the most favorable outcome — whether that means a reduced charge, lighter penalty, or full dismissal.

Defending Strategy Against Theft Charges

Theft cases are never one-size-fits-all, but our proven strategies at My Rights Law allow us to customize defenses to fit your unique situation. These include:

Lack of Intent

Intent is crucial in theft cases. If we can show you didn’t knowingly or willfully intend to steal—perhaps it was a misunderstanding or accident—we can argue for dismissed or reduced charges.

Mistaken Identity

Theft accusations often rely on flawed evidence like grainy surveillance footage or mistaken witnesses. If your identity is uncertain, we challenge the reliability of such evidence.

Illegal Search and Seizure

If law enforcement violated your Fourth Amendment rights by conducting an unlawful search or seizure, we’ll work to suppress that evidence and weaken the prosecution’s case.

Consent or Ownership Dispute

We’ll argue there was no theft if the property was borrowed, gifted, or if ownership was unclear. A misunderstanding should not lead to criminal charges.

Diversion and Probation Options

For those with no prior record, we may pursue:

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

These options can prevent a conviction and preserve your clean record. Our mission is to protect your future, not just fight your case.

Protect Your Future – Contact a Hollywood Theft Crime Attorney

Facing a theft charge in California doesn’t mean your life is over. A skilled Hollywood theft crime lawyer can help minimize the damage and build a strong defense.

At My Rights Law, our Hollywood theft attorneys have successfully beaten charges, reduced penalties, and avoided jail for our clients. We are strategic, aggressive, and committed to your defense.

Don’t try to face this alone. Choose a theft attorney in Hollywood who knows how to protect your rights when it matters most.

Call us now at (424) 421-2330 or contact us online to schedule your free, confidential consultation. One call could change the outcome of your case.

Ready to speak with a Hollywood theft crime attorney? Contact us now at (424) 421-2330 or contact us online.