Indio Theft Attorney

Theft Attorney in Indio – Free Strategy Session

Being accused of a theft crime in Indio can have severe consequences for your future and your freedom. Whether the charges involve shoplifting, burglary, grand theft, embezzlement, or another type of theft, every case can result in jail time, significant fines, and probation. Sometimes, you might even be facing a felony conviction that will stay on your record permanently, impacting your life long after the case is resolved.

If you or a loved one is facing a theft charge, you shouldn’t delay. Contact a knowledgeable California theft attorney at (760) 340-7190 right away. The sooner you begin working on your defense, the more options you will have. Our team at My Rights Law is dedicated to building a strong strategy tailored to your unique circumstances, and we are ready to help protect your rights from the very start.

Ready to speak with a Indio theft crime attorney? Contact us now at (760) 340-7190 or contact us online.

Common Indio Theft Crimes

Theft crimes are addressed in several sections of the California Penal Code and can vary greatly in how they are prosecuted based on the type of offense and the specifics of your case. Regardless of the details, all theft crimes generally involve unlawfully taking someone else’s property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. Understanding the particular theft crime you’re charged with is crucial to building the right defense.

• 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 law you’re accused of violating, our experience in Indio means we know how to address your charges head-on. Below, we break down each of these offenses and what you need to know about their prosecution and possible defenses.

Petty Theft

Under Penal Code section 484(a), petty theft is defined as the unlawful taking of property valued at $950 or less. This offense typically includes minor acts such as shoplifting, pickpocketing, or other small-value thefts. Petty theft cases often stem from misunderstandings, mistakes, or brief lapses in judgment, but even a small theft charge can have major consequences for your record and future.

Penalty for a Petty Theft

Petty theft is usually charged as a misdemeanor and may result in:

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

The exact penalty depends on the value of the stolen property and other circumstances, such as who the victim is or if force was involved. A prior conviction can lead to harsher charges—sometimes even a felony under “petty theft with a prior.” For these reasons, you need an Indio theft attorney who can help protect your rights and minimize the consequences.

Shoplifting

Shoplifting, as defined by PC 459.5(a), occurs when someone enters a commercial business during normal hours with the intent to steal items worth $950 or less. Shoplifting is a common theft charge in Indio, but it still carries serious consequences.

Penalties for Shoplifting

• Usually a misdemeanor offense
• Up to six months in county jail
• Court fines and possible restitution
• If you have prior convictions for certain violent felonies, the charge can be elevated to a felony

If this is your first shoplifting offense, there is often a possibility of alternative sentencing or even dismissal. A skilled Indio theft lawyer can advocate for reduced penalties, alternative programs, or help you avoid a permanent criminal record.

Grand Theft

According to Penal Code 487(a), grand theft is committed when someone unlawfully takes property valued at more than $950. This charge also applies to thefts involving firearms, vehicles, or specific livestock, regardless of their value. Grand theft is a more serious theft charge and can have long-lasting effects on your life and livelihood if not handled properly.

Penalties for Grand Theft

Grand theft is considered a “wobbler,” meaning it may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the facts of the case and your history:

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

A felony grand theft conviction can seriously affect your ability to find work or housing, and may have immigration consequences. With so much at stake, you need an experienced theft attorney in Indio who can challenge the evidence and fight for a reduction or dismissal of your charges.

Burglary

Under PC 459, burglary is defined as entering a building—residential or commercial—with the intent to commit theft or any felony inside. First-degree burglary applies to residential properties and is always treated more severely, while second-degree burglary involves businesses and commercial spaces.

Penalties for Burglary

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

Burglary charges are aggressively prosecuted because they involve intent before entry. However, with an experienced Indio criminal defense lawyer on your side, it is possible to attack the intent element and potentially reduce or dismiss the charges entirely.

Embezzlement

Embezzlement, defined by Penal Code 503, is the fraudulent taking of property by someone entrusted to manage or control it. These cases frequently arise in employment settings, particularly where financial accounts or valuables are involved. Even if the loss was the result of a misunderstanding or poor bookkeeping, you may still face criminal charges.

Penalties for Embezzlement

• Charges depend on the value of the property taken:
  • Less than $950: Misdemeanor
  • More than $950: Felony
• Possible outcomes include restitution, fines, jail or prison time, and lasting professional consequences

Embezzlement charges are often highly technical, involving financial records and trust relationships. The best defense is to work with a theft attorney in Indio who can highlight the lack of intent or clarify the facts, helping you avoid a conviction over a mistake or miscommunication.

Proposition 47

Proposition 47, passed in 2014, significantly reduced the severity of many non-violent theft offenses by reclassifying certain felonies as misdemeanors. Offenses such as petty theft, shoplifting, and receiving stolen property valued at $950 or less now typically qualify for misdemeanor treatment under this law.

This law also provides for resentencing opportunities for those previously convicted under stricter felony statutes. If you are currently facing a theft charge in Indio, or have an old conviction, our team at My Rights Law can review your situation to determine if you qualify for Proposition 47 relief and work to get your charges or sentence reduced.

Defending Strategy Against Theft Charges

Every theft case is unique, but we apply proven strategies at My Rights Law while tailoring them to your particular circumstances. The primary defenses we use include:

Lack of Intent

The heart of any theft charge is the requirement of intent. If we can show there was no intent to steal—whether the act was accidental or a misunderstanding—charges may be reduced or dismissed entirely.

Mistaken Identity

Theft cases often depend on questionable surveillance footage or unreliable eyewitness testimony. If you haven’t been clearly identified, we challenge the prosecution’s case on that basis.

Illegal Search and Seizure

If your rights were violated during a stop, search, or arrest, we can seek to exclude illegally obtained evidence, significantly weakening the prosecution’s position.

Consent or Ownership Dispute

If you had consent to take the item, or there is a genuine dispute over ownership, we can present this defense to show there was no unlawful taking.

Diversion and Probation Options

For eligible first-time offenders, we often seek alternatives such as:

• Pretrial diversion programs
• Probation in place of incarceration
• Theft education or counseling

These approaches can help you avoid a conviction and keep your record clean. Our mission is to protect your freedom, reputation, and future above all else.

Protect Your Future – Contact With Indio Theft Crime Attorney

Facing theft charges in California can feel overwhelming, but it’s not the end. An experienced Indio theft crime attorney can help minimize the consequences and protect your future. Don’t wait for the prosecutor to build a case—get proactive defense now.

The My Rights Law theft lawyer Indio team is known for beating charges, securing favorable results, and keeping clients out of jail. We are strategic, aggressive, and fully committed to your rights.

Don’t face the legal system alone. Get a theft defense lawyer Indio residents trust with their most serious cases.

Call us now at (760) 340-7190 or contact us online for a free consultation. One call could mean the difference between jail and freedom.

Ready to speak with a Indio theft crime attorney? Contact us now at (760) 340-7190 or contact us online.