La Habra Theft Attorney

Theft Attorney in La Habra – Free Strategy Session

Being accused of a theft crime in La Habra is a serious matter that puts your future and your reputation on the line. Whether you are facing charges for shoplifting, burglary, grand theft, embezzlement, or another theft-related offense, the consequences can include jail time, heavy fines, and a criminal record that may affect your life for years. In some situations, you could even be facing felony charges that have long-lasting effects, including challenges with employment and housing.

If you are being investigated or have been charged with a theft crime, it is critical to act quickly and contact an experienced La Habra theft attorney at (562) 203-0434. The sooner you begin working on your defense, the better your chances of reducing or even dismissing the charges. At My Rights Law, we understand the stakes and will fight to protect your rights from the very start.

Ready to speak with a La Habra theft crime attorney? Contact us now at (562) 203-0434 or contact us online.

Common La Habra Theft Crimes

The California Penal Code categorizes theft crimes in several ways, and the way a case is prosecuted depends on the specific type of theft and its circumstances. Each case is unique, but at the core, theft involves unlawfully taking someone else’s property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it.

Some of the most common theft offenses prosecuted in La Habra 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 theft charge you are facing, our team is prepared to build a defense tailored to your situation. Below, we explain what each charge means and how it may be handled in court.

Petty Theft

California Penal Code section 484(a) defines petty theft as the unlawful taking of property valued at $950 or less. In La Habra, this offense most often involves low-value items, such as minor shoplifting or small acts of stealing. Many cases are straightforward misunderstandings or lapses in judgment, but a conviction can still result in a permanent criminal record.

Penalty for a Petty Theft

Petty theft is generally charged as a misdemeanor in La Habra and may carry the following penalties:

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

The actual consequences can depend on several factors, including prior offenses, who the victim was, and the circumstances of the alleged theft. If there are prior theft convictions, you may be charged with “petty theft with a prior,” which in some situations can be elevated to a felony and carry significantly harsher punishments. Having the right legal defense can make a critical difference in your case.

Shoplifting

Under Penal Code 459.5(a), shoplifting is defined as entering an open business during normal hours with the intent to steal merchandise worth $950 or less. This law covers a range of activities, from switching price tags to concealing items in a store.

Penalties for Shoplifting

• Usually prosecuted as a misdemeanor
• Up to 6 months in county jail
• Court fines and possible restitution
• If you have serious prior convictions (such as for violent or sex crimes), shoplifting may be charged as a felony

If you’re facing your first shoplifting charge in La Habra, there are options to avoid jail time, including diversion programs, alternative sentencing, or dismissal. An experienced theft crimes attorney can negotiate for a more favorable outcome and help you avoid a criminal record whenever possible.

Grand Theft

According to Penal Code 487(a), grand theft occurs when the value of the stolen property is over $950, or if the crime involves certain types of property, like cars, firearms, or livestock, regardless of value. Grand theft can be more complex than other theft crimes, with charges that depend on both what was taken and how the theft was committed.

Penalties for Grand Theft

Grand theft is classified as a “wobbler” in California, meaning it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. The difference is crucial:

• 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 conviction for grand theft can severely impact your future, making it harder to secure jobs or housing, and may even result in immigration issues for non-citizens. That’s why it’s critical to have a La Habra theft lawyer on your side—someone who knows how to challenge the prosecution’s case and fight to reduce or dismiss charges.

Burglary

Penal Code 459 describes burglary as entering a structure (whether residential or commercial) with the intent to commit theft or another felony inside. There are two degrees: first-degree (residential) and second-degree (commercial) burglary, and both can bring serious legal consequences.

Penalties for Burglary

• First-degree burglary: Always a felony
• 2, 4, or 6 years in state prison
• Counts as a strike under the Three Strikes Law
• Second-degree burglary: Misdemeanor or felony
• Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail
• Felony: Up to 3 years in state prison

Burglaries are prosecuted aggressively in La Habra, especially if there is evidence of intent before entering the premises. However, a skilled defense attorney may be able to challenge the intent element and push for a reduction or dismissal of the charges.

Embezzlement

Embezzlement, under Penal Code 503, is defined as the fraudulent taking or misuse of property by someone who was entrusted to manage or control it. Most embezzlement cases involve employment situations or financial accounts, such as unauthorized use of business funds.

Penalties for Embezzlement

• Penalties depend on the value of the property:
• Under $950: Misdemeanor
• Over $950: Felony
• Other consequences include restitution, fines, jail or prison, and possible professional disciplinary actions

Embezzlement charges can arise from misunderstandings, accounting errors, or accidental mistakes. Unfortunately, even an honest error can result in criminal prosecution. If you are accused, it’s vital to work with a La Habra theft lawyer who can explain your side of the story, demonstrate a lack of intent, and help you avoid harsh penalties or a criminal record.

Proposition 47

In 2014, California voters approved Proposition 47, which reclassified many non-violent theft-related crimes—like petty theft, shoplifting, and receiving stolen property valued at $950 or less—from felonies to misdemeanors. This change allows many people with old felony convictions for these crimes to seek resentencing or have their charges reduced to misdemeanors.

If you are facing felony theft charges in La Habra or want to know if you qualify for Prop 47 relief, our law office can review your case and help you pursue all available options. Our team is dedicated to protecting your rights and achieving the best possible outcome for your situation.

Defending Strategy Against Theft Charges

Every theft case is unique, but there are proven strategies My Rights Law uses while customizing our approach to your specific circumstances. Our core defense tactics include:

Lack of Intent

A crucial part of any theft case is intent. If we show your actions were accidental or there was no intention to steal, we can seek reduced or dismissed charges.

Mistaken Identity

Theft accusations can stem from unreliable witnesses or poor-quality surveillance. If you weren’t clearly identified, we’ll challenge the prosecution’s entire case against you.

Illegal Search and Seizure

If law enforcement violated your constitutional rights during a stop, search, or arrest, we can move to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence, which weakens the prosecution’s case.

Consent or Ownership Dispute

If the property in question was borrowed, given to you, or lawfully yours, we’ll demonstrate there was no theft, aiming to resolve the case in your favor.

Diversion and Probation Options

For first-time offenders, we may pursue:

• Pretrial diversion
• Probation instead of jail time
• Theft education programs

These alternatives help you avoid a conviction and keep your record clean. Our priority is always to protect your freedom, reputation, and future.

Protect Your Future – Contact With La Habra Theft Crime Attorney

Facing theft charges in California can feel overwhelming, but it does not have to define your future. With the right La Habra theft crime attorney, you can fight to reduce the impact on your life. Don’t let the prosecutor control your outcome—secure strong legal support early on.

At My Rights Law, our La Habra theft lawyers are known for winning cases, negotiating favorable deals, and keeping clients out of jail. We’re determined, strategic, and dedicated to protecting your rights at every stage.

Don’t go through this alone. Turn to a theft defense lawyer La Habra residents trust with their most important legal battles.

Call us now at (562) 203-0434 or contact us online for a free consultation. One call could be the difference between jail time and walking free.

Ready to speak with a La Habra theft crime attorney? Contact us now at (562) 203-0434 or contact us online.