Laguna Beach Theft Attorney

Theft Attorney in Laguna Beach – Free Strategy Session

Being accused of a theft crime in Laguna Beach puts your reputation, your freedom, and your future on the line. There are many different types of theft crimes—including shoplifting, burglary, grand theft, embezzlement, and more—and each comes with the potential for serious penalties. Convictions can lead to jail or prison time, expensive fines, lengthy probation, and even the possibility of a felony record that could follow you for life.

If you are facing theft charges, don’t delay—contact a knowledgeable California theft attorney at (949) 942-8580 immediately. Your best chance for a positive outcome is to begin your defense strategy as early as possible, so act quickly to protect your rights and your future.

Ready to speak with a Laguna Beach theft crime attorney? Contact us now at (949) 942-8580 or contact us online.

Common Laguna Beach Theft Crimes

Theft crimes are classified in several ways under the California Penal Code. The prosecution and penalties depend on the nature and circumstances of the alleged crime, making each case unique. At their core, all theft crimes involve the unlawful taking of property belonging to someone else, with the intent to deprive the owner of it. Our team regularly defends clients against a wide range of theft charges in Laguna Beach, 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 statute you have been charged under, we have the experience and strategies to handle it. Below, we’ll explain what each of these offenses means and discuss how they may be prosecuted in Laguna Beach.

Petty Theft

Petty theft in Laguna Beach is defined by Penal Code section 484(a) as the unlawful taking of property valued at $950 or less. Common examples include shoplifting, pickpocketing, or stealing items of low value from businesses or individuals. Despite seeming minor, a petty theft conviction can have serious and lasting consequences, especially if it is not your first offense. In addition to a criminal record, you may face significant penalties and find it difficult to move on with your life if you are not properly represented.

Penalty for a Petty Theft

Generally, petty theft is charged as a misdemeanor in California and can result in:

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

The severity of your penalty may be influenced by the circumstances, such as the victim involved or whether there are prior theft convictions. Multiple offenses may trigger a “petty theft with a prior,” which could potentially be charged as a felony and lead to even harsher consequences. That’s why it is essential to work with a knowledgeable Laguna Beach theft attorney who can advocate for your best interests.

Shoplifting

Shoplifting, according to Penal Code 459.5(a), occurs when someone enters a commercial establishment during normal business hours intending to steal merchandise worth $950 or less. Even a single act of shoplifting can carry criminal consequences in Laguna Beach, so it is important to understand your rights and potential defenses.

Penalties for Shoplifting

• Usually charged as a misdemeanor
• Up to 6 months in county jail
• Fines and possible restitution to the store owner
• If you have prior convictions for serious crimes (such as murder or sex offenses), shoplifting may be charged as a felony

If this is your first shoplifting offense, you may have options to reduce or even dismiss the charges. An experienced theft crime lawyer in Laguna Beach can help you seek alternatives to jail time, such as diversion programs, or argue for a lighter sentence based on your unique situation.

Grand Theft

Under Penal Code 487(a), grand theft is committed when the value of the property taken exceeds $950. It also covers cases involving the theft of automobiles, firearms, or certain livestock, regardless of value. Grand theft is considered more severe than petty theft due to the higher value or special nature of the stolen property.

Penalties for Grand Theft

Grand theft in California is a “wobbler,” meaning it can be prosecuted either as a misdemeanor or a felony. The potential consequences include:

• Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail
• Felony: Up to 3 years in state prison
• Possible restitution and formal probation

Beyond time in jail or prison, a felony grand theft conviction can follow you for years, affecting employment, housing, and even immigration status. The penalties and impact are serious, which is why you should have a dedicated Laguna Beach theft attorney on your side, someone who understands how to fight for the best possible outcome and minimize the lasting consequences of a grand theft charge.

Burglary

Penal Code 459 defines burglary as entering a building—residential or commercial—with the intent to commit theft or any felony inside. Burglary is divided into first-degree (residential) and second-degree (commercial) charges, each carrying different levels of severity. The key element is intent before entry, which is often the focus of legal defense.

Penalties for Burglary

• First-degree (residential) burglary is always a felony:
• 2, 4, or 6 years in state prison
• Considered a strike under California’s Three Strikes Law
• Second-degree (commercial) burglary is a wobbler:
• Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail
• Felony: Up to 3 years in prison

Burglary is prosecuted more severely than many other theft offenses because it involves premeditation. However, a skilled Laguna Beach criminal defense attorney can challenge the prosecution’s claim of intent and work to have charges reduced or dismissed entirely, especially when evidence is weak or circumstances are unclear.

Embezzlement

Embezzlement, under Penal Code 503, refers to the fraudulent appropriation of property by someone entrusted with it. This often occurs in the workplace or when someone has access to funds or assets through a position of trust. Even an honest mistake or miscommunication can lead to embezzlement charges in Laguna Beach.

Penalties for Embezzlement

• Charged according to the value of the property:
• Less than $950: Usually a misdemeanor
• Over $950: May be charged as a felony
• Restitution, fines, jail or prison time, and potential professional consequences

Because embezzlement often involves complex financial transactions or misunderstandings, it’s vital to have an experienced Laguna Beach theft lawyer review your case. Legal representation can help clarify the facts, demonstrate a lack of intent, and protect your future from the significant impact of a conviction.

Proposition 47

Proposition 47, enacted in 2014, reclassified many non-violent theft offenses—such as petty theft, shoplifting, and receiving stolen property—as misdemeanors when the value involved is $950 or less. This change made it possible for many individuals previously charged with felonies to receive reduced sentencing or even resentencing under the new law.

If you are facing felony theft charges in Laguna Beach, our experienced legal team can assess your eligibility for Proposition 47 relief. We will work to have your charges reduced to misdemeanors whenever possible and fight for the best outcome in your case.

Defending Strategy Against Theft Charges

Every theft case in Laguna Beach is different, but there are several proven defense strategies that My Rights Law customizes for each client’s unique circumstances. The main approaches we use include:

Lack of Intent

One of the most important elements in a theft case is intent. If we can show that the alleged theft was accidental or due to a misunderstanding, the charges may be reduced or dismissed entirely.

Mistaken Identity

Theft charges often stem from unreliable witnesses or unclear surveillance footage. If you weren’t clearly identified, we will vigorously challenge the prosecution’s evidence.

Illegal Search and Seizure

If police officers violated your rights during a search, stop, or arrest, we can seek to have evidence suppressed, which could undermine the prosecution’s entire case.

Consent or Ownership Dispute

If you had permission to use the property or it actually belonged to you, we will argue that there was no illegal taking—potentially leading to dismissal of your case.

Diversion and Probation Options

For eligible first-time offenders, we may advocate for alternatives to jail such as:

• Pretrial diversion programs
• Probation instead of incarceration
• Theft awareness or education classes

These approaches help avoid a conviction and protect your future. Our mission is always to safeguard your freedom, your record, and your reputation.

Protect Your Future – Contact With Laguna Beach Theft Crime Attorney

Facing a theft charge in Laguna Beach can feel overwhelming, but it does not have to define your life. With a dedicated theft crime attorney, you can fight the charges and limit the consequences. Don’t let the prosecution overwhelm you—take action now.
At My Rights Law, our Laguna Beach theft defense team has a record of successfully defending clients, securing favorable deals, and helping people avoid jail time. We are strategic, relentless, and committed to protecting your rights.

Don’t go through this alone. Turn to the Laguna Beach theft lawyer trusted for the most serious criminal defense cases.

Call us now at (949) 942-8580 or contact us online for a free consultation. One call could be the difference between a conviction and a second chance.

Ready to speak with a Laguna Beach theft crime attorney? Contact us now at (949) 942-8580 or contact us online.