Laguna Niguel Theft Attorney

Theft Attorney in Laguna Niguel – Free Strategy Session

Being accused of a theft crime in Laguna Niguel places your reputation, freedom, and future in serious jeopardy. The stakes are high, and you cannot afford to wait. Whether you are facing allegations of shoplifting, grand theft, burglary, embezzlement, or any other theft-related charge, the consequences can be severe. Jail time, fines, probation, and even the possibility of a felony conviction that will permanently impact your record are all on the table. Even a misdemeanor theft conviction can follow you, affecting employment opportunities and personal relationships.

At My Rights Law, we understand the intricate nature of theft laws and how aggressively these cases are prosecuted in Orange County. It’s essential to have a knowledgeable and determined theft defense attorney on your side who will fight to minimize or eliminate the penalties you face. The sooner you contact a skilled California theft lawyer at (949) 942-8580, the sooner we can begin building your defense and safeguarding your rights. Don’t risk your future – start your theft crime defense strategy today.

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

Common Laguna Niguel Theft Crimes

Theft crimes in California are covered under different sections of the Penal Code and range widely in both scope and severity. Each theft case has its own unique circumstances, which means prosecution and defense strategies will vary depending on the details. However, all theft crimes involve the unlawful taking of another person’s property with the intent to deprive the owner of it permanently.

Some of the most common theft charges clients face in Laguna Niguel 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 law you’ve been accused of violating, we have the knowledge and experience to defend your rights. Below, we explain the differences between these offenses and how they may be prosecuted in Laguna Niguel.

Petty Theft

California Penal Code section 484(a) defines petty theft as the unlawful taking of property valued at $950 or less. This offense is commonly associated with minor shoplifting, picking pockets, or other low-value thefts around Laguna Niguel. Petty theft is typically prosecuted as a misdemeanor and comes with a range of consequences, depending on the circumstances.

Penalty for a Petty Theft

Generally, petty theft carries the following penalties:

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

The severity of penalties may increase if aggravating factors are present, such as the identity of the victim (e.g., elderly or disabled individuals), use of force, or prior theft convictions. A “petty theft with a prior” may be prosecuted as a felony and result in significantly harsher penalties. An experienced theft attorney in Laguna Niguel can often negotiate for alternatives to jail or seek dismissal based on your case details.

Shoplifting

Under Penal Code 459.5(a), shoplifting means entering a commercial business during regular hours with the intent to steal merchandise valued at $950 or less. Most shoplifting charges in Laguna Niguel are prosecuted as misdemeanors, but certain prior convictions can make the charge a felony.

Penalties for Shoplifting

• Usually a misdemeanor
• Up to six months in county jail
• Court fines and possible restitution to the store owner
• If you have prior convictions for serious crimes, the charge may become a felony

If this is your first shoplifting offense, you may qualify for reduced penalties or diversion programs. A skilled Laguna Niguel theft crime attorney may be able to negotiate a plea for an alternative sentence or, in some cases, get the charge dismissed altogether.

Grand Theft

According to Penal Code section 487(a), grand theft involves stealing property or money valued at more than $950. Grand theft also applies to cases involving firearms, vehicles, or certain types of livestock, regardless of value. Unlike petty theft, grand theft can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony, which is known as a “wobbler” offense.

Penalties for Grand Theft

The penalties for grand theft in Laguna Niguel depend on how the crime is charged:

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

A felony grand theft conviction can have long-lasting impacts, including difficulties in securing employment, housing, or professional licenses, and potential immigration consequences. The stakes are high, which is why it’s critical to work with a knowledgeable Laguna Niguel theft attorney who can help you fight the charges and minimize the damage to your life and reputation.

Burglary

Burglary, under Penal Code 459, is defined as entering a structure—such as a home or business—with the intent to commit theft or any felony inside. Burglary charges in Laguna Niguel are separated into first-degree (residential) and second-degree (commercial) burglary.

Penalties for Burglary

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

Because burglary requires the intent to commit a crime before entering, the prosecution must prove your state of mind. An experienced Laguna Niguel criminal defense attorney can challenge this element and may be able to reduce or dismiss the charges by demonstrating a lack of intent.

Embezzlement

Embezzlement, as described in Penal Code 503, involves the fraudulent taking of property by someone who was entrusted with it—often in employment or financial contexts. Embezzlement is prosecuted as either petty theft or grand theft, based on the value of the property or funds involved.

Penalties for Embezzlement

• Less than $950: Usually a misdemeanor
• More than $950: Can be charged as a felony
• Restitution, fines, probation, or jail/prison time
• Possible loss of professional licenses and reputation

Even an honest mistake or accounting error can lead to embezzlement charges. The consequences can be serious, including jail time and lasting professional harm. It is crucial to have an experienced theft attorney in Laguna Niguel who can build a defense strategy to show a lack of criminal intent or prove that you acted in good faith, potentially reducing or dismissing the charges.

Proposition 47

Proposition 47, passed in California in 2014, reclassified several non-violent theft offenses from felonies to misdemeanors. This includes crimes such as petty theft, shoplifting, and receiving stolen property valued at $950 or less. As a result, many people facing theft charges in Laguna Niguel now qualify for reduced sentences or even resentencing if previously convicted of more serious charges. If you are currently charged with a felony theft crime, our law firm can assess your eligibility for Proposition 47 relief and fight to have your charges reduced to a misdemeanor, minimizing the long-term consequences you face.

Defending Strategy Against Theft Charges

Every theft case is unique, but we use proven strategies at My Rights Law, always customized to your specific circumstances. Key tactics include:

Lack of Intent

Intent is a fundamental element of any theft charge. If we can show that the alleged theft was accidental or simply a misunderstanding, we may achieve a reduction or even dismissal of charges.

Mistaken Identity

Theft allegations often depend on poor surveillance footage or questionable witness testimony. If you were wrongly identified, we aggressively challenge the prosecution’s evidence.

Illegal Search and Seizure

If law enforcement officers violated your constitutional rights during their investigation, we can move to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence and significantly weaken the case against you.

Consent or Ownership Dispute

If the property in question was borrowed, given, or rightfully yours, we will demonstrate that there was no unlawful intent to steal, aiming to dismiss or reduce the charges.

Diversion and Probation Options

For eligible first-time offenders, we may pursue:

• Pretrial diversion
• Probation in lieu of jail time
• Theft education or counseling programs

These alternatives can prevent a conviction and help protect your record. Our priority is always your freedom, reputation, and future.

Protect Your Future – Contact a Laguna Niguel Theft Crime Attorney

Facing a theft charge in California is serious, but with the right attorney, you can fight for your future. The team at My Rights Law in Laguna Niguel is experienced in getting charges dismissed, negotiating favorable plea deals, and avoiding jail time. Don’t leave your future to chance—get a proven theft defense lawyer on your side today.

Don’t go through this alone. Work with the Laguna Niguel theft crime attorney trusted to protect your rights when it matters most.

Call us now at (949) 942-8580 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation. One call could change everything.

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