Los Angeles Theft Attorney

Theft Attorney in Los Angeles – Free Strategy Session

Getting charged with a theft crime in Los Angeles means your future and your freedom are at stake, and time is not on your side. While there are a number of different types of theft offenses (shoplifting, burglary, grand theft, embezzlement, etc), all of them can lead to jail time, fines, and probation. In some cases, the prosecutor may even charge you with a felony conviction that is permanent on your criminal record and will follow you for life.

At My Rights Law, we believe that nobody can be punished until proven guilty, which is why we are relentless in protecting our clients. Our experienced Los Angeles theft attorneys are dedicated to helping you and shielding your rights. Many theft crime charges stem from misunderstandings, false accusations, or sheer desperation. None of these should jeopardize your future, which is why we do everything possible to ensure your case gets the best result possible.

If charged with a theft offense, don’t wait and call a skilled California theft lawyer at (213) 577-1988. Time is against you, so starting your theft crimes defense strategy as soon as possible is necessary.

Ready to speak with a Los Angeles theft crime attorney? Contact us now at (213) 577-1988 or contact us online.

Common Los Angeles Theft Crimes

Theft crimes fall into various categories in the California Penal Code. Depending on the severity and the circumstances of the crime, it can be prosecuted differently, meaning that each type of theft needs to be addressed in its own way. However, the common legal definition for all of them is unlawful taking of someone else’s property with the intent to commit theft.

Some of the most common theft crime charges we see in Los Angeles 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

Whatever theft statute you have been charged with, we know just how to address it. Let’s break down what each of these terms means and how they may be prosecuted.

Petty Theft

Penal Code section 484(a) defines petty theft as the unlawful taking of any property valued at $950 or less. Typically, it involves minor shoplifting, pickpocketing, or other low-value thefts. 

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 depends on the cost of the stolen items and other conditions, like the victim (e.g., a business, an elderly person, a disabled person, a minor, etc), the use of force or fear, etc. Also, having prior offenses may trigger a petty theft with a prior, which, depending on your overall record, may even be charged as a felony and come with harsher penalties.

Shoplifting

Under PC 459.5(a), shoplifting is defined as entering a commercial establishment during regular business hours with the intent to steal merchandise valued at $950 or less.

Penalties for Shoplifting

• Usually a misdemeanor
• Up to six months in jail
• Court fines and possible restitution
• If you’ve been previously convicted of serious offenses (like rape, murder, or sex crimes), shoplifting can be upgraded to a felony.

If shoplifting is your first offense, you can get off easy. A Los Angeles theft crime attorney can argue for reducing your sentence, an alternative sentencing, or even a dismissal of the offense altogether.

Grand Theft

According to PC 487 (a), a theft is considered a grand theft when the value of the property stolen exceeds $950. It also applies to cases that involve firearms, automobiles, or certain livestock.

Penalties for Grand Theft

Unlike other types of theft crimes, grand theft can be filed as either a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances and the value of the stolen goods (so-called “wobbler” crime). Here is how the punishments vary:

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

Like with any other crime, a felony conviction can have a large impact on your life even outside the courtroom. If found guilty, you will likely struggle with finding employment and housing, and might even face immigration status-related issues. To mitigate those risks, you need an experienced theft attorney in Los Angeles who knows how to fight felony charges. 

Burglary

PC 459 defines burglary as entering a structure (residential or commercial) with the intent to commit theft or any felony inside. It includes both first-degree (residential) and second-degree (commercial) burglary.

Penalties for Burglary

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

Burglary is typically treated way more harshly than other kinds of theft because it requires intent before entry. However, a skilled Los Angeles criminal defense attorney can often attack and deprive this element to reduce the charges or dismiss them entirely.

Embezzlement

Embezzlement (or PC 503) is a fraudulent appropriation of property by a person who had been entrusted with it. The most common settings for embezzlement are employment or situations that involve financial accounts.

Penalties for Embezzlement

• Treated based on the value of the property
  • Less than $950: Misdemeanor
  • Over $950: Felony
• May include restitution, fines, jail or prison time, and professional consequences

The tricky part with embezzlement is that you can still be charged with a theft offense even if it was a misunderstanding or an accounting oversight. The best way to ensure an honest mistake doesn’t jeopardize your future is to find theft lawyer Los Angeles representation. They can help you build a defense strategy that will disprove any malicious intent and clarify all the facts.

Proposition 47

In 2014, Proposition 47 was passed, reclassifying many non-violent offenses from felonies to misdemeanors. That includes petty theft, shoplifting, and receiving stolen property when the value involved is $950 or less.

This means many defendants are now eligible for reduced sentencing, or even resentencing if previously convicted under stricter laws.

If you’re facing felony theft charges, our law group can evaluate your case for Prop 47 relief and push for misdemeanor treatment.

Defending Strategy Against Theft Charges

All the theft cases are unique, there are common strategies that we apply at My Rights Law while tailoring them to your specific situation. The main tactics we use include:

Lack of Intent

The major element of any crime (including theft) is malicious intent. If we disprove the intent to commit theft by proving it was accidental or misunderstood, we can fight for reduced or even dropped charges.

Mistaken Identity

Theft crimes often rely on poor-quality video or unreliable eyewitnesses. If you’re not clearly identified, we can challenge the entire case.

Illegal Search and Seizure

If law enforcement violated your constitutional rights during a stop, search, or arrest, we can suppress the evidence and weaken the prosecutor’s case.

Consent or Ownership Dispute

If the item was borrowed, gifted, or rightfully yours, we’ll raise this defense to prove there was no unlawful taking.

Diversion and Probation Options

For first-time offenders, we may pursue:

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

These options help avoid a conviction and keep your record clean.

Our main goal is not to win, but to protect your freedom, your reputation, and your future. 

Protect Your Future – Contact With Los Angeles Theft Crime Attorney

Overwhelming as it may be, being charged with a theft crime in California is not the end of the world. While it can affect every aspect of your life, a qualified Los Angeles theft crime attorney can help you minimize them. Don’t let the prosecutor drown you in charges and allegations; get help in advance.

At My Rights Law, our theft lawyer Los Angeles team has a proven track record of beating charges, negotiating favorable outcomes, and keeping our clients out of jail. We are relentless, strategic, and completely dedicated to protecting your rights.

Don’t face this alone. Get a defense lawyer for theft crimes that Los Angeles clients trust to handle their most serious legal battles.

📞 Call us now at (213) 577-1988 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. One call could be the difference between jail time and walking free.

Ready to speak with a Los Angeles theft crime attorney? Contact us now at (213) 577-1988 or contact us online.