Montebello Theft Attorney

Theft Attorney in Montebello – Free Strategy Session

Being accused of a theft crime in Montebello can have a serious impact on your life, reputation, and freedom. Whether it’s shoplifting, grand theft, embezzlement, or another theft-related charge, each one carries consequences that may include jail time, steep fines, and a lasting criminal record. In more severe cases, prosecutors may file felony charges that can follow you for life, making it harder to find employment or housing down the road.

Don’t leave your future to chance. If you’re facing theft allegations, call an experienced Montebello theft attorney at (562) 203-0434 right away. At My Rights Law, we have a proven track record of defending clients against theft accusations across California. We’ll evaluate your case thoroughly and develop a custom strategy aimed at minimizing the damage or getting the charges dropped altogether. Time is of the essence, and the sooner we begin building your defense, the better your outcome may be.

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

Common Montebello Theft Crimes

Theft crimes in Montebello are charged under various sections of the California Penal Code, and each one carries its own set of penalties and legal nuances. Depending on the value of the property and the details of the offense, your case could be handled as a misdemeanor or even a felony. But at the core of all theft allegations is the accusation that someone took another person’s property unlawfully and with the intent to deprive them of it permanently.

At My Rights Law, we routinely defend clients against theft-related charges, 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 theft charge you’re facing in Montebello, our attorneys understand the elements the prosecution must prove and how to challenge the case against you. In the next section, we’ll explain what each type of theft involves and how we can help defend your rights.

Petty Theft

Under California Penal Code section 484(a), petty theft refers to the unlawful taking of property valued at $950 or less. These offenses often involve acts such as low-level shoplifting, minor fraud, or pickpocketing. Although considered less serious than grand theft, petty theft is still a criminal charge that can carry long-term consequences if not properly handled. Whether it occurred in a retail store, at work, or in a personal setting, petty theft accusations can be stressful and damaging to your record.

Penalty for a Petty Theft

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

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

The circumstances surrounding the case—such as prior convictions, use of force, or vulnerable victims—influence how it’s charged. If you’ve been previously convicted of theft-related crimes, you may face a “petty theft with a prior” enhancement, which can lead to felony charges and increased penalties. Working with a Montebello theft lawyer can make the difference between jail time and a reduced sentence—or even dismissal.

Shoplifting

According to Penal Code 459.5(a), shoplifting is defined as entering an open business during regular hours with the intent to steal merchandise valued at $950 or less. Unlike other theft offenses, shoplifting does not require the item to be physically taken—intent alone is enough to constitute the crime.

Penalties for Shoplifting

  • Typically charged as a misdemeanor
  • Up to 6 months in county jail
  • Fines and possible restitution
  • May be charged as a felony if the defendant has prior serious or violent felony convictions

For first-time offenders, there may be options for reduced penalties or diversion programs. At My Rights Law, our Montebello theft attorneys can negotiate for alternative sentencing or even dismissal. With the right legal approach, what started as a mistake doesn’t have to define your future.

Grand Theft

Penal Code 487(a) defines grand theft as the unlawful taking of property valued over $950. This also applies regardless of the value when certain types of property are involved, such as firearms, vehicles, or livestock. Grand theft can occur through various means—shoplifting, embezzlement, or trickery—and is treated much more seriously than petty theft.

Penalties for Grand Theft

Grand theft is a “wobbler,” meaning it can be prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or felony based on the details of the case:

  • Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail
  • Felony: Up to 3 years in state prison
  • Restitution, probation, and a permanent criminal record

A felony grand theft conviction can affect every aspect of your life—from employment to immigration status. That’s why it’s critical to seek a Montebello theft attorney with experience handling high-stakes felony cases. My Rights Law will work to reduce the charges, negotiate sentencing alternatives, or challenge the allegations entirely.

Burglary

Burglary, as defined under Penal Code 459, occurs when a person enters a building (residential or commercial) intending to commit theft or any felony once inside. Burglary is split into two degrees: first-degree burglary applies to residences and is always a felony, while second-degree burglary usually pertains to businesses and is a wobbler offense.

Penalties for Burglary

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

Burglary cases often hinge on proving the accused’s intent prior to entry. A strong defense from a Montebello theft attorney may focus on eliminating or casting doubt on that intent, which can lead to a downgrade or even dismissal of the charges.

Embezzlement

Under Penal Code 503, embezzlement is defined as the unlawful appropriation of property by a person to whom it was entrusted. This offense often arises in employer-employee relationships or situations involving access to finances, such as in fiduciary or caretaker roles. What makes embezzlement unique is the element of trust being violated in the process of the alleged theft.

Penalties for Embezzlement

  • Based on value of the property taken:
    • Less than $950: Misdemeanor
    • More than $950: Felony
  • Can include restitution, fines, and jail or prison time
  • Potential damage to professional reputation and future employment

Embezzlement accusations often stem from miscommunication, accounting mistakes, or incomplete records—not necessarily criminal intent. If you’re facing embezzlement charges in Montebello, My Rights Law can help you demonstrate your good faith actions and challenge the prosecution’s narrative with a fact-based legal defense.

Proposition 47

Passed in 2014, Proposition 47 reclassified several non-violent theft-related crimes—such as petty theft, shoplifting, and possession of stolen property—as misdemeanors when the amount involved is $950 or less. This legislation also allows individuals previously convicted under older, stricter laws to petition for resentencing under the new guidelines.

For many defendants, this law offers a path to reduced penalties or the opportunity to clear their record of a felony conviction. If you’ve been charged with or previously convicted of a theft crime in Montebello, My Rights Law can evaluate whether you qualify for Proposition 47 relief and advocate for lesser charges or resentencing under the new law.

Defending Strategy Against Theft Charges

Each theft case is different, but My Rights Law applies proven defense strategies while customizing them to your individual case. Our key approaches include:

Lack of Intent

Intent is a critical part of any theft charge. If we can demonstrate that the alleged theft was unintentional or the result of confusion, we’ll argue to dismiss or reduce the charges.

Mistaken Identity

Theft accusations often stem from unclear surveillance footage or unreliable witness accounts. If your identity cannot be confirmed beyond doubt, we challenge the prosecution’s case.

Illegal Search and Seizure

If police violated your Fourth Amendment rights during a search or arrest, we can file a motion to suppress the evidence, weakening the case against you.

Consent or Ownership Dispute

If you had permission to take the property or believed it was yours, we’ll use that to show the taking wasn’t criminal but a misunderstanding.

Diversion and Probation Options

First-time offenders may qualify for programs such as:

  • Pretrial diversion
  • Supervised probation
  • Theft awareness courses

These alternatives can help avoid a permanent record and keep your life on track. Our focus is protecting your freedom and future above all else.

Protect Your Future – Contact With Montebello Theft Crime Attorney

A theft charge in Montebello may feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to ruin your future. A skilled theft crime lawyer can help you fight back and move forward.

At My Rights Law, our Montebello theft attorneys are known for beating charges, securing reduced penalties, and keeping clients out of jail. We are thorough, aggressive, and fully committed to your defense.

Take action now. Hire a Montebello theft lawyer you can count on in your time of need.

Call us at (562) 203-0434 or contact us today for your free, confidential consultation. That one call could change everything.

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