Newport Beach Theft Attorney

Theft Attorney in Newport Beach – Free Strategy Session

Being charged with a theft crime in Newport Beach puts both your future and your freedom in jeopardy. The consequences of theft allegations are serious—whether you’re facing accusations of shoplifting, burglary, grand theft, embezzlement, or any other type of theft offense. Penalties can include jail time, costly fines, probation, and in some cases, a felony conviction that could remain on your criminal record for life. These outcomes can severely impact your reputation, employment prospects, and personal relationships.

If you are under investigation or have already been charged with a theft crime, it is critical that you act quickly. Contact an experienced California theft defense attorney at (949) 942-8580 right away. The earlier you begin your defense, the better your chances of protecting your rights and minimizing the consequences. At My Rights Law, we understand the intricacies of theft crime laws and are committed to building a strategic, personalized defense for every client. Don’t let time work against you—reach out for your free strategy session now.

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

Common Newport Beach Theft Crimes

Theft crimes are outlined in multiple sections of the California Penal Code, and the way each charge is prosecuted depends on the specifics of the alleged incident. The unifying element is the unlawful taking of property belonging to another person with the intention to permanently deprive them of it. Because every case is unique, it is important to understand how different theft charges are handled in Newport Beach courts. Here are some of the most frequently charged theft crimes in our area:

• 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 statute you are facing, our experienced legal team knows how to approach and defend against it. Let’s take a closer look at what these charges mean and how they are typically prosecuted in Newport Beach.

Petty Theft

California Penal Code section 484(a) defines petty theft as the unlawful taking of property valued at $950 or less. This type of offense most commonly involves minor shoplifting, pickpocketing, or the theft of other low-value items. Even though it might seem less severe than other theft crimes, being charged with petty theft in Newport Beach can still lead to serious consequences. It is important to understand that various factors can influence how your case is prosecuted, such as the nature of the alleged victim (business, elderly person, minor, etc.), use of force or fear, or any prior offenses you may have on your record. Having prior convictions can even escalate a petty theft to a felony charge, known as ‘petty theft with a prior.’ Seeking guidance from an experienced Newport Beach theft attorney is crucial in order to avoid harsher penalties and protect your future.

Penalty for Petty Theft

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

Shoplifting

Under Penal Code 459.5(a), shoplifting is defined as entering a commercial business during regular hours with the intent to steal items valued at $950 or less. Even though it is typically prosecuted as a misdemeanor, the repercussions can still be significant. The law also states that if you have certain serious prior convictions, such as murder or certain sex crimes, shoplifting may be charged as a felony. For many first-time offenders in Newport Beach, there are opportunities to pursue sentence reductions or alternatives to jail, such as diversion programs or dismissal. Having an experienced theft crime attorney on your side can help you fight the charges and pursue the best possible outcome.

Penalties for Shoplifting

• Generally a misdemeanor offense
• Up to 6 months in jail
• Possible court fines and restitution
• Felony charges for individuals with specified serious prior convictions

Grand Theft

Grand theft, as outlined in Penal Code 487(a), occurs when the value of the property stolen is greater than $950, or when the theft involves specific items like firearms, vehicles, or certain types of livestock. What sets grand theft apart from lesser charges is that it can be prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or a felony—a “wobbler”—depending on the circumstances of the offense and the defendant’s criminal history. Convictions for grand theft carry severe penalties and can have lasting effects beyond the courtroom, including barriers to employment, housing, and immigration status. For this reason, it is essential to work with a Newport Beach theft lawyer who understands how to fight for reduced charges or dismissals, and who will aggressively protect your rights from the very beginning of your case.

Penalties for Grand Theft

• Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail
• Felony: Up to 3 years in state prison
• Restitution, fines, and formal probation

Burglary

Penal Code 459 describes burglary as entering a building—either residential or commercial—with the intent to commit theft or any felony inside. The law distinguishes between first-degree (residential) and second-degree (commercial) burglary. First-degree burglary is always charged as a felony and comes with harsher penalties, while second-degree burglary can be filed as a misdemeanor or felony. Because the law requires “intent” at the time of entry, a skilled Newport Beach defense attorney may be able to challenge this element of the case, potentially leading to reduced charges or even a full dismissal.

Penalties for Burglary

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

Embezzlement

Embezzlement, prosecuted under Penal Code 503, involves the fraudulent appropriation of property or money by someone who was entrusted with it. This often arises in employment or financial relationships, such as when an employee manages company funds or assets. Embezzlement can be prosecuted as either petty theft or grand theft, based on the value of the property taken. Many people do not realize that misunderstandings, accounting mistakes, or ambiguous transactions can still result in criminal charges. If you are accused of embezzlement in Newport Beach, it is critical to have an attorney who will examine every detail of your case and develop a defense that demonstrates your lack of intent or challenges the prosecution’s evidence.

Penalties for Embezzlement

• Property valued under $950: Misdemeanor
• Property valued over $950: Felony
• Possible restitution, fines, jail or prison time, and consequences for professional licenses

Proposition 47

Proposition 47, passed by California voters in 2014, reclassified many non-violent theft crimes—such as petty theft, shoplifting, and receiving stolen property valued at $950 or less—from felonies to misdemeanors. This reform gives many individuals the opportunity for reduced sentences and, in some cases, resentencing for those previously convicted under the old law. If you are facing felony theft charges in Newport Beach, our law firm can review your case to determine if you qualify for Prop 47 relief and fight to have your charges reduced to a misdemeanor.

Defending Strategy Against Theft Charges

Every theft case has its own details, but My Rights Law relies on proven strategies while personalizing the defense to your unique circumstances. These main approaches include:

Lack of Intent

Intent is a crucial element of any theft offense. If we can demonstrate that your actions were accidental or misunderstood, we may achieve reduced or even dismissed charges.

Mistaken Identity

Theft allegations are often based on unclear video or unreliable witnesses. If you are not positively identified, we aggressively challenge the prosecution’s entire case.

Illegal Search and Seizure

If law enforcement violated your rights through an improper stop, search, or arrest, we fight to have that evidence excluded and significantly weaken the case against you.

Consent or Ownership Dispute

If you borrowed, were given, or owned the property in question, we use this defense to show there was no criminal intent or unlawful taking involved.

Diversion and Probation Options

For first-time offenders, we may pursue:

• Pretrial diversion programs
• Probation instead of incarceration
• Theft education courses

These alternatives can help you avoid a criminal record and protect your future. Our ultimate mission is to safeguard your freedom, reputation, and opportunities.

Protect Your Future – Contact With Newport Beach Theft Crime Attorney

Facing theft charges in California can feel overwhelming, but it’s not the end. An experienced Newport Beach theft crime attorney can reduce or even eliminate the impact on your life. Don’t let a prosecutor’s case define your future—get help before it’s too late.

At My Rights Law, our Newport Beach theft defense team has a history of beating charges, negotiating favorable deals, and keeping our clients out of jail. We’re strategic, relentless, and fully committed to protecting your rights at every stage.

Don’t face this alone. Choose the defense lawyer for theft crimes Newport Beach clients trust when it matters most.

Call us now at (949) 942-8580 or contact us online for a free consultation. That one call could make all the difference in your case.

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