Northridge Theft Attorney

Theft Attorney in Northridge – Free Strategy Session

Being arrested for a theft-related crime in Northridge can seriously impact your future. Your freedom, reputation, and career are all at risk, and you cannot afford to delay taking legal action. Whether you are facing accusations of burglary, grand theft, shoplifting, or embezzlement, each offense carries serious penalties—including jail time, costly fines, and a lasting criminal record that may affect your ability to find a job or housing. Depending on the specifics of your case, the District Attorney may file felony charges that could follow you for life.

At My Rights Law, our Northridge theft attorneys are ready to step in and defend you. We understand California’s complex theft statutes and will work strategically to minimize or dismiss your charges. If you’ve been accused of a theft offense, don’t wait to protect your rights. Call an experienced Northridge theft crime attorney at (747) 249 5077 right away. Building your defense immediately is critical to your outcome.

Ready to speak with a Northridge theft crime attorney? Contact us now at (747) 249 5077 or contact us online.

Common Northridge Theft Crimes

The California Penal Code classifies theft crimes into multiple categories, each with distinct elements and penalties. The nature of the crime, the value of the stolen property, and the circumstances of the case determine whether charges will be filed as misdemeanors or felonies. While the legal definitions vary slightly, they all involve the unlawful taking of another person’s property with the intent to deprive them of it permanently.

In Northridge, the most commonly prosecuted theft crimes 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 charge you are facing, our legal team has the knowledge and experience to handle it. We’ll walk you through the legal meaning of each charge and explain the potential consequences you may be up against.

Petty Theft

Under Penal Code section 484(a), petty theft refers to the unlawful taking of someone else’s property valued at $950 or less. These offenses often involve low-value shoplifting, minor pickpocketing, or similar conduct that doesn’t exceed the value threshold. Although it may sound like a minor crime, a conviction can still lead to serious consequences.

Penalty for a Petty Theft

In most situations, petty theft is treated as a misdemeanor with potential consequences such as:

• Up to 6 months in county jail
• A fine of up to $1,000
• Community service, probation, or enrollment in a theft education course

The penalties can be elevated depending on the circumstances, such as who the victim was, the use of intimidation or violence, or if you have prior convictions. In some cases, a “petty theft with a prior” can even be charged as a felony. Our Northridge theft defense lawyer will review every detail of your case to fight for the most favorable outcome.

Shoplifting

Shoplifting is defined under Penal Code section 459.5(a) as entering a commercial establishment during normal business hours with the intent to steal merchandise valued at $950 or less.

Penalties for Shoplifting

• Usually classified as a misdemeanor
• Up to 6 months in county jail
• Court fines and potential restitution
• Can be elevated to a felony if the defendant has serious prior convictions (e.g., murder, rape, or sex crimes)

For first-time offenders, courts may offer leniency, including reduced charges or alternative sentencing. With a Northridge theft lawyer from My Rights Law by your side, we may be able to negotiate dismissal, diversion programs, or lighter sentencing depending on your unique situation.

Grand Theft

Under Penal Code section 487(a), theft is considered grand theft when the value of the stolen property exceeds $950. Grand theft also applies to specific categories of stolen items, including firearms, vehicles, and livestock, regardless of value.

Penalties for Grand Theft

Grand theft is known as a “wobbler” offense in California, meaning it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the facts of the case and the defendant’s criminal record.

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

A felony conviction can have long-term impacts on your life, including limiting job opportunities, affecting housing eligibility, and creating issues for immigration status. If you are facing grand theft allegations in Northridge, My Rights Law can develop a strong legal defense aimed at reducing or eliminating the charges.

Burglary

According to Penal Code section 459, burglary involves entering a building, whether commercial or residential, with the intent to commit theft or any felony inside. California law divides burglary into two degrees: first-degree (residential) and second-degree (non-residential or commercial).

Penalties for Burglary

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

What distinguishes burglary from other theft crimes is the criminal intent formed before entering the property. If that intent cannot be proven, the charges may be reduced or dropped. An experienced Northridge criminal attorney from our team can challenge the prosecution’s evidence and protect your rights every step of the way.

Embezzlement

Embezzlement, governed by Penal Code section 503, refers to the unlawful misappropriation of property by someone who was entrusted with it. This type of offense frequently arises in workplace settings or in positions of financial responsibility. Even if you didn’t intend to commit theft, you may still face embezzlement charges for mismanaging or mishandling entrusted assets.

Penalties for Embezzlement

• The value of the embezzled property determines how it’s charged:
• Less than $950: Misdemeanor
• More than $950: Felony
• Additional consequences include jail or prison time, restitution, fines, and professional fallout (e.g., losing a license or job)

Even innocent mistakes can be misinterpreted as embezzlement. A skilled theft lawyer in Northridge can help clarify financial records, identify inconsistencies in the accusations, and build a strategy that proves there was no criminal intent. My Rights Law will make sure your voice is heard and your future protected.

Proposition 47

California voters passed Proposition 47 in 2014, significantly changing how non-violent crimes are classified. The law reclassified certain felonies—including petty theft, shoplifting, and receiving stolen property—into misdemeanors when the value involved does not exceed $950.

This reform opened the door for many defendants to seek sentence reductions or even apply for resentencing under the updated law.

If you’re facing felony theft charges in Northridge, My Rights Law can assess whether you qualify for Proposition 47 relief. We’ll work to reduce your charges to a misdemeanor and fight for sentencing alternatives that preserve your freedom and your record.

Defending Strategy Against Theft Charges

Each theft case is different, but our Northridge attorneys apply proven strategies tailored to your specific facts and legal situation. Common defenses include:

Lack of Intent

Intent is a critical element in theft cases. If we can show your actions were accidental, misinterpreted, or without criminal intent, we may get charges reduced or dismissed.

Mistaken Identity

Unclear surveillance footage or unreliable witness accounts are not enough. If you were wrongly identified, we can challenge the prosecution’s version of events.

Illegal Search and Seizure

If your rights were violated during a police stop or arrest, we’ll file motions to exclude the evidence and weaken the case against you.

Consent or Ownership Dispute

If the property in question was loaned, gifted, or legally yours, we’ll argue there was no intent to steal and no criminal conduct occurred.

Diversion and Probation Options

For eligible first-time offenders, we may pursue:

• Pretrial diversion programs
• Probation as an alternative to incarceration
• Theft education or rehabilitation programs

These solutions can help you avoid a criminal conviction and preserve your clean record.

Protect Your Future – Contact With Northridge Theft Crime Attorney

A theft charge can disrupt your life, but it doesn’t have to define your future. A skilled Northridge theft attorney can work to limit the consequences and protect your reputation. Let us stand between you and the prosecution’s allegations.

At My Rights Law, our experienced Northridge lawyers know how to fight theft charges—whether that means dismissing the case, negotiating alternatives, or taking it to trial.

Call us now at (747) 249 5077 or contact us online to book your free, confidential consultation. Let us defend your rights and future—starting today.

Ready to speak with a Northridge theft crime attorney? Contact us now at (747) 249 5077 or contact us online.