Palm Desert Theft Attorney

Theft Attorney in Palm Desert – Free Strategy Session

Being charged with a theft crime in Palm Desert puts your future and freedom at serious risk, and every moment counts. Theft offenses come in many forms, including shoplifting, burglary, grand theft, and embezzlement, each carrying potential jail time, fines, and probation. In some cases, prosecutors may pursue felony charges that result in a permanent criminal record affecting your life indefinitely.

If you face theft charges, don’t hesitate—contact a knowledgeable California theft lawyer at (760) 340-7190 immediately. Acting swiftly to begin your defense strategy is critical to reducing potential consequences and protecting your rights.

Ready to speak with a Palm Desert theft crime attorney? Contact us now at (760) 340-7190 or contact us online.

Common Palm Desert Theft Crimes

Theft crimes are categorized under various sections of the California Penal Code. The severity and details of each case influence how prosecutors handle them, requiring a tailored defense approach. At their core, these crimes involve unlawfully taking another person’s property with intent to steal. Some of the theft charges most frequently encountered in Palm Desert 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 statute applies to your case, we have the experience to navigate the legal challenges. Let’s review what each offense means and how it might be prosecuted.

Petty Theft

Penal Code section 484(a) defines petty theft as the unlawful taking of property valued at $950 or less. This typically includes minor shoplifting, pickpocketing, or other thefts involving low-value items.

Penalty for Petty Theft

Petty theft is usually charged as a misdemeanor and may result in penalties such as:

• Up to 6 months in county jail
• Fines up to $1,000
• Probation, community service, or mandatory theft prevention classes

The severity of the penalty can vary depending on factors like the type of property stolen, the victim’s status (such as a business, elderly, disabled, or minor), and whether force or fear was involved. Prior convictions may escalate the charge to petty theft with a prior, which could be charged as a felony, leading to harsher consequences.

Shoplifting

Under Penal Code 459.5(a), shoplifting occurs when someone enters a commercial business during normal hours intending to steal merchandise valued at $950 or less.

Penalties for Shoplifting

• Usually charged as a misdemeanor
• Up to six months in jail
• Court-imposed fines and possible restitution to the store
• If you have serious prior convictions (like rape or murder), shoplifting charges can be elevated to a felony

If this is your first shoplifting offense, you may qualify for reduced sentences or alternative penalties. An experienced Palm Desert theft attorney can work to lessen your sentence or even get the charges dismissed.

Grand Theft

According to Penal Code 487(a), grand theft applies when the value of stolen property exceeds $950. It also covers specific items such as firearms, vehicles, and certain livestock.

Penalties for Grand Theft

Grand theft can be charged either as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances and value involved. This “wobbler” crime carries penalties including:

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

A felony grand theft conviction can impact your life far beyond court, affecting employment opportunities, housing options, and immigration status. To protect your rights and future, it’s critical to hire a skilled Palm Desert theft attorney familiar with fighting felony charges.

Burglary

Penal Code 459 defines burglary as unlawfully entering a building—residential or commercial—with intent to commit theft or any felony inside. This includes first-degree (residential) and second-degree (commercial) burglary.

Penalties for Burglary

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

Burglary charges carry heavier penalties because intent must exist prior to entry. However, a skilled Palm Desert criminal defense attorney can challenge this element to seek a reduction or dismissal of the charges.

Embezzlement

Embezzlement, under Penal Code 503, involves the fraudulent taking of property by someone entrusted with it, commonly seen in employment or financial account situations.

Penalties for Embezzlement

• Charges depend on the property’s value:
• Under $950: Misdemeanor
• Over $950: Felony
• Penalties may include restitution, fines, jail or prison time, and professional consequences

Because embezzlement cases can sometimes arise from misunderstandings or accounting errors, securing an experienced theft attorney in Palm Desert is essential. They can help prove lack of criminal intent and clarify the facts to protect your future.

Proposition 47

Passed in 2014, Proposition 47 reclassified many non-violent offenses from felonies to misdemeanors, including petty theft, shoplifting, and receiving stolen property when the value is $950 or less.

This change allows many defendants to seek reduced sentences or resentencing if previously convicted under harsher felony laws.

If you are facing felony theft charges, our law firm can review your case for eligibility under Proposition 47 and advocate for misdemeanor treatment to reduce the impact on your life.

Defending Strategy Against Theft Charges

Every theft case is unique, but at My Rights Law, we use proven strategies tailored to your specific situation. Our main defenses include:

Lack of Intent

A crucial element of theft is the intent to steal. If we can show the act was accidental or misunderstood, we can work to reduce or dismiss the charges against you.

Mistaken Identity

Theft accusations often depend on poor evidence like unclear video or unreliable witnesses. If you’re not positively identified, we can challenge the prosecution’s entire case.

Illegal Search and Seizure

If your rights were violated during a stop, search, or arrest, we can file motions to suppress evidence, significantly weakening the prosecution’s case.

Consent or Ownership Dispute

If the property was borrowed, gifted, or legitimately yours, we will use this defense to prove no unlawful taking occurred.

Diversion and Probation Options

For first-time offenders, we may pursue:

• Pretrial diversion programs
• Probation instead of jail time
• Theft prevention or education classes

These alternatives help you avoid a conviction and protect your record. Our priority is safeguarding your freedom, reputation, and future.

Protect Your Future – Contact a Palm Desert Theft Crime Attorney

Being charged with a theft crime in California is overwhelming but not the end of your life. A skilled Palm Desert theft attorney can help minimize the impact.

My Rights Law’s theft defense team has a strong record of beating charges, negotiating better outcomes, and keeping clients out of jail. We fight relentlessly to protect your rights.

Don’t face this alone. Trust a theft defense lawyer Palm Desert clients rely on for serious legal challenges.

Call us now at (760) 340-7190 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. One call can make all the difference.

Ready to speak with a Palm Desert theft crime attorney? Contact us now at (760) 340-7190 or contact us online.