Palm Springs Theft Attorney

Theft Attorney in Palm Springs – Free Strategy Session

Facing theft charges in Palm Springs puts your future and liberty at risk, and the clock is ticking. Theft offenses vary widely — including shoplifting, burglary, grand theft, embezzlement, and more — but all can result in jail time, fines, or probation. In some situations, prosecutors may pursue felony charges that carry long-lasting consequences, potentially staining your criminal record forever.

If you’re accused of a theft crime, do not delay. Contact an experienced California theft lawyer at (760) 340-7190 immediately. Early action is critical to build a strong defense and minimize the impact on your life.

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

Common Palm Springs Theft Crimes

Theft crimes are categorized under various sections of the California Penal Code. The way each charge is handled depends on the crime’s nature and seriousness, so every theft offense requires a tailored legal approach. At the core, theft involves unlawfully taking someone else’s property with the intent to steal it. Some of the typical theft-related charges we encounter in Palm Springs 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 you are charged under, we have the expertise to effectively address it. Below, we explain what each charge entails and how the courts usually prosecute them.

Petty Theft

Under Penal Code section 484(a), petty theft is defined as the unlawful taking of property valued at $950 or less. This often includes minor acts such as shoplifting, pickpocketing, or theft of low-value items.

Penalty for Petty Theft

Petty theft is generally charged as a misdemeanor and can result in penalties including:

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

The severity of punishment depends on various factors, including the type of victim (such as a business, elderly, disabled, or minor), use of force or intimidation, and prior criminal history. Repeat offenses may escalate the charge to a felony, known as petty theft with a prior, leading to harsher penalties and more severe consequences.

Shoplifting

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

Penalties for Shoplifting

• Usually charged as a misdemeanor
• Up to six months in county jail
• Court fines and possible restitution to the victim
• In cases with prior serious convictions (such as violent or sex crimes), charges may be elevated to felony

If this is your first shoplifting offense, a skilled Palm Springs theft attorney can help seek reduced sentences, alternative punishments, or potentially dismissal of the charges altogether.

Grand Theft

Under PC 487(a), theft becomes grand theft when the stolen property’s value exceeds $950. This category also includes theft of firearms, automobiles, or certain livestock.

Penalties for Grand Theft

Grand theft is a “wobbler” offense, meaning it can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony based on the facts and severity. Possible penalties include:

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

A felony grand theft conviction can deeply impact your life beyond the courtroom, affecting employment opportunities, housing, and immigration status. It is critical to retain an experienced Palm Springs theft attorney to aggressively defend against these serious charges.

Burglary

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

Penalties for Burglary

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

Burglary charges tend to be more severe due to the intent to commit a crime upon unlawful entry. However, an experienced Palm Springs criminal defense attorney can challenge the intent element and work to reduce or dismiss the charges.

Embezzlement

Embezzlement, defined under PC 503, involves the fraudulent appropriation of property by someone entrusted with it, often occurring in employment or financial account contexts.

Penalties for Embezzlement

• Penalties depend on the value of the property involved
• Less than $950: Charged as a misdemeanor
• Over $950: Charged as a felony
• May include restitution, fines, jail or prison time, and potential professional consequences

Embezzlement cases can be complicated because even misunderstandings or accounting errors may lead to charges. The best defense is having a knowledgeable Palm Springs theft attorney who can demonstrate lack of intent and clarify 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 qualify for reduced sentencing or resentencing if they were previously convicted under harsher felony classifications.

If you face felony theft charges, our legal team at My Rights Law can review your case for Proposition 47 eligibility and advocate for misdemeanor treatment to minimize your penalties.

Defending Strategy Against Theft Charges

Every theft case is unique, but we apply proven strategies at My Rights Law tailored to your individual circumstances. Common defenses we use include:

Lack of Intent

Intent is a key element in theft charges. If we can prove that the act was accidental or misunderstood, we may reduce or dismiss the charges altogether.

Mistaken Identity

Theft accusations often depend on questionable eyewitness accounts or poor-quality video. If you cannot be positively identified, we will challenge the prosecution’s case aggressively.

Illegal Search and Seizure

If law enforcement violated your constitutional rights during a search, stop, or arrest, we can move to exclude the evidence, significantly weakening the prosecution’s position.

Consent or Ownership Dispute

If the property was borrowed, gifted, or belongs to you, we will argue there was no unlawful taking, undermining the theft allegation entirely.

Diversion and Probation Options

For first-time offenders, options may include:

• Pretrial diversion programs
• Probation in lieu of incarceration
• Theft prevention education courses

These alternatives help avoid a criminal conviction and keep your record clean. Our priority is to protect your freedom, reputation, and future.

Protect Your Future – Contact With Palm Springs Theft Crime Attorney

Being charged with theft in Palm Springs can feel overwhelming, but it’s not the end. A skilled theft crime attorney can help minimize the impact on your life.

At My Rights Law, our Palm Springs theft defense team has a strong record of winning cases, negotiating better outcomes, and keeping clients out of jail.

Don’t face the charges alone. Trust a theft lawyer Palm Springs residents rely on for serious legal defense.

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

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