Palmdale Theft Attorney

Theft Attorney in Palmdale – Free Strategy Session

Facing theft crime charges in Palmdale puts your reputation, liberty, and future at serious risk. The legal system can move quickly, and without a knowledgeable theft defense attorney, you could face harsh penalties. Whether the charge involves shoplifting, grand theft, burglary, or embezzlement, every case has the potential to lead to jail time, financial penalties, and a permanent mark on your criminal record.

Some theft crimes may even result in felony charges, which carry lifelong consequences that impact employment, housing, and civil rights. At My Rights Law, we understand how prosecutors handle these cases and use proven strategies to defend against them. The sooner you involve a skilled theft lawyer, the better your chance of minimizing or dismissing the charges.

If you are being investigated or have been charged with a theft offense in Palmdale, don’t wait. Contact an experienced California theft attorney now at (661) 466 5990. Building your defense early is key to protecting your rights.

Ready to speak with a Palmdale theft crime attorney? Contact us now at (661) 466 5990 or contact us online.

Common Palmdale Theft Crimes

Theft crimes in California are covered under various sections of the Penal Code, and the way your case is charged depends on the type of offense and the details surrounding it. Regardless of the specific charge, theft involves taking someone else’s property without permission and with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. In Palmdale, we frequently see clients facing charges under a variety of theft-related statutes.

• 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

Each of these charges carries unique legal elements and potential defenses. At My Rights Law, we thoroughly examine the facts, challenge the evidence, and build a personalized legal strategy to fight the charges against you.

Petty Theft

Under Penal Code section 484(a), petty theft occurs when someone unlawfully takes property valued at $950 or less. Common scenarios include minor shoplifting, taking items from a vehicle, or pocketing items from a store without paying. Though the value may seem small, being charged with petty theft in Palmdale is a serious matter that can lead to a criminal record and long-term consequences if not properly handled.

Penalty for a Petty Theft

Petty theft is generally treated as a misdemeanor, and penalties may include:

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

Factors such as prior convictions, use of force, or theft from a vulnerable victim can escalate the charge. Repeat offenders may even face felony charges under “petty theft with a prior” laws. If you’re accused of petty theft, contact our Palmdale theft defense team to fight for a favorable outcome.

Shoplifting

California Penal Code 459.5(a) classifies shoplifting as entering a commercial establishment during regular business hours with the intent to steal merchandise worth $950 or less. Shoplifting is not just limited to concealing goods—it includes switching price tags or tricking self-checkout systems.

Penalties for Shoplifting

• Usually charged as a misdemeanor
• Up to six months in jail
• Possible fines, community service, or restitution to the business
• If the defendant has a prior conviction for a serious or violent crime, the charge may become a felony

For first-time offenders in Palmdale, penalties can sometimes be reduced or dismissed entirely. With the right attorney, you may qualify for diversion programs or alternative sentencing that spares you from jail and a lasting criminal record.

Grand Theft

According to Penal Code section 487(a), grand theft refers to the unlawful taking of property valued over $950. It can also apply to the theft of firearms, vehicles, or agricultural products like livestock. Unlike petty theft, grand theft involves more significant losses and therefore attracts more severe legal consequences.

Penalties for Grand Theft

Grand theft is classified as a “wobbler” offense—meaning it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Sentencing depends on the specific circumstances and the defendant’s criminal history:

• Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail
• Felony: Up to 3 years in prison
• Restitution and formal probation may also be ordered

Because a felony conviction can significantly impact employment, housing, and immigration status, securing skilled legal representation is essential. Our Palmdale theft attorneys understand how to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and seek charge reductions or alternatives to incarceration.

Burglary

Penal Code section 459 defines burglary as entering any structure—residential or commercial—with the intent to commit theft or a felony inside. First-degree burglary involves residential properties and is always a felony, while second-degree burglary involves businesses or other non-residential locations and may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony.

Penalties for Burglary

• First-degree burglary (residential):
• 2, 4, or 6 years in state prison
• Counts 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 state prison

Since burglary charges hinge on proving your intent before entering the property, a strong defense can make all the difference. A Palmdale theft defense attorney from My Rights Law can contest this element, potentially reducing or dismissing your charges altogether.

Embezzlement

Under Penal Code 503, embezzlement is the fraudulent use or appropriation of property that has been entrusted to someone—most often in workplace or financial account scenarios. Examples include misappropriating company funds, misusing credit cards, or falsifying invoices for personal gain.

Penalties for Embezzlement

• The classification depends on the value of the stolen property:
• Less than $950: Misdemeanor
• More than $950: Felony
• Potential consequences include jail or prison time, fines, restitution, and damage to professional reputation

Even unintentional financial mistakes can lead to embezzlement charges. Our experienced Palmdale theft lawyers work to show the absence of criminal intent and clarify misunderstandings before they turn into lasting legal problems. Trust our team to protect your rights and reputation.

Proposition 47

Passed in 2014, Proposition 47 reclassified many non-violent theft-related felonies as misdemeanors, including petty theft, shoplifting, and receiving stolen property—provided the value does not exceed $950.

This legislation opened the door for new sentencing opportunities, especially for those with no serious criminal history. In some cases, individuals already convicted may even be eligible for resentencing under Prop 47.

If you’re currently facing theft charges in Palmdale, or if you were previously convicted under more severe laws, My Rights Law can help you evaluate your eligibility for Prop 47 relief and petition the court for reduced penalties or expungement.

Defending Strategy Against Theft Charges

Each theft case is different, but at My Rights Law, we apply proven strategies that are customized to fit your situation. Our main approaches include:

Lack of Intent

A key element in theft crimes is criminal intent. If we demonstrate that there was no intention to steal—only confusion or misunderstanding—we can push for charges to be reduced or dismissed.

Mistaken Identity

Theft accusations often hinge on poor surveillance or flawed witness accounts. If you weren’t clearly identified, we will fight to discredit the evidence and dismantle the case.

Illegal Search and Seizure

If your rights were violated through an unlawful stop, search, or arrest, we can file motions to suppress any evidence gathered, weakening the prosecution’s case dramatically.

Consent or Ownership Dispute

If the property in question was borrowed, gifted, or believed to be yours, we will present these facts to show there was no criminal intent or wrongdoing involved.

Diversion and Probation Options

For eligible first-time offenders, we pursue alternatives like:

• Pretrial diversion programs
• Probation instead of incarceration
• Theft awareness or rehabilitation classes

These solutions can help avoid a conviction and keep your record clean. Our mission is to defend your freedom and protect your future at every step.

Protect Your Future – Contact a Palmdale Theft Crime Attorney

Facing a theft charge in California is daunting—but it doesn’t have to define your life. With the right legal support, you can fight back and protect your future. A seasoned theft crime attorney in Palmdale can minimize the damage and give you a fighting chance in court.

At My Rights Law, our Palmdale legal team has a strong track record of reducing charges, securing dismissals, and keeping clients out of jail. We use aggressive strategies and personalized attention to build the strongest possible defense.

Let us fight for your rights. Contact a Palmdale theft defense lawyer that clients rely on for serious legal representation.

Call us now at (661) 466 5990 or contact us online for a free consultation. That call could be the turning point in your case.

Ready to speak with a Palmdale theft crime attorney? Contact us now at (661) 466 5990 or contact us online.