Palos Verdes Peninsula Theft Attorney

Theft Attorney in Palos Verdes Peninsula – Free Strategy Session

Being arrested for a theft crime in Palos Verdes Peninsula puts your reputation, freedom, and future at serious risk. Whether you’re facing charges such as shoplifting, burglary, grand theft, or embezzlement, each carries the potential for severe consequences including incarceration, steep fines, and a permanent criminal record. In some situations, you may even be facing felony charges that could follow you for the rest of your life.

It’s essential that you act quickly to protect your rights. Our knowledgeable legal team at My Rights Law has extensive experience defending individuals against all kinds of theft-related allegations. If you’ve been charged with a theft crime, don’t delay. Call a skilled California theft defense attorney now at (562) 337-3990. Your defense should begin immediately, and our firm is here to help you every step of the way.

Ready to speak with a Palos Verdes Peninsula theft crime attorney? Contact us now at (562) 337-3990 or contact us online.

Common Palos Verdes Peninsula Theft Crimes

Theft offenses under California law come in many forms, and how your case is handled will depend on the unique facts involved. Regardless of how serious the charge may seem, all theft crimes involve the unlawful taking of someone else’s property with the intention to steal. Each type of offense requires a tailored legal approach to reach the best possible outcome.

Below are the most common theft-related charges we help clients with in Palos Verdes Peninsula:

• 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

Whatever charges you’re facing, My Rights Law understands how to build a strong defense. Let’s take a closer look at what each charge means and what legal strategies may be used in your case.

Petty Theft

Under California Penal Code section 484(a), petty theft refers to unlawfully taking someone else’s property valued at $950 or less. This is often the case with minor shoplifting, stealing unattended items, or other low-value property offenses. While it might seem minor, a conviction can still carry serious consequences and affect your record long-term.

Penalty for a Petty Theft

Petty theft is usually classified as a misdemeanor and may result in the following penalties:

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

Aggravating factors such as a vulnerable victim, use of force, or prior theft-related offenses can increase the severity of the consequences. In fact, a prior theft conviction could elevate a new charge to “petty theft with a prior,” which may be treated as a felony under certain circumstances. Our Palos Verdes Peninsula theft defense attorneys at My Rights Law are skilled at minimizing these risks and building a defense tailored to your unique case.

Shoplifting

California Penal Code 459.5(a) defines shoplifting as entering a commercial establishment during business hours with the intent to steal merchandise worth $950 or less. While similar to petty theft, shoplifting is treated as a distinct legal offense and requires specific legal attention.

Penalties for Shoplifting

• Usually charged as a misdemeanor
• Up to six months in county jail
• Court fines and possible restitution
• May be charged as a felony if you have prior serious convictions

If it’s your first offense, alternative sentencing options may be available, such as diversion programs or community service. An experienced Palos Verdes Peninsula shoplifting attorney from My Rights Law can negotiate for reduced penalties or even dismissal of charges. Don’t let a momentary lapse define your future—contact us today.

Grand Theft

Grand theft under California Penal Code 487(a) involves stealing property valued over $950. It also covers theft of items like firearms, vehicles, and certain farm animals regardless of their dollar value. This charge is more serious and often results in greater consequences than petty theft or shoplifting.

Penalties for Grand Theft

Grand theft is considered a “wobbler” offense, meaning it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony depending on the circumstances:

• Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail
• Felony: Up to 3 years in state prison
• Restitution, probation, and additional penalties depending on the case

A felony grand theft conviction can result in a permanent criminal record, which may affect employment, housing, and immigration status. At My Rights Law, our Palos Verdes Peninsula theft lawyers aggressively challenge the prosecution’s evidence and fight to have charges reduced or dropped, helping protect your reputation and future.

Burglary

Burglary, as defined in Penal Code 459, involves entering a building with the intent to commit theft or another felony. It is divided into two degrees: first-degree burglary (residential) and second-degree burglary (commercial). What distinguishes burglary from other theft offenses is the requirement of intent prior to entry.

Penalties for Burglary

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

Since burglary requires proving intent, your defense may focus on showing that no such intent existed at the time of entry. A knowledgeable burglary attorney in Palos Verdes Peninsula can scrutinize the prosecution’s claims and push to have charges reduced or dismissed entirely.

Embezzlement

California Penal Code 503 defines embezzlement as the fraudulent appropriation of property by a person to whom it has been entrusted. This crime often arises in employment or fiduciary settings, where individuals are given access to money or property and accused of misusing it.

Penalties for Embezzlement

• Determined based on the value of stolen property:
• Under $950: Misdemeanor
• Over $950: Felony
• Can include jail/prison time, fines, restitution, and loss of professional licenses

Embezzlement charges often arise from workplace misunderstandings or accounting discrepancies. Even without malicious intent, you could face serious consequences. A Palos Verdes Peninsula theft defense lawyer can help clarify the facts, prove your innocence, or reduce the penalties. With My Rights Law, you’ll have a dedicated advocate to protect your rights and your future.

Proposition 47

Proposition 47, passed in 2014, reclassified certain non-violent theft crimes—like petty theft, shoplifting, and receiving stolen property—from felonies to misdemeanors when the value of the stolen property is $950 or less.

This change has opened the door for many people previously convicted under older laws to pursue resentencing or record expungement. It also means current theft charges may now be eligible for reduced penalties.

If you’re facing a felony theft charge in Palos Verdes Peninsula, My Rights Law can assess whether Proposition 47 applies to your case. If it does, we’ll pursue every available option to reduce your charges and keep you out of jail. Reach out to us for a free strategy session to learn more about how Prop 47 could work in your favor.

Defending Strategy Against Theft Charges

Each theft case is different. At My Rights Law, we apply proven legal strategies while customizing your defense to the specifics of your situation. These include:

Lack of Intent

Intent is essential in any theft charge. If we show there was no intent—such as confusion, accident, or misunderstanding—we can push for charges to be reduced or dropped.

Mistaken Identity

Theft accusations often rely on shaky video footage or mistaken eyewitnesses. If your identity is in question, we can dismantle the prosecution’s case.

Illegal Search and Seizure

If your rights were violated during the search, stop, or arrest, we’ll move to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence and weaken the state’s position.

Consent or Ownership Dispute

When the item in question was loaned, given, or already yours, we raise this as a defense to prove no crime occurred.

Diversion and Probation Options

First-time offenders may qualify for:

• Pretrial diversion programs
• Probation in lieu of incarceration
• Theft rehabilitation courses

These options aim to keep your record clean and avoid jail time. Our mission is to preserve your freedom and reputation.

Protect Your Future – Contact With Palos Verdes Peninsula Theft Crime Attorney

Theft charges in California can disrupt your life—but they don’t have to define your future. With a skilled Palos Verdes Peninsula theft attorney, you can reduce or even eliminate the impact.

At My Rights Law, we have a strong record of dismissing charges, negotiating favorable terms, and defending clients against harsh penalties. Our legal team is aggressive, strategic, and fully committed to defending your rights.

Don’t go through this alone. Hire a Palos Verdes Peninsula theft lawyer trusted for handling high-stakes cases.

Call us now at (562) 337-3990 or contact us online for a free consultation. That one call may change everything.

Ready to speak with a Palos Verdes Peninsula theft crime attorney? Contact us now at (562) 337-3990 or contact us online.