Paramount Theft Attorney

Theft Attorney in Paramount – Free Strategy Session

Being charged with a theft crime in Paramount can seriously jeopardize your future and your personal freedom. Whether the charge involves shoplifting, burglary, embezzlement, or grand theft, the stakes are high. You could face jail time, steep fines, probation, and a criminal record that can negatively impact your ability to find work, secure housing, or maintain your reputation. In serious situations, the prosecution might pursue felony charges, which could result in a permanent mark on your criminal history.

It’s critical to act quickly. If you’ve been accused of a theft-related crime, don’t delay—call the knowledgeable California theft defense lawyers at (562) 337-3990 today. The earlier you begin building your defense, the better chance you have to reduce or dismiss the charges. At My Rights Law, we understand how to navigate the legal system and protect your rights at every turn.

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

Common Paramount Theft Crimes

Theft crimes are addressed under multiple sections of the California Penal Code, and each type comes with unique legal consequences depending on the facts of your case. Generally, theft is defined as the unlawful taking of another person’s property with the intention to permanently deprive them of it. These charges can vary from misdemeanors to felonies, and the way they’re prosecuted depends on factors like the value of the property, prior convictions, or whether force was involved.

At My Rights Law, we regularly defend clients in Paramount against theft-related accusations, including:

• 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 what theft charge you’re facing, our experienced team is equipped to guide you through the process. We’ll help you understand the legal implications and provide a strategic defense tailored to your case.

Petty Theft

Under California Penal Code section 484(a), petty theft refers to the unlawful taking of property valued at $950 or less. In Paramount, petty theft charges commonly arise from minor offenses such as shoplifting, pocket-picking, or low-value item theft from workplaces or public places.

Penalty for a Petty Theft

Petty theft is usually charged as a misdemeanor and can result in the following penalties:

• Up to 6 months in county jail
• A fine up to $1,000
• Probation, theft awareness classes, or community service

However, the exact consequences depend on specific circumstances, including the nature of the victim (such as elderly individuals or minors), the use of any threat or force, and whether you have prior theft-related convictions. In fact, a prior conviction may lead to a “petty theft with a prior” charge, which could be elevated to a felony. If you’re facing a petty theft accusation in Paramount, having a knowledgeable defense attorney can make a critical difference in protecting your rights and future.

Shoplifting

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

Penalties for Shoplifting

• Typically charged as a misdemeanor
• Up to 6 months in county jail
• Fines and possibly paying restitution to the store
• Shoplifting may be elevated to a felony for defendants with serious or violent prior convictions (e.g., homicide, rape)

If this is your first shoplifting offense, you may qualify for diversion programs or alternative sentencing. A skilled Paramount theft lawyer can advocate for reduced charges, minimize penalties, or even help secure a dismissal of your case under the right circumstances.

Grand Theft

Per California Penal Code 487(a), grand theft occurs when someone unlawfully takes property valued at more than $950. It also covers the theft of specific items, such as firearms, motor vehicles, or livestock, regardless of their monetary value.

Penalties for Grand Theft

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

• Misdemeanor grand theft: Up to 1 year in county jail
• Felony grand theft: Up to 3 years in state prison
• Restitution to the victim, probation, and fines may also apply

A felony conviction can significantly damage your future opportunities, including employment and housing, and may affect your immigration status. That’s why working with an experienced theft crime lawyer in Paramount is essential. At My Rights Law, we understand how to challenge evidence, negotiate charges, and seek the most favorable outcomes possible.

Burglary

Burglary is defined under Penal Code 459 as entering a residential or commercial building with the intent to commit theft or any felony inside. This intent must exist at the time of entry. First-degree burglary refers to residential structures, while second-degree burglary involves commercial properties.

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) – Wobbler
• Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail
• Felony: Up to 3 years in prison

Because burglary charges hinge on proving pre-entry intent, a strong defense often focuses on disproving that mental state. If you’re facing burglary charges in Paramount, a qualified theft defense attorney can scrutinize the prosecution’s evidence and potentially get your charges dismissed or reduced.

Embezzlement

Embezzlement, governed by Penal Code 503, involves the fraudulent appropriation of property or funds that were lawfully entrusted to the accused. Most embezzlement cases stem from employer-employee relationships, accounting mishandling, or fiduciary breaches.

Penalties for Embezzlement

• The charge depends on the value of the property:
• Less than $950 – Charged as petty theft (misdemeanor)
• Over $950 – Charged as grand theft (wobbler)
• Consequences may include fines, jail or prison time, restitution, and loss of professional licenses

Even if the situation resulted from a misunderstanding or clerical error, embezzlement charges can still move forward. If you’ve been accused in Paramount, our defense team at My Rights Law can help present clear evidence of intent—or lack thereof—and pursue options to safeguard your career and future.

Proposition 47

Passed in 2014, Proposition 47 reclassified several non-violent crimes, including theft-related offenses, from felonies to misdemeanors if the stolen property is valued at $950 or less. This includes petty theft, shoplifting, and receiving stolen goods.

Prop 47 provides relief for many individuals, offering the chance for sentence reductions or resentencing if the original conviction was under more severe laws.

If you’re facing felony theft charges in Paramount or already have a felony theft conviction on your record, My Rights Law can help assess whether you qualify for Prop 47 relief and work to reduce your charges to a misdemeanor. We aim to limit your exposure to long-term legal consequences and help you move forward with confidence.

Defending Strategy Against Theft Charges

Every theft case has its own facts, but we at My Rights Law use time-tested strategies that are tailored to fit the details of your situation. These include:

Lack of Intent

Intent is a critical element in theft cases. If we can show that the alleged theft was a misunderstanding or an honest mistake, the charges can be reduced or dismissed.

Mistaken Identity

Theft accusations are often based on shaky evidence like unclear surveillance or mistaken witnesses. If you weren’t clearly identified, we can dismantle the prosecution’s case.

Illegal Search and Seizure

If the police conducted a search or arrest without following proper legal procedures, we can challenge the evidence and potentially have it excluded from your case.

Consent or Ownership Dispute

If you believed the item was yours, were given permission to take it, or it was a shared asset, we’ll use that to show no criminal intent existed.

Diversion and Probation Options

For those with no prior offenses, we may secure:

• Pretrial diversion programs
• Probation instead of incarceration
• Theft prevention education

These alternatives can help you avoid jail, a conviction, and a lasting criminal record. Our focus is on protecting your future and your reputation.

Protect Your Future – Contact With Paramount Theft Crime Attorney

A theft charge in California can be devastating—but it doesn’t have to define your life. A skilled Paramount theft crime attorney can work to reduce the impact. Don’t wait for the prosecutor to build a case against you—take action first.

At My Rights Law, our Paramount legal team has a strong history of getting charges reduced or dismissed, securing favorable deals, and keeping our clients out of jail. We are aggressive, strategic, and fully committed to defending your rights.

Don’t face this alone. Trust a theft defense lawyer in Paramount who knows how to protect your freedom and future.

Call us now at (562) 337-3990 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. One phone call could change the outcome of your case.

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