Rancho Cucamonga Theft Attorney

Theft Attorney in Rancho Cucamonga – Free Strategy Session

Being charged with a theft crime in Rancho Cucamonga puts both your freedom and future at risk, and you cannot afford to waste any time. Theft offenses come in many forms, including shoplifting, burglary, grand theft, embezzlement, and others. Each of these offenses can result in serious consequences, such as jail time, fines, and probation. In some instances, a felony conviction could be filed, permanently affecting your criminal record and following you for life.

If you’ve been charged with a theft crime, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact a skilled California theft lawyer at (909) 330-3880 to begin building your defense strategy. Time is of the essence, and the sooner we can start working on your case, the better your chances of minimizing the consequences.

Ready to speak with a Rancho Cucamonga theft crime attorney? Contact us now at (909) 330-3880 or contact us online.

Common Rancho Cucamonga Theft Crimes

Theft crimes are categorized under various sections of the California Penal Code. Each type of theft crime is prosecuted differently depending on its severity and the circumstances. Regardless of the charge, theft always involves the unlawful taking of someone else’s property with the intent to deprive them of it permanently. In Rancho Cucamonga, the most common theft crimes 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 charge you face, we are prepared to address it head-on. Let’s dive deeper into what each of these crimes entails and how we can defend you effectively.

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 low-value thefts.

Penalty for Petty Theft

Petty theft is generally charged as a misdemeanor and can result in various penalties, such as:

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

The severity of the penalty can depend on factors such as the value of the stolen property and the identity of the victim (e.g., a business, an elderly person, or a disabled individual). If you have prior offenses, a petty theft charge could be elevated to a felony, resulting in more severe consequences.

Shoplifting

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

Penalties for Shoplifting

• Usually a misdemeanor
• Up to six months in jail
• Court fines and possible restitution
• If you’ve been previously convicted of serious offenses (such as rape, murder, or sex crimes), shoplifting can be upgraded to a felony.

If this is your first offense, a theft attorney in Rancho Cucamonga may be able to help you secure a reduced sentence or even a dismissal. Your attorney can advocate for alternative sentencing options or argue for a lighter penalty.

Grand Theft

According to PC 487(a), grand theft occurs when the value of the property stolen exceeds $950. This crime can also apply to the theft of firearms, vehicles, or certain types of livestock.

Penalties for Grand Theft

Grand theft is classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances and the value of the stolen property. It is considered a “wobbler” crime, meaning it could be charged as either. The penalties are as follows:

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

A felony conviction for grand theft can significantly affect your future, making it more difficult to secure employment or housing. It can also have negative immigration consequences. A skilled theft attorney in Rancho Cucamonga can help mitigate the risks and fight felony charges.

Burglary

PC 459 defines burglary as the unlawful entry into a structure (residential or commercial) with the intent to commit theft or any felony once inside. Burglary is divided into first-degree (residential) and second-degree (commercial) burglary.

Penalties for Burglary

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

Burglary charges are taken very seriously because they involve unlawful entry with intent to commit a crime. However, with the help of an experienced Rancho Cucamonga criminal defense attorney, it may be possible to challenge the entry element and reduce or dismiss the charges.

Embezzlement

Embezzlement (under PC 503) refers to the fraudulent appropriation of property by someone who was entrusted with it. The most common scenarios for embezzlement involve employees or individuals with access to financial accounts.

Penalties for Embezzlement

• Treated based on the value of the stolen property
  • Less than $950: Misdemeanor
  • Over $950: Felony
• Penalties may include restitution, fines, jail or prison time, and professional consequences

Even if embezzlement was the result of a misunderstanding or mistake, you can still face criminal charges. It is crucial to have a skilled theft attorney in Rancho Cucamonga to defend your case and prove that no fraudulent intent was involved.

Proposition 47

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

This law provides an opportunity for those previously convicted of these crimes to seek resentencing or reduced penalties.

If you are facing felony theft charges, our law firm can review your case to determine if you qualify for Proposition 47 relief and push for misdemeanor treatment.

Defending Strategy Against Sex Crime Charges

Each sex crime case is unique, but we apply key defense strategies at My Rights Law while customizing them for your situation. The main tactics we use include:

Lack of Intent

The central element of any sex crime is intent. If we can prove there was no malicious intent or that the situation was misunderstood, we can fight for reduced or dismissed charges.

Mistaken Identity

Sex crime cases often involve misidentification by witnesses or poor-quality evidence. If you’re wrongly identified, we can challenge the entire case and potentially have it thrown out.

Illegal Search and Seizure

If law enforcement violated your rights during a search, stop, or arrest, we can suppress the evidence they gathered, weakening the prosecutor’s case against you.

Consent or Ownership Dispute

If the alleged act was consensual or there is a dispute regarding ownership or intent, we will raise this defense to show there was no crime committed.

Diversion and Probation Options

For first-time offenders, we may seek:

• Pretrial diversion
• Probation instead of jail time
• Sex crime education programs

These options allow you to avoid a conviction and protect your future. Our priority is to safeguard your freedom, reputation, and long-term well-being.

Protect Your Future – Contact With Rancho Cucamonga Sex Crime Attorney

Being charged with a sex crime in Rancho Cucamonga is overwhelming, but it’s not the end. A skilled attorney can minimize the consequences of these charges. At My Rights Law, our team is dedicated to defending your rights, securing favorable outcomes, and helping you avoid jail time.

Don’t face this challenge alone. Get the experienced legal representation that Rancho Cucamonga clients trust to fight serious sex crime charges.

Call us now at (909) 330-3880 or contact us online for a free consultation. One call could make the difference between freedom and facing serious consequences.

Ready to speak with a Rancho Cucamonga theft crime attorney? Contact us now at (909) 330-3880 or contact us online.