Rowland Heights Theft Attorney

Theft Attorney in Rowland Heights – Free Strategy Session

Being arrested for a theft offense in Rowland Heights puts your freedom and your future at serious risk. Whether you’re facing accusations of shoplifting, embezzlement, grand theft, or another theft-related offense, the penalties can be severe. These may include county jail time, expensive fines, probation, and even a lasting felony on your criminal record that could affect your employment and housing opportunities.

Every theft charge has unique legal and factual issues, and you should not face them without the help of an experienced theft lawyer. At My Rights Law, we understand how California theft laws work and how prosecutors build their cases. That’s why we work aggressively to protect your rights, negotiate with prosecutors, and fight in court if needed.

If you’ve been accused of a theft crime, don’t delay. Contact a skilled Rowland Heights theft attorney at (626) 412-4840. The earlier we start building your defense, the better your chances of a favorable outcome.

Ready to speak with a Rowland Heights theft crime attorney? Contact us now at (626) 412-4840 or contact us online.

Common Rowland Heights Theft Crimes

Theft crimes under California law are prosecuted differently based on the nature and value of the property allegedly taken. Each charge carries its own set of legal implications and requires a tailored defense. In general, theft involves the unlawful taking of property that does not belong to you, with the intent to deprive the rightful owner of it permanently. Depending on the specifics, theft may be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony.

At My Rights Law, we regularly defend clients in Rowland Heights facing the following theft-related charges:

• 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 crime you are charged with, we have the legal insight and courtroom experience to defend you effectively. Let’s explore the details of these charges and how they might be handled in 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. Common examples include shoplifting, pickpocketing, and other minor thefts. Even though these offenses might seem trivial, the consequences can still be serious and have lasting effects.

Penalty for a Petty Theft

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

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

The exact punishment may depend on the circumstances of the offense, such as the nature of the victim (e.g., elderly or disabled), the use of force or threats, and your prior criminal record. If you have a prior theft conviction, you could face an enhanced charge known as “petty theft with a prior,” which may be charged as a felony. That’s why having an experienced Rowland Heights theft attorney from My Rights Law is critical to minimizing penalties or avoiding a conviction altogether.

Shoplifting

Under Penal Code 459.5(a), shoplifting is defined as entering a retail or commercial establishment during regular business hours with the intent to steal merchandise valued at $950 or less. Unlike burglary, shoplifting focuses on low-level theft committed during store hours.

Penalties for Shoplifting

• Typically charged as a misdemeanor
• Up to 6 months in county jail
• Monetary fines and possible restitution to the business
• Felony charges if you have a serious or violent felony conviction on your record

If this is your first offense, you may qualify for diversion programs or reduced sentencing. Our Rowland Heights theft attorneys at My Rights Law can argue for community service, probation, or case dismissal through a tailored legal defense that considers your specific background and the circumstances of your case.

Grand Theft

According to California Penal Code 487(a), grand theft occurs when the stolen property exceeds a value of $950. This charge also covers the theft of certain types of property, such as firearms, vehicles, or agricultural products like livestock—even when valued under the threshold.

Penalties for Grand Theft

Grand theft is considered a “wobbler,” which means it can be charged either as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the case details:

• Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail
• Felony: Up to 3 years in state prison
• Restitution to the victim and probation

A felony conviction can significantly harm your future—affecting employment, housing opportunities, and even your immigration status. The legal team at My Rights Law in Rowland Heights has extensive experience fighting grand theft charges, negotiating for charge reductions, and working toward outcomes that preserve your future and reputation.

Burglary

Under Penal Code 459, burglary involves entering a building—residential or commercial—with the intent to commit theft or any felony. First-degree burglary refers to residential properties and is treated more severely than second-degree burglary, which typically involves businesses or non-inhabited structures.

Penalties for Burglary

• First-degree burglary (felony only)
• 2, 4, or 6 years in state prison
• Counts as a strike under the Three Strikes Law
• Second-degree burglary (wobbler offense)
• Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail
• Felony: Up to 3 years in prison

Burglary is often treated harshly due to the element of premeditated intent. However, our attorneys in Rowland Heights can challenge this intent, potentially reducing your charges or getting the case dismissed. At My Rights Law, we examine every detail to protect your rights and future.

Embezzlement

California Penal Code section 503 defines embezzlement as the fraudulent appropriation of property by someone entrusted with it. This frequently occurs in employment settings or situations where financial oversight is involved. You don’t need to physically take the property—misusing funds or assets for personal gain is enough.

Penalties for Embezzlement

• Determined by the value of the misappropriated property
• Less than $950: Misdemeanor
• More than $950: Felony
• Consequences may include restitution, jail or prison time, and damage to your professional standing

Embezzlement cases can be complicated and often stem from misunderstandings, poor bookkeeping, or miscommunications. If you’ve been accused, it’s crucial to have a skilled Rowland Heights theft attorney on your side. My Rights Law can help build a defense to show lack of criminal intent or highlight procedural errors, giving you the best chance at avoiding conviction.

Proposition 47

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

This change has allowed many individuals to avoid felony convictions, and even those previously convicted may now be eligible for resentencing or record adjustment under the new rules.

If you’re facing felony theft charges in Rowland Heights, our attorneys at My Rights Law can evaluate your eligibility under Prop 47 and advocate for reduced charges or post-conviction relief, helping you clear your record and move forward.

Defending Strategy Against Theft Charges

Each theft case is different, but our defense team at My Rights Law uses proven legal strategies customized to fit the facts of your case. These include:

Lack of Intent

Intent is a critical element in any theft case. If we can show the act was accidental, misunderstood, or without malicious intent, we can seek a dismissal or reduction of charges.

Mistaken Identity

Theft accusations often stem from unreliable security footage or witness accounts. If you were wrongly identified, we can challenge the evidence and work to have your case dismissed.

Illegal Search and Seizure

If the police overstepped their legal authority during the stop, search, or arrest, we’ll argue to suppress the evidence and weaken the prosecution’s position.

Consent or Ownership Dispute

If you had permission to take the property or believed it was yours, we’ll present that evidence to prove there was no criminal intent involved.

Diversion and Probation Options

For those without prior offenses, we often pursue alternatives such as:

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

These paths can help you avoid a conviction and protect your future. Our mission is to defend your rights and preserve your freedom.

Protect Your Future – Contact With Rowland Heights Theft Crime Attorney

Being charged with theft in Rowland Heights is serious—but not hopeless. A seasoned theft attorney can work to reduce the damage and fight for the best outcome.

At My Rights Law, our Rowland Heights theft lawyers know how to build strong defenses, negotiate with prosecutors, and keep our clients out of jail. We’re committed to your defense from start to finish.

Don’t face this battle alone. Choose the Rowland Heights theft crime attorney that clients rely on when everything is on the line.

Call us today at (626) 412-4840 or contact us online for a free consultation. One call can change everything.

Ready to speak with a Rowland Heights theft crime attorney? Contact us now at (626) 412-4840 or contact us online.