Santa Monica Theft Attorney

Theft Attorney in Santa Monica – Free Strategy Session

Facing theft crime charges in Santa Monica can seriously jeopardize your freedom, reputation, and future. The consequences are real and can include jail time, steep fines, probation, or even a felony conviction that stays on your record for life. Whether you are accused of shoplifting, embezzlement, burglary, or another theft-related offense, the stakes are high and you need experienced legal support right away.

At My Rights Law, we understand that every theft case is unique. We take immediate action to investigate your case, build a defense, and protect your rights at every step of the process. Our goal is to reduce or dismiss the charges and minimize the impact on your life as much as possible.

If you’re facing theft accusations, don’t delay. Reach out to a trusted California theft defense attorney by calling (424) 421-2330 for a confidential consultation. The sooner we begin, the stronger your defense can be.

Ready to speak with a Santa Monica theft crime attorney? Contact us now at (424) 421-2330 or contact us online.

Common Santa Monica Theft Crimes

The California Penal Code outlines a variety of theft offenses, each with its own legal elements and potential penalties. Based on the value of the property taken and the method involved, charges can vary from misdemeanors to felonies. Whether the offense is minor or serious, a theft conviction can negatively affect your job prospects, housing opportunities, and personal reputation.

In Santa Monica, we frequently defend clients against a range of theft allegations, 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 which theft offense you’re being charged with, our attorneys have the knowledge and skill to develop a tailored defense plan. Let’s take a closer look at these offenses and how they’re typically prosecuted in California courts.

Petty Theft

Under California Penal Code section 484(a), petty theft is defined as the unlawful taking of someone else’s property valued at $950 or less. These offenses often involve low-level shoplifting, stealing unattended items, or other minor theft actions. While the value may be small, the consequences can still be serious, especially if it’s not your first offense.

Penalty for a Petty Theft

Petty theft is typically a misdemeanor offense 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 a theft awareness program

Penalties can be more severe if aggravating factors exist—such as the use of force, the victim’s vulnerability, or prior convictions. A prior petty theft conviction can trigger a “petty theft with a prior” enhancement, which may be charged as a felony and carry stiffer consequences. My Rights Law is here to help Santa Monica clients minimize the legal impact of a petty theft charge and explore every possible defense.

Shoplifting

According to California Penal Code section 459.5(a), shoplifting occurs when someone enters a commercial establishment during regular business hours intending to steal items worth $950 or less. Unlike traditional burglary, shoplifting does not require a completed theft—intent alone is enough to support the charge.

Penalties for Shoplifting

• Usually charged as a misdemeanor
• Up to 6 months in county jail
• Court-imposed fines and potential restitution
• If you have prior convictions for serious felonies (e.g., murder, sex crimes), shoplifting may be charged as a felony

First-time offenders in Santa Monica may be eligible for diversion programs, reduced sentencing, or even case dismissal. At My Rights Law, we work tirelessly to protect your record and secure the most favorable outcome possible, often seeking alternatives to incarceration for eligible clients.

Grand Theft

California Penal Code section 487(a) categorizes theft as grand theft when the value of the property taken exceeds $950, or if the stolen item is a firearm, motor vehicle, or certain types of livestock. Grand theft is considered more serious due to the high value or nature of the stolen property.

Penalties for Grand Theft

This offense can be prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or felony (“wobbler”), depending on the case details. Possible consequences include:

• Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail
• Felony: 16 months, 2, or 3 years in state prison
• Restitution to the victim and formal probation

A felony grand theft conviction can have far-reaching impacts on your life—limiting employment, housing opportunities, and even affecting your immigration status. My Rights Law has extensive experience representing Santa Monica clients in felony theft cases, fighting hard to reduce charges or pursue sentencing alternatives to protect your future.

Burglary

Per Penal Code 459, burglary involves entering a building or structure with the intent to commit theft or any felony inside. Burglary is classified into two degrees: first-degree (residential) and second-degree (commercial), with residential burglary carrying more severe penalties.

Penalties for Burglary

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

Burglary charges hinge on the prosecution’s ability to prove that you had criminal intent at the time of entry. A knowledgeable theft attorney in Santa Monica can challenge that assumption and may be able to negotiate a charge reduction or dismissal altogether. At My Rights Law, we leverage every angle to defend your rights and reputation.

Embezzlement

Under Penal Code 503, embezzlement is defined as the fraudulent appropriation of property by someone who has been entrusted with it. This type of theft is commonly associated with employees, financial managers, or anyone handling business or organizational funds.

Penalties for Embezzlement

• Charged based on the value involved:
• Less than $950: Usually a misdemeanor
• More than $950: May be charged as a felony
• Additional consequences may include jail or prison time, fines, restitution, and long-term professional consequences

Embezzlement often arises from complex financial relationships, and misunderstandings can lead to criminal charges. In Santa Monica, My Rights Law has defended numerous clients in embezzlement cases, ensuring that honest mistakes or bookkeeping errors aren’t wrongly portrayed as criminal acts. We can help clarify the facts and challenge the prosecution’s narrative to seek a just resolution.

Proposition 47

California voters approved Proposition 47 in 2014 to reduce certain non-violent felony offenses to misdemeanors. This reform affects crimes such as petty theft, shoplifting, receiving stolen property, and other similar offenses—provided the value of the property is $950 or less.

Thanks to Prop 47, many individuals currently facing or previously convicted of theft charges may qualify for a sentence reduction. If you’ve been accused of felony theft in Santa Monica, My Rights Law can review your case to determine if you are eligible for relief under Prop 47 and take action to pursue a downgrade to misdemeanor status, minimizing the long-term effects on your record and future.

Defending Strategy Against Theft Charges

Every theft case is different, but we use proven strategies at My Rights Law that we tailor specifically to your unique circumstances. Our main defenses include:

Lack of Intent

Intent is a key component in any theft crime. If we can demonstrate that your actions lacked criminal intent—whether due to confusion, accident, or misunderstanding—your charges may be reduced or dismissed.

Mistaken Identity

Eyewitness mistakes and poor surveillance footage are common in theft cases. If you were misidentified or falsely accused, we will challenge the prosecution’s evidence thoroughly.

Illegal Search and Seizure

If law enforcement conducted an unlawful search, stop, or arrest, any evidence obtained can be excluded. We will hold authorities accountable for constitutional violations.

Consent or Ownership Dispute

In some cases, the property in question was loaned, gifted, or legitimately believed to be yours. We’ll present this defense to show no theft took place.

Diversion and Probation Options

First-time offenders may qualify for:

• Pretrial diversion programs
• Probation instead of incarceration
• Theft counseling and education

These alternatives aim to resolve your case without a conviction, safeguarding your future and keeping your record clean.

Protect Your Future – Contact With Santa Monica Theft Crime Attorney

Facing a theft charge in Santa Monica can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. A skilled local attorney can make all the difference in your outcome.

At My Rights Law, our experienced theft defense team has helped countless clients avoid jail, reduce charges, and clear their records. We’re aggressive, experienced, and fully committed to protecting your freedom and your future.

Call us today at (424) 421-2330 or contact us online for a free consultation. Your first step toward justice starts with one call.

Ready to speak with a Santa Monica theft crime attorney? Contact us now at (424) 421-2330 or contact us online.