Simi Valley Theft Attorney

Theft Attorney in Simi Valley – Free Strategy Session

Being charged with a theft-related crime in Simi Valley puts your future and freedom on the line, and acting quickly is crucial. Theft offenses range from shoplifting and burglary to grand theft and embezzlement, each carrying potential penalties including jail time, fines, and probation. In more serious cases, prosecutors may pursue felony charges that remain on your criminal record permanently, impacting your life indefinitely.

If you are facing theft charges, don’t delay—contact an experienced California theft attorney at (805) 263-1499 today. Because time works against you, initiating your defense strategy immediately is vital to protect your rights and minimize consequences.

Ready to speak with a Simi Valley theft crime attorney? Contact us now at (805) 263-1499 or contact us online.

Common Simi Valley Theft Crimes

Theft offenses are defined under various sections of the California Penal Code, with prosecution and penalties varying based on the crime’s severity and circumstances. Despite the differences, theft generally involves unlawfully taking someone else’s property with the intent to steal.

Some of the most frequently charged theft crimes in Simi Valley 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 have the expertise to handle it effectively. Let’s explore the meaning of these charges and how they can be contested in court.

Petty Theft

Penal Code section 484(a) defines petty theft as the unlawful taking of property valued at $950 or less. This often involves minor shoplifting, pickpocketing, or other low-value theft offenses commonly seen in Simi Valley.

Penalty for Petty Theft

Petty theft is usually charged as a misdemeanor and can result in punishments such as:

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

The severity of penalties depends on factors like the value of the stolen property, the victim’s status (business, elderly, disabled, or minor), use of force or fear, and prior offenses. Repeat petty theft offenses can be charged as felonies, bringing much harsher consequences. If you are charged with petty theft in Simi Valley, experienced legal defense can help mitigate the impact on your life.

Shoplifting

Under Penal Code 459.5(a), shoplifting occurs when a person enters a commercial establishment during normal business hours with the intent to steal merchandise valued at $950 or less.

Penalties for Shoplifting

• Usually charged as a misdemeanor
• Up to six months in county jail
• Court fines and potential restitution to the store
• If convicted of serious prior offenses, shoplifting charges may be elevated to felony status

If this is your first shoplifting offense in Simi Valley, a theft crime attorney can often negotiate reduced charges, alternative sentencing options, or even dismissal, protecting your record and future.

Grand Theft

According to Penal Code 487(a), grand theft occurs when the stolen property exceeds $950 in value or involves specific items like firearms, vehicles, or livestock. Grand theft charges carry more serious consequences.

Penalties for Grand Theft

Grand theft is a “wobbler” offense in California, meaning it can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony depending on circumstances and value of the property:

• Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail
• Felony: Up to 3 years in state prison
• Restitution payments and formal probation are also possible

A felony grand theft conviction in Simi Valley can significantly impact your life beyond the courtroom, affecting employment opportunities, housing, and immigration status. Skilled defense is essential to minimize these risks and fight felony charges effectively.

Burglary

Penal Code 459 defines burglary as unlawfully entering a building—whether residential or commercial—with intent to commit theft or any felony inside. Burglary includes first-degree (residential) and second-degree (commercial) offenses.

Penalties for Burglary

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

Burglary charges are serious because they require proving intent before entry. A skilled Simi Valley theft attorney can challenge this intent element, possibly reducing charges or achieving dismissal.

Embezzlement

Embezzlement, covered under Penal Code 503, is the fraudulent taking or misappropriation of property by someone entrusted with it, often occurring in employment or financial contexts.

Penalties for Embezzlement

• Charges depend on the property’s value:
• Less than $950: Misdemeanor
• Over $950: Felony
• Potential penalties include restitution, fines, jail or prison time, and professional consequences such as job loss or license revocation

Even if the embezzlement was an honest mistake or accounting error, you can still face theft charges. A Simi Valley theft lawyer can help prove lack of criminal intent and protect your future by building a strong defense strategy.

Proposition 47

Passed in 2014, Proposition 47 reclassified many non-violent theft offenses as misdemeanors instead of felonies. This includes petty theft, shoplifting, and receiving stolen property when the value is $950 or less.

This law allows many defendants to qualify for reduced sentencing or resentencing if previously convicted under harsher felony classifications.

If you are facing felony theft charges in Simi Valley, our law firm can assess your case for potential Proposition 47 relief and advocate for misdemeanor treatment to reduce the consequences on your record and life.

Defending Strategy Against Theft Charges

Every theft case is unique, but at My Rights Law, we use proven strategies tailored to your situation. Common approaches include:

Lack of Intent

A key element in theft cases is intent. If we prove the taking was accidental or misunderstood, charges can be reduced or dismissed entirely.

Mistaken Identity

Theft accusations often depend on poor-quality footage or unreliable witnesses. If you aren’t clearly identified, we can challenge the validity of the case.

Illegal Search and Seizure

If law enforcement violated your constitutional rights during a stop, search, or arrest, we can work to exclude that evidence and weaken the prosecution’s case.

Consent or Ownership Dispute

If the property was borrowed, gifted, or belongs to you, we will argue there was no unlawful taking to defend against theft charges.

Diversion and Probation Options

For first-time offenders, we pursue alternatives like:

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

These options help avoid convictions and protect your record. Our priority is safeguarding your freedom, reputation, and future.

Protect Your Future – Contact With Simi Valley Theft Crime Attorney

Being charged with a theft crime in California is stressful, but it’s not the end. A skilled Simi Valley theft attorney can help reduce the impact and fight for your rights.

At My Rights Law, our experienced team has a strong record of beating charges, negotiating favorable results, and keeping clients out of jail. We are relentless, strategic, and fully committed to defending you.

Don’t face this alone. Hire a theft defense lawyer in Simi Valley trusted by clients for serious legal battles.

Call us now at (805) 263-1499 or contact us online for a free consultation. One call could mean the difference between jail and freedom.

Ready to speak with a Simi Valley theft crime attorney? Contact us now at (805) 263-1499 or contact us online.