Venice Theft Attorney

Theft Attorney in Venice – Free Strategy Session

Being arrested or charged with a theft crime in Venice can seriously threaten your freedom, career, and future opportunities. Whether you’re facing accusations of shoplifting, burglary, grand theft, or another theft-related offense, it’s important to act quickly. A conviction can lead to harsh penalties, including county jail or state prison time, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record that can impact employment and housing opportunities. Some theft offenses can even be elevated to felony charges depending on the details of the case, especially if aggravating factors or prior convictions are involved.

At My Rights Law, we understand how prosecutors build theft cases, and we develop personalized defense strategies to counter their claims. If you’ve been charged with a theft offense in Venice, don’t delay—get in touch with an experienced California theft lawyer today by calling (424) 421-2330. Time matters. The earlier we begin working on your case, the better the chance of achieving a favorable outcome.

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

Common Venice Theft Crimes

Theft crimes in California are prosecuted under several sections of the Penal Code, with penalties depending on the type and value of the property stolen, as well as the circumstances of the offense. Regardless of the charge, all theft crimes are based on one core concept: the unlawful taking of another person’s property with intent to deprive them of it. Each type of theft case demands a tailored legal defense that aligns with its specific legal standards and factual nuances.

At My Rights Law, we commonly defend clients in Venice against theft charges such as:

• 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 specific charge you’re facing, our legal team is ready to explain the law, evaluate your options, and aggressively defend your rights at every stage of the case.

Petty Theft

Under California Penal Code section 484(a), petty theft is defined as the unlawful taking of property valued at $950 or less. This offense commonly includes acts such as shoplifting, picking up unattended items, or other instances involving low-value property. Although considered a lesser offense than grand theft, it still carries serious consequences that can affect your record.

Penalty for a Petty Theft

Petty theft is usually charged as a misdemeanor, and penalties can include:

• 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 penalties can vary depending on the circumstances surrounding the theft—such as the victim involved, whether force or fear was used, and the offender’s criminal history. In some situations, especially if you have a prior theft conviction, the charge may be elevated to “petty theft with a prior,” potentially making it a felony. A skilled Venice theft attorney at My Rights Law can help you avoid severe consequences and fight for a favorable outcome.

Shoplifting

According to Penal Code section 459.5(a), shoplifting refers to entering a business during its regular hours with the intent to steal merchandise valued at $950 or less. Even if the person leaves the store without taking anything, the act of entering with intent to steal may still qualify as shoplifting.

Penalties for Shoplifting

• Generally charged as a misdemeanor
• Up to 6 months in county jail
• Fines, community service, or restitution to the business
• Upgraded to a felony if you have a prior conviction for serious offenses such as murder, rape, or sex crimes

For first-time offenders, courts often offer alternative sentencing options like diversion programs or dismissal upon successful completion of conditions. If you’re facing shoplifting charges in Venice, a criminal defense attorney from My Rights Law can argue for the lightest possible outcome or help get your case dismissed altogether.

Grand Theft

Under Penal Code section 487(a), grand theft occurs when the value of the stolen property exceeds $950. It also applies in certain circumstances regardless of value, such as the theft of a firearm, motor vehicle, or specific types of livestock. Unlike petty theft, grand theft reflects a higher degree of severity and is often treated more harshly under the law.

Penalties for Grand Theft

Grand theft is a “wobbler,” meaning it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony depending on factors like the defendant’s history and the specifics of the offense:

• Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail
• Felony: Up to 3 years in state prison
• Fines, restitution, and probation may also apply

Beyond legal penalties, a felony grand theft conviction can severely impact your life—including difficulties securing employment, housing, or immigration benefits. If you’re facing such charges in Venice, My Rights Law can provide aggressive legal defense and work to reduce or dismiss the charges entirely.

Burglary

Penal Code section 459 defines burglary as entering a structure—whether a home, store, or office—with the intent to commit theft or any felony. Burglary is categorized into first-degree (residential) and second-degree (commercial) offenses, each carrying its own set of 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: Considered a wobbler
• Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail
• Felony: Up to 3 years in state prison

Burglary cases hinge on proving intent prior to entry. If that element can be challenged or removed, the prosecution’s case weakens significantly. The Venice theft attorneys at My Rights Law are adept at scrutinizing this aspect to help reduce or eliminate burglary charges.

Embezzlement

Under Penal Code section 503, embezzlement involves the unlawful use or conversion of property by someone who was entrusted with it. This often arises in the context of employment, where an individual is given access to assets or accounts and is later accused of misappropriating them for personal gain.

Penalties for Embezzlement

• The punishment depends on the amount involved:
• Less than $950: Typically a misdemeanor
• More than $950: May be charged as a felony
• Penalties may include jail or prison time, fines, restitution, and loss of professional licenses

Embezzlement cases often involve gray areas and misunderstandings. You might be accused due to poor bookkeeping, unclear agreements, or miscommunication. Our experienced theft defense lawyers in Venice can help present the facts clearly and argue that there was no criminal intent, aiming to resolve your case in the most favorable way possible.

Proposition 47

Proposition 47, passed in 2014, reclassified many non-violent theft-related felonies as misdemeanors when the value involved is $950 or less. Crimes like petty theft, shoplifting, receiving stolen property, and check fraud are now typically eligible for lighter treatment under this law.

This legislative change means that many individuals currently facing charges—or even those already convicted—could qualify for resentencing or reduced charges. If you’re charged with a theft crime in Venice, My Rights Law can evaluate your eligibility for Prop 47 relief and advocate for your case to be reclassified and penalties reduced.

Defending Strategy Against Theft Charges

Every theft case is different, but at My Rights Law, we rely on proven strategies and adapt them to your unique circumstances. Our core approaches include:

Lack of Intent

Intent is a crucial element in theft charges. If we can demonstrate that you didn’t intend to steal—perhaps it was an honest mistake—we can pursue dismissal or reduced penalties.

Mistaken Identity

Unclear footage or unreliable witnesses often lead to false accusations. If you were wrongly identified, we’ll challenge the credibility of the evidence against you.

Illegal Search and Seizure

When police conduct an unlawful search or violate your rights during arrest, we can argue to exclude key evidence, weakening the prosecution’s case significantly.

Consent or Ownership Dispute

If you had permission to take the item or believed it was yours, we’ll highlight the misunderstanding to disprove any criminal intent.

Diversion and Probation Options

For eligible first-time offenders, we may seek:

• Pretrial diversion programs
• Probation instead of incarceration
• Theft awareness or education classes

These alternatives can help you avoid a conviction and preserve your clean record. Our goal is to protect your rights, your future, and your reputation.

Protect Your Future – Contact With Venice Theft Crime Attorney

Being accused of theft in California can upend your life, but it doesn’t have to define your future. An experienced Venice theft crime attorney can make all the difference.

At My Rights Law, our Venice-based defense team has a strong record of getting charges reduced or dismissed, negotiating favorable plea deals, and keeping clients out of jail. We fight smart—and we fight hard.

Don’t face this challenge on your own. Hire a Venice theft lawyer that clients trust for serious criminal matters.

Call us today at (424) 421-2330 or contact us online to schedule your free case review. Your future may depend on it.

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