Victorville Theft Attorney

Theft Attorney in Victorville – Free Strategy Session

Being charged with a theft crime in Victorville puts your future and freedom at serious risk, and the clock is ticking. Theft offenses such as shoplifting, burglary, grand theft, or embezzlement can result in jail time, fines, probation, and sometimes felony convictions that remain on your record permanently.

If you face theft charges, don’t delay—contact an experienced California theft defense attorney at (760) 490-0308 right away. Early action is crucial to building a strong defense strategy tailored to your case.

Ready to speak with a Victorville theft crime attorney? Contact us now at (760) 490-0308 or contact us online.

Common Victorville Theft Crimes

Theft offenses in California cover a range of crimes under different Penal Code sections, each prosecuted based on specific facts and circumstances. At their core, all theft crimes involve unlawfully taking someone else’s property with the intent to steal it. In Victorville, the most frequent theft charges 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 statute applies to your case, we understand how to effectively handle the charges. Let us explain what each charge entails and how the prosecution might proceed.

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 offenses such as shoplifting, pickpocketing, or other low-value thefts. Although petty theft is considered a less serious crime, it can still carry significant consequences that may affect your record and future.

Penalty for Petty Theft

Petty theft is generally charged as a misdemeanor and can result in penalties including:

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

The exact punishment depends on factors such as the value of the stolen property, the nature of the victim (e.g., business, elderly, disabled, minor), and whether force or intimidation was used. Additionally, repeat offenses can lead to more severe charges, like petty theft with a prior, which may be elevated to felony status with harsher consequences. Having an experienced theft attorney in Victorville can help you navigate these complexities and work to minimize 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 intending to steal merchandise worth $950 or less. This offense is one of the most common theft crimes charged in Victorville.

Penalties for Shoplifting

• Typically charged as a misdemeanor
• Up to 6 months in county jail
• Court fines and possible restitution payments
• Felony charges may apply if the offender has prior serious convictions such as for violent crimes

If this is your first offense, there may be options to reduce or dismiss charges altogether. A knowledgeable Victorville theft attorney can seek alternative sentencing, negotiate plea deals, or pursue other strategies to protect your rights and future.

Grand Theft

Per Penal Code 487(a), grand theft involves stealing property valued over $950. It also covers specific items such as firearms, automobiles, or livestock. Grand theft is a more serious crime and can carry significant penalties.

Penalties for Grand Theft

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

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

A felony conviction carries long-term consequences beyond sentencing, affecting employment prospects, housing, and immigration status. To protect yourself from these risks, you need a skilled theft attorney in Victorville who can aggressively defend against felony charges and work toward the best possible outcome.

Burglary

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

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, which may be charged as:
• Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail
• Felony: Up to 3 years in state prison

Because burglary requires intent before entering, it is treated more severely than other theft crimes. However, an experienced Victorville defense attorney can challenge this element to potentially reduce charges or obtain dismissal.

Embezzlement

Embezzlement, defined under Penal Code 503, is the fraudulent taking of property by someone entrusted with it. This most often occurs in employment or financial account settings where a person has lawful access but illegally diverts assets for personal use.

Penalties for Embezzlement

• Charges depend on the value of the property involved:
• Less than $950: Typically a misdemeanor
• More than $950: Usually a felony
• Penalties may include restitution, fines, jail or prison time, and professional repercussions

Embezzlement cases can be complicated since misunderstandings or accounting errors might trigger charges. Having a knowledgeable theft lawyer in Victorville can help you demonstrate lack of criminal intent and clarify the facts to protect your future.

Proposition 47

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

This change means that many defendants now qualify for reduced sentencing or even resentencing if previously convicted under harsher laws.

If you are facing felony theft charges, our law firm can review your case for Proposition 47 eligibility and advocate for misdemeanor treatment to reduce penalties and help protect your rights.

Defending Strategy Against Theft Charges

Every theft case is unique, but at My Rights Law, we use proven strategies tailored to your specific circumstances. Key defenses we apply include:

Lack of Intent

The core element of theft is intent. If we show that the alleged taking was accidental or misunderstood, we can push for reduced charges or dismissal.

Mistaken Identity

Theft accusations often rest on unclear video footage or unreliable witnesses. If you are not positively identified, we challenge the validity of the case.

Illegal Search and Seizure

If police violated your constitutional rights during arrest, search, or stop, we can file motions to exclude the evidence and weaken the prosecution’s case.

Consent or Ownership Dispute

If the item in question was borrowed, gifted, or legally yours, we argue there was no unlawful taking involved in your case.

Diversion and Probation Options

For first-time offenders, we explore alternatives like:

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

These programs help avoid convictions and keep your record clean. Our priority is protecting your freedom, reputation, and future.

Protect Your Future – Contact a Victorville Theft Crime Attorney

Being charged with theft in California can feel overwhelming, but it’s not the end. A skilled Victorville theft attorney can help minimize the consequences and protect your rights.

At My Rights Law, our dedicated Victorville theft defense team has a strong record of beating charges, securing favorable results, and keeping clients out of jail.

Don’t face theft charges alone. Contact a trusted Victorville theft lawyer who fights relentlessly for you.

Call us now at (760) 490-0308 or contact us online for a free consultation. One call could be the difference between jail and freedom.

Ready to speak with a Victorville theft crime attorney? Contact us now at (760) 490-0308 or contact us online.