Being arrested for a theft crime in Van Nuys can have serious consequences for your future. These charges are often time-sensitive, and you need to take immediate action to protect your rights. Whether it’s petty theft, burglary, grand theft, or embezzlement, all theft-related crimes carry the possibility of incarceration, financial penalties, and a damaging criminal record. In some cases, prosecutors may even push for a felony conviction, which can result in long-term repercussions on your career, reputation, and freedom.
At My Rights Law, we understand how theft laws work in California and how to defend against them. If you’re facing theft charges, you need a knowledgeable Van Nuys theft attorney who can fight aggressively on your behalf. Call us now at (747) 249 5077 to schedule your free, confidential legal strategy session. The sooner we begin building your defense, the better your chances of securing a favorable outcome.
Theft offenses are defined in various parts of the California Penal Code and vary in severity depending on the circumstances surrounding the alleged crime. While all theft crimes involve the unlawful taking of property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it, the penalties can differ significantly depending on factors such as value, method, and prior convictions. Because of this, each case requires a custom defense strategy tailored to the specific charge.
At My Rights Law, we routinely help clients in Van Nuys who have been charged with offenses including:
No matter which charge you are facing, we have the experience and insight needed to fight for your rights. Let’s review what each of these offenses means and how they are typically handled in court.
Under California Penal Code section 484(a), petty theft is defined as the unlawful taking of property valued at $950 or less. This type of theft typically arises in cases involving shoplifting, minor thefts from individuals or stores, or other low-dollar property crimes. Even though the value may seem minor, a petty theft conviction can still significantly impact your future, especially if it shows up on background checks for employment or housing.
Penalty for a Petty Theft
Petty theft is generally prosecuted as a misdemeanor and can result in:
Aggravating factors—such as targeting a vulnerable victim (e.g., elderly or disabled), or having prior theft convictions—can elevate charges to “petty theft with a prior,” a wobbler offense that may be charged as a felony. If you're facing petty theft charges in Van Nuys, an experienced theft lawyer from My Rights Law can work to keep your record clean and your penalties minimal.
Under Penal Code 459.5(a), shoplifting refers to entering a commercial establishment during business hours with the intent to steal items worth $950 or less. It differs from burglary because it occurs during normal operating hours and usually involves retail theft.
Penalties for Shoplifting
In many first-time shoplifting cases, there is an opportunity to resolve the matter without jail time. At My Rights Law, our Van Nuys theft crime attorneys can pursue alternatives such as diversion programs, case dismissal, or charge reductions, depending on your unique situation.
Under California Penal Code section 487(a), grand theft occurs when someone unlawfully takes property valued over $950. It also includes the theft of specific items such as firearms, vehicles, or certain animals, regardless of their value. Grand theft can occur in various forms—shoplifting high-ticket items, employee theft, or even fraud-related offenses.
Penalties for Grand Theft
Grand theft is a “wobbler,” which means it can be prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the facts of the case:
A felony grand theft conviction can carry long-term consequences beyond incarceration, including difficulty securing employment or housing and immigration complications. My Rights Law’s Van Nuys attorneys work to reduce felony charges, seek alternative sentencing, or argue for outright dismissal, based on the strength of your defense and case specifics.
California Penal Code 459 defines burglary as entering a structure—residential or commercial—with the intent to commit theft or any felony. There are two degrees: first-degree (residential) and second-degree (commercial) burglary. The crime hinges on the intent formed before or during entry into the property.
Penalties for Burglary
Because burglary implies intent before entry, it is considered more serious than other forms of theft. However, a skilled Van Nuys criminal defense attorney from My Rights Law may challenge the prosecution’s ability to prove intent, which could lead to a reduced charge or even dismissal.
Under Penal Code 503, embezzlement is defined as the fraudulent taking or use of property by someone who was entrusted with it. It frequently occurs in workplace settings, such as an employee misappropriating company funds, or in financial contexts involving fiduciary duty.
Penalties for Embezzlement
Embezzlement cases can be particularly complex, as even misunderstandings or bookkeeping errors can lead to criminal charges. If you are accused of embezzlement in Van Nuys, My Rights Law will thoroughly examine the evidence and work to show there was no criminal intent, protecting your rights and your reputation.
Proposition 47, passed in 2014, reclassified several non-violent property crimes—such as petty theft, shoplifting, and receiving stolen property—as misdemeanors when the value is $950 or less. This law offers significant relief for many people facing theft charges or those who were previously convicted under harsher statutes.
Many individuals may now qualify for reduced sentencing, or even resentencing if previously convicted as felons under older laws.
At My Rights Law, we help Van Nuys clients determine if their case is eligible for Proposition 47 relief. Our goal is to minimize the legal impact on your life by arguing for the least severe classification possible—or getting the charges dismissed entirely.
Each theft case is unique, but at My Rights Law in Van Nuys, we apply proven defense strategies tailored to the specifics of your case.
Intent is a key component of theft charges. If we can show that you did not intend to steal—due to accident, confusion, or misunderstanding—we can fight for dismissal or a reduced charge.
Many theft accusations are based on flawed video footage or unreliable eyewitness accounts. If you're misidentified, we will aggressively challenge the prosecution’s case.
Police must follow the law when gathering evidence. If your rights were violated during a search or arrest, we’ll move to suppress that evidence and weaken the case against you.
If you had permission to take the item, or if you believed it was yours, this lack of criminal intent can serve as a powerful defense to theft allegations.
For first-time offenders, we may pursue:
These solutions can prevent a conviction and help you move forward without a criminal record. Our focus is your future, freedom, and reputation.
Theft charges in Van Nuys can disrupt your life, but they don't have to define it. Our attorneys at My Rights Law know how to challenge these cases and protect your freedom.
We’re experienced, strategic, and passionate about defending your rights in even the most complex theft cases. Let us fight for the best possible outcome in your situation.
Call us now at (747) 249 5077 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. One call could change everything.
This page was written by the My Rights Law Editorial Team and reviewed for legal accuracy by Bobby Shamuilian.
Attorney Shamuilian is the founder and managing partner of My Rights Law and is widely recognized as a legal authority, frequently appearing as a legal analyst and TV pundit on national news outlets.
He has earned a perfect “10.0 – Top Attorney” rating on AVVO and a “10.0” rating on Justia, and has been named among the “Top 40 Under 40” and the “Top 100 Trial Lawyers” by The National Trial Lawyers.
With his proven expertise and dedication, Mr. Shamuilian is committed to protecting your rights and achieving the best possible outcome for your case.
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