If you're facing theft charges in West Covina, your future and freedom are at serious risk—and the clock is ticking. Theft crimes, including burglary, shoplifting, grand theft, and embezzlement, carry severe penalties such as jail time, costly fines, and probation. Depending on the circumstances, you may even face a felony conviction, permanently marking your criminal record and impacting your life for years to come.
When charged with a theft offense, it's critical to act fast and secure expert legal representation. Reach out to a knowledgeable California theft attorney at (626) 412-4840 immediately. Every minute counts, and promptly building your defense strategy is essential for reducing or even eliminating the charges against you.
The California Penal Code categorizes theft offenses into different types based on the nature and severity of the crime. Each category carries distinct legal implications and requires specialized defense strategies. However, all theft crimes share the fundamental definition of unlawfully taking property belonging to someone else with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. Common theft offenses we frequently encounter in West Covina include:
No matter the theft charge you face, our experienced attorneys know exactly how to tackle your case. Let’s clearly define each of these offenses and explore how they can potentially impact your case.
Under California Penal Code section 484(a), petty theft refers to the unlawful taking of property valued at $950 or less. Common examples include minor shoplifting, pickpocketing, or other low-value thefts. Typically, this offense is classified as a misdemeanor, but it can carry significant consequences for your future.
Penalties for Petty Theft
Petty theft is often charged as a misdemeanor and may include the following penalties:
In some cases, the severity of the punishment depends on the value of the stolen property, the victim (e.g., a business, elderly, disabled, or minor), or the use of force or fear. Additionally, a previous criminal history may result in a "petty theft with a prior" charge, which could elevate the offense to a felony with harsher penalties.
According to PC 459.5(a), shoplifting occurs when an individual enters a commercial establishment with the intent to steal merchandise valued at $950 or less during regular business hours.
Penalties for Shoplifting
For first-time offenders, a skilled West Covina theft attorney may be able to negotiate a reduced sentence, explore alternative sentencing options, or even seek a dismissal of the charge entirely.
As defined by PC 487(a), grand theft involves the unlawful taking of property valued at more than $950. It also applies to specific items, including firearms, automobiles, or certain types of livestock.
Penalties for Grand Theft
Grand theft can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances and value of the stolen property, making it a “wobbler” crime. Below are the penalties for both classifications:
Being convicted of a felony for grand theft can affect your life far beyond legal consequences, including difficulties in securing employment, housing, and potential immigration issues. You need an experienced theft attorney in West Covina to help mitigate the risks and fight felony charges effectively.
California Penal Code section 459 defines burglary as unlawfully entering a structure (either residential or commercial) with the intent to commit theft or any other felony inside. Burglary can be classified as either first-degree (residential) or second-degree (commercial) burglary.
Penalties for Burglary
Burglary charges are often treated much more severely than other theft crimes because they involve premeditated intent to enter. However, a skilled West Covina defense attorney can challenge this intent element, potentially reducing or even dismissing the charges against you.
Embezzlement, under Penal Code 503, refers to the fraudulent appropriation of property by someone who was entrusted with it. This crime most often occurs in employment or financial account settings.
Penalties for Embezzlement
Embezzlement charges can arise even if the theft was a misunderstanding or accounting mistake. To prevent an innocent error from damaging your future, securing a qualified West Covina theft attorney is crucial. They will work to clarify the facts and build a defense based on the lack of malicious intent.
Proposition 47, passed in 2014, reclassified many non-violent offenses, including petty theft, shoplifting, and receiving stolen property (when the value is $950 or less), from felonies to misdemeanors.
This law provides individuals previously convicted of certain theft-related offenses the possibility for reduced sentencing or even resentencing.
If you are facing felony theft charges, our team at My Rights Law can evaluate your case for Prop 47 relief and advocate for misdemeanor treatment in your case.
Each theft case is unique, and at My Rights Law, we customize our strategies to fit your specific situation. Our defense tactics include:
To prove theft, malicious intent is required. If we can demonstrate that the theft was accidental or misunderstood, we can work towards reducing or even dismissing the charges.
Many theft charges rely on poor video evidence or unreliable eyewitnesses. If there’s no clear identification, we’ll challenge the legitimacy of the entire case.
If law enforcement violated your constitutional rights during a stop, search, or arrest, we can suppress the evidence and undermine the prosecution’s case.
If the item was borrowed, gifted, or rightfully yours, we can assert this defense to demonstrate that there was no unlawful taking.
For first-time offenders, we may pursue:
These options help prevent a conviction and maintain a clean record. Our primary goal is to protect your freedom, reputation, and future.
Being charged with a theft crime in West Covina may feel overwhelming, but it's not the end of the world. A skilled attorney can help you minimize the consequences. Don't face this challenge alone—get help today.
At My Rights Law, our experienced theft crime team has a proven track record of achieving favorable outcomes and keeping clients out of jail. We are relentless in protecting your rights.
Contact us now at (626) 412-4840 or schedule a free consultation online. One call could make the difference between jail time and freedom.
This page was written, edited, reviewed, and approved by Bobby Shamuilian.
Attorney Shamuilian is the managing partner and founder 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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