FACING ROBBERY, BURGLARY, OR THEFT CHARGES?

Theft is a serious offense that can be treated as a misdemeanor or felony charge. Penalties can range from fines, some jail time, to state prison time, restitution, and substantial fines for more serious offenses.

We have top legal experience in handling theft cases and a proven track record that is backed by 30 years of experience.

Call Us For a Free Consultation On Your Robbery, Burglary or Theft Case & Charges.

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THEFT INFORMATION

TYPES OF THEFT CRIMES

Theft or larceny is a crime against property in California.

To prove theft, the prosecutor must establish the defendant specifically intended to permanently deprive the property owner's possession or right to the property. Theft can take on many forms. 

Some of the most common type of theft crimes include:

  • Shoplifting and petty theft

  • Grand theft

  • Burglary

  • Robbery

  • Auto theft

  • Identity theft

  • Credit card theft

  • Fraud/Embezzlement

Theft can also occur where an owner entrusts property to another and the recipient then fails to return the property when due or misuses the property. Theft is either classified as petty theft or grand theft in California, a difference that depends on the value of the property. Generally, grand theft exists where the property is valued above $950.

IMMIGRATION CONSEQUENCES

Theft is considered a Crime of Moral Turpitude for immigration purposes. A person convicted of a theft related charge may be subject to deportation, removal, loss of permanent residency, or denial of naturalization for a theft conviction. If you are an immigrant charged with theft, do not hesitate to contact us.  We have the resources to help you with your potential immigration issues.

LET US HELP

It is essential to contact an attorney as soon as possible in cases of theft. Contacting us now will set you on your best path to reducing the severity of theft charges. Our team has in-depth knowledge and experience with the laws, the judges and the pathways to success in Orange County.


PC 211 ROBBERY

Robbery is the felonious taking of personal property in the possession of another, from his person or immediate presence, and against his will, accomplished by means of force or fear.

California Penal Code Section 211 defines robbery as the felonious taking of personal property in the possession of another, from his person or immediate presence, and against his will, accomplished by means of force or fear. Robbery is what is known as a “strike”. Read more about PC 211.


PC 404(A)- RIOTING

The crime of rioting under California Penal Code 404 is a misdemeanor offense. If convicted, you may be ordered to serve time in jail and pay large fines and penalties. We can help you and evaluate your case with you to determine what can be the best outcome for you.

Legal Definition of Rioting

California defines rioting as exercising force, violence or threat to cause a commotion in a public place, under California Penal Codes 404. Read more about PC 404 (A).


PC 459 BURGLARY

The crime of burglary is covered under California Penal Code Section 459 and is commonly called “breaking and entering.” In basic terms, the crime of burglary is described as the entering someone else’s residential or commercial structure with a specific intent to commit theft or any felony.

This code section includes the theft crime of auto burglary. The level and punishment for a burglary charge will depend on many factors, which on include your prior criminal history, the type of structure you entered, what conduct allegedly happened inside the structure and it does not require that you stole something after entry. Again, it’s a crime to just to make entry when your intent is to steal.  Burglary can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony crime. Read more about PC 459.


PC 460 BURGLARY WITH INTENT TO STEAL OR COMMIT FELONY CRIME

Burglary is more than just breaking and entering. In updated legal codes within the state of California for CPC 460, this is defined as doing so with one goal – to steal and/or commit a felony or crime.

Determining Factors of California Penal Code 460

Before any case can be brought to court, there are factors of the crime that will need to be verified. Burglary is no different, and these factors include: Read more about PC 460.


PC 484(A) SHOPLIFTING / PETTY THEFT

The crime of petty theft or shop lifting is committed when

  1. The value of the property is up to $950 or less;

  2. The property is not taken directly from the owner.  

  3. California’s law on petty theft, California penal code section 484(a):  

Every person who shall feloniously steal, take, carry, lead, or drive away the personal property of another, or who shall fraudulently appropriate property which has been entrusted to him or her, or who shall knowingly and designedly, by any false or fraudulent representation or pretense, defraud any other person of money, labor or real or personal property, or who causes or procures others to report falsely of his or her wealth or mercantile character and by thus imposing upon any person, obtains credit and thereby fraudulently gets or obtains possession of money, or property or obtains the labor or service of another, is guilty of theft. defines theft as the intentional and unlawful taking of the personal property of another. Read more about PC 484 (A).