Theft Crimes Attorney California
If you or a loved one has been charged with or is being investigated for committing a theft crime, you should immediately call an experienced theft crime attorney at The H Law Group. We have some of the best theft crimes attorneys Los Angeles who are here to fight for you. Defending yourself against a theft crime is essential to staying out of jail. In California, the prosecution can charge a theft crime as either a felony or a misdemeanor. Theft crimes usually involve taking another person’s property without their permission. Theft crimes are punished harshly in California; as such, you should hire an experienced theft crimes defense attorney from The H Law Group. Schedule your free consultation by calling us at 888.499.4948.
Southern California & Los Angeles Theft Crimes
Here are some common theft crimes that we represent. This is not a comprehensive list; we represent clients charged with any crime
- Petty theft
- Grand theft
- Shoplifting
- Burglary
- Larceny
- Carjacking
- Robbery
- Armed robbery
- Grand theft auto
- Embezzlement
- Credit card fraud
- Identity theft
Los Angeles Misdemeanor Theft vs Felony Theft
In California, the prosecution can charge theft as either a felony or a misdemeanor. So, when is theft charged as a misdemeanor? Typically theft is charged as a misdemeanor under California Penal Code Section 484(a) when the defendant takes property that is valued at $950 or less with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of his property. That said, when the item or property taken exceeds $950, the prosecution typically charges the crime as a felony. Also, if the theft you committed was at a shopping outlet, the prosecution may bring additional charges, such as burglary and shoplifting.
Proving a California Theft Crime
In order for the prosecution to prove that an individual is guilty of petty theft under CPC 484(a), it must prove the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
- The defendant took possession of another person’s property
- The defendant took the property without the owner’s consent
- The defendant had the intent to deprive the property owner of his property permanently or to deprive the property owner of his property for an extended period of time