Theft Crimes in Los Angeles
Criminal records make it difficult to find housing, employment, and pursue higher education. Prevent a charge or a conviction for a theft crime from following you for the rest of your life. Whether you face charges for a misdemeanor or felony theft crime, contact Arro Law today to schedule your confidential consultation with a theft crimes attorney.
At Arro Law, our criminal defense attorneys are:
- Experienced;
- Proven successful; and
- Thorough and aggressive.
Arro Law can protect your legal rights and fight for your freedom. Call us anytime, day or night, to discuss your theft charges and potential defenses available in your case.
How Our Los Angeles Theft Crimes Lawyers Can Help
Prosecutors must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt to convict you of a theft crime. You have a right to competent legal defense to challenge the charges against you. Arro Law provides an excellent level of representation and does the following to defend you from the state’s charges:
- Immediately seeks your release from custody;
- Investigates the charges against you for flaws;
- Files any pre-trial motions; and
- Negotiates a reduction or dismissal of your charges; or
- Proceeds towards a trial in your case.
Our legal team is skilled, compassionate, and will go above and beyond to aid you in your theft crimes charge. Call Arro Law now. The sooner we start working for you, the faster we can challenge any evidence against you and explore other possibilities for avoiding a theft conviction.
Common Theft Crimes in California
California defines theft as stealing property by larceny, false pretense, or embezzlement with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property.
- Larceny is the intentional and unlawful taking and carrying away of another’s property;
- Theft by false pretenses involves obtaining another’s property by deception or false representation; and
- Embezzlement is when the accused’ s original possession of the property was lawful but later, the accused converts that property to an unlawful use.
California classifies theft offenses by the value of the property taken. Petty theft and grand theft are the two most common theft offenses. The difference between the two is the value of the property involved. Property with a value of more than $950 classifies theft crime as grand theft.
Most petty theft charges, without prior convictions, are misdemeanors with a sentence of up to six months in county jail and a fine of no more than $1,000. For property with a value of less than $50, a prosecutor can charge the crime as an infraction, which is punishable by a fine alone of no more than $250.
Grand theft includes the stealing of property worth more than $950 or theft of a firearm. Stealing a firearm is a felony punishable by a prison term of up to three years. Other grand theft charges may be misdemeanors or felonies.
Defenses to Theft Crimes in California
There are several defenses to any of the above theft crimes in California. A defendant’s attorney may argue any of the following, and more:
- Lack of intent. The defendant did not intend to permanently deprive the victim of the property;
- Right of possession. The goods rightfully belonged to the defendant;
- Consent. The victim consented to the taking of the goods; and
- False allegations. The defendant did not steal the goods.
Contact a Theft Crimes Lawyer in Los Angeles Today
If you need help with a pending charge, contact the experienced theft crimes attorneys at Arro Law. Schedule a confidential consultation today and discuss your case with a theft crimes lawyer.
We need to move promptly in preparing your theft crimes defense. Beginning your case now will allow Arro Law’s lawyers to lessen any potential damages and avoid the most severe punishments allowed by California law.