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Theft Crimes in California
Theft crimes generally are based on the value of the property or services that you have been accused of stealing. Property or items valued at $950 or less are usually considered “petty theft” and are charged as misdemeanors. Property valued at more than $950 is usually considered to be “grand theft” and can be charged as felonies.
Other misdemeanor theft crimes include:
- Shoplifting. This includes not only the actual stealing of the items, but you can also be charged with this offense for having the intent to steal without actually having carried it through.
- Larceny. This involves taking someone else’s property without their consent with the intent to deprive them of it.
- Theft by false pretense. This means you used deceit against the property owner to obtain the property.
- Theft by trick. This is similar to theft by false pretense. It generally involves fraud.
- Embezzlement. This is generally based on stealing from an employer.
- Theft crimes that can be charged as felonies include grand theft, burglary, robbery, armed robbery, and carjacking. Grand theft involves stealing property or services valued at $950 and more. Examples of these crimes include shoplifting goods totaling $1,000 or more, burglarizing someone’s home and taking high-tech equipment valued in the thousands, or embezzling thousands of dollars as the bookkeeper for a small medical office over many months.
Penalties for misdemeanor theft crimes include up to a year in jail, while those for grand theft may include 16 months, two years, or three years of prison time. Prison time in grand theft is generally based on the value of what was stolen, which includes the total value of everything taken under the same plan or type of action.
At Davalos Defense Law Firm, we can help you fight any type of theft charge by investigating your arrest, the charge, and all surrounding facts and circumstances. We will explore all options in creating a defense that will give you the best chance of success. That can include finding weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case that can cast doubt on your guilt or prove your innocence. We can also negotiate with the prosecutor on your behalf for a reduced charge, reduced penalties, or probation in lieu of jail time, depending on the circumstances. Throughout it all, we provide an aggressive defense aimed at the best possible result.
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