Theft Crimes

Aggressive Defense in the Face of Theft, Fraud, and Robbery Allegations

Northern CA Theft Crime Lawyers

Defending Clients Who Are Facing Theft Crime Charges

Charged with the crime of theft? Under U.S. law, you have the right to fight your charges and defend your future with the help of an experienced attorney. Even if the evidence against you is hefty, our team can help negotiate for a favorable verdict. Call THOMPSON · GARCIA LAW, A Law Corporation, today at (510) 782-7580 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our theft crimes attorney.

Types of Theft Crimes

Theft is a crime that may not involve the loss of life, but it could lead to losing your freedom if you are accused. THOMPSON · GARCIA LAW, A Law Corporation, has over six decades of combined experience in state and federal theft law, so you can rest assured that our team is prepared for whatever the prosecution may do. Theft is an umbrella term for several crimes, including: 

Petty Theft

Grand Theft

Identity Theft

Robbery

Fraud

Further categories include versions of the above crimes, like shoplifting, that may be charged with theft. In general, the severity of punishment depends on the value of the items stolen. For example, petty theft (which includes shoplifting), an item with a value under $100, may be charged as a misdemeanor rather than a felony. On the other hand, crimes like grand theft cross the boundaries of property value into a higher level of criminality. In these cases, depending on the methods used to steal the vehicle, an individual could face several years in prison and a felony conviction. 

Prosecuting Theft in California 

Grand Theft & Wobblers

Theft charges, particularly grand theft, can be wobblers, which means they could shift from a misdemeanor to a felony, depending on the circumstances surrounding the case.

Proving Theft

To prove theft, the prosecution must clearly show that the defendant knowingly took property belonging to someone else without their consent. They must also show that movement occurred, meaning the item in question was moved from one location to another to hide the crime.

Grand Theft Auto

Using grand theft auto as an example, one of the most crucial points of these cases is whether the vehicle changed hands at any time. Suppose the defendant allegedly sold the stolen car to another person. In that case, two crimes and two parties are involved: the thief and the buyer.

Purchasing Stolen Goods

Purchasing stolen goods is only a crime if you know they are stolen. Still, if the prosecution has a clue that you may have had prior knowledge of the item’s origin, you could face harsher penalties.

What Are the Penalties for Theft Crimes in California?

Theft charges can change based on additional evidence or insight that suggests more criminal intent. For example, stealing a computer from the office is one thing, but doing it to cover up a larger embezzlement scheme is another.

 

In general, theft is punishable by fines and at least six months in prison for misdemeanors or two years for felonies. Evidence is critical in these cases, and California law leaves enough room for prosecutors to stretch the facts or make conclusions without proof.

 

That is why you must have an experienced theft crime attorney who understands the legal system. 

Contact Our Theft Crime Attorneys Today

Being accused of a crime can be devastating, and your future may become uncertain. Theft cases are complex, and the evidence may be stacked against you for maximum effect. Still, THOMPSON · GARCIA LAW, A Law Corporation, never shies away from a tough battle.

 

Our team of experienced and successful legal professionals is prepared to fight for you. We believe no case is hopeless and every client deserves a second chance, so we tenaciously defend those who entrust their case to us. You do not have to face theft charges alone. THOMPSON · GARCIA LAW, A Law Corporation, is prepared to explore every avenue of defense and pursue the most optimal result on your behalf.

Get in Touch

You can count on us for defense in your theft case – call now at 510-782-7580.

Share by: