If you’ve been charged with a theft crime in Los Angeles then it’s imperative that you have the right attorney on your side. It’s true that theft crimes are relatively common, and that the penal code in California defines a wide range of types of theft including:
- Petty theft
- Grand theft auto
- Auto burglary
- Carjacking
- Grand theft of a firearm
- Embezzlement
There are of course other types of theft in California, but no matter what type of charges you’re facing, you need the right theft attorney in Los Angeles CA. The legal aspects of these cases can be complicated and nuanced, and only an attorney who has vast experience can make sense of it all.
For example, consider a charge of grand theft auto. If that’s the charge, then the prosecutor must prove that the person accused of the charge intended to keep the vehicle for a long period of time. If their attorney could prove that the thief had no such intention, that the person did steal it but only intended to take it for a joyride, then the charge could be reduced from a serious felony to a much less serious misdemeanor. As you can see from this example, having the right attorney who understands these charges can be incredible important.
The potential penalties for theft crimes vary
Of course, the possible penalties depend on the type of theft that’s charged. The least serious is petty theft, which refers to taking any type of cash or goods (except for a gun) that’s worth less than $950. If you’re charged with petty theft and it’s your first charge, then it’ll be charged as a misdemeanor. However, additional charges are likely to be charged as felonies, which obviously come with more serious penalties.
On the other end of the spectrum, robbery is one of the more serious theft crimes. Why? Because it often involves violence. If a person used or showed a weapon while they were committing robbery, then they’re likely to be charged with aggravated robbery or even assault with a deadly weapon. Either charge has the possibility of enhancements that lead to longer sentences and bigger fines.
Your theft attorney in Los Angeles CA should be able to offer defense options
When you get your free consultation from Chambers Law Firm, we’ll go over your theft charge and identify the defense options. In some cases, we may work to prove that the prosecution doesn’t have the evidence needed to prove that you’re guilty. We may also investigate the evidence to see if it was obtained illegally. In the event of a first-time offense, we may also work with the courts to have charges reduced or dropped in exchange via creative counseling.
Are you ready to find out how a theft attorney in Los Angeles CA can help with your specific case? Then contact Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 today for your free consultation.
