Theft is actually a pretty common crime, thanks in part to the fact that it is an umbrella term used to describe many things include:
- Grand theft of a firearm
- Petty theft
- Grand theft auto
- Grand theft
- Burglary
- Embezzlement
- Carjacking
- Receiving stolen property
- Robbery
The legality of each of these crimes can be very subtle and it’s up to your California theft defense attorney to help you move forward. In some cases, the best option may be to strike a plea with the state. In others, we may be able to get the charges dropped altogether. Then again, you may decide to take your case to trial.
Take this as an example: In order for the prosecution to prove a charge of grand theft auto, they must not just prove that the defendant stole the vehicle but that they intended to keep the vehicle for a significant amount of time. Chambers Law Firm may decide that the best way to proceed is to show that our defendant didn’t have that intent.
The charge can then be dropped to something as insignificant as joyriding or unlawful taking. This will actually reduce the charge from a serious felony to a relatively minor misdemeanor. This is just one example of the advantages of working with an experienced law firm like Chambers Law Firm.
Potential penalties and consequences for theft crimes
It’s likely no surprise to you that the potential penalties for theft are dependent on the specific theft crime that’s being charged. The least serious theft is petty theft. Essentially, this refers to illegally taking cash or any goods except guns that are worth a combined $950 or less.
If it’s your first offense, petty theft is always charged as a misdemeanor. However, if you already have a conviction of petty theft then the second and subsequent charges may be charged as felonies, which come with much harsher penalties.
One of the more serious theft crimes is robbery because in many cases it involves violence. Aggravated robbery or assault with a deadly weapon involving theft while either using or just brandishing a weapon. These can be added on to other theft charges and lead to harsher penalties still. To find out what penalties you could be looking at, contact Chambers Law Firm for a free consultation.
You do have defense options
Though every case is different, Chambers Law Firm will typically begin by arguing that the prosecution doesn’t have the evidence they need to prove that you’re guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. We will also investigate not just the evidence against you but the way it was obtained. If there was an illegal search and seizure then we may be able to get the evidence thrown out, which could lead to a dismissal of your charges. If you’ve never been convicted of a crime before, then we may work with the prosecution to have the charges dropped in exchange for counseling, community service, or a similar solution.
