Our team has successfully defended many grand theft cases in San Diego. We'll thoroughly investigate the allegations and evidence to build a strategic defense for your case.
In San Diego County, accusations of theft can often result in a variety of charges, such as burglary, petty theft, or grand theft. Grand theft charges typically follow allegations of thefts exceeding $950 in total value. This could be in the form of money, items, wages and more. In cases involving some agricultural commodities, the requisite dollar value drops to $250. Some accusations of theft will automatically lead to charges of grand theft, regardless of the dollar amount in question. These include theft of a firearm, or when the property is taken from someone’s body.
The penalties for conviction of grand theft in California can be severe, including a felony and years in custody. If you are facing charges of grand theft, the professional and personal fallout can be devastating, especially considering how you will be perceived by future employers or members of the community. Don’t leave your future and your freedom to chance. Enter the courtroom with an experienced San Diego defense attorney by your side. Call David P. Shapiro Criminal Defense Attorneys and schedule a case evaluation today. Want to learn more about Grand Theft in San Diego right now? Download our free Survival Guide for Those Accused of a Theft Crime in San Diego.
There’s an unfortunate saying in San Diego: come on vacation, leave on probation. The State of California has earned a reputation for aggressive prosecution. If you have been charged with grand theft, you are facing charges under California Penal Code 487. According to PC 487, suspected thefts involving any of the following may lead to charges of grand theft:
Each grand theft case is unique. An accusation of grand theft can reference a piece of stolen jewelry, embezzled funds, theft of services and much more. The circumstances of your case – and how effective your defense lawyer argues them – will play large roles in determining the outcome of your case. Depending on the specifics of your case, you may be charged with misdemeanor grand theft or felony grand theft.
If the defense successfully argues the circumstances of your case do not merit felony charges, you could be facing a misdemeanor conviction for grand theft. Misdemeanor charges for grand theft can lead to criminal penalties up to and including:
In most cases, a felony conviction for grand theft will include any or all the following:
Enhancements can add years to prison sentences for those found guilty of grand theft. San Diegans found guilty of grand theft may face increased sentences due to:
If you are facing grand theft charges, the outcome of your case may affect the rest of your life. Grand theft is considered a crime involving moral turpitude. A conviction for grand theft can lead to difficulties finding employment and non-citizens may face deportation. Speak to one of our experienced grand theft defense attorneys to learn more about how to regain control of your future.
Grand theft is a “wobbler” charge; depending on circumstances specific to your case, you may be facing misdemeanor or felony charges. The alleged theft, the means with which it was carried out, and the quality of your defense team, can have major impacts on the charges leveled against you and the case’s result. The State of California recognizes four types of grand theft:
The most common form of grand theft, grand theft by larceny, involves the direct theft of property, money, or labor exceeding $950. This includes persons accused of shoplifting crimes.
Any person accused of deceiving another person into surrendering physical, but not legal, control of their property may face charges of grand theft by deceit. In these cases, the property owner’s perception of the offense can weigh into the charges.
Attempting to gain legal control, in addition to physical control, of another’s property, can lead to charges of grand theft by false pretense. These cases typically involve claims of fraudulent financial documents or similar evidence.
Appropriating money from an account you have been entrusted to keep is embezzlement, a crime under PC 503. In cases of amounts alleged to have exceeded $950, you may be charged with grand theft by embezzlement according to PC 487(a).
Accusations of grand theft require a strategic courtroom response. Your freedom, reputation, and potentially your livelihood all hang in the balance. Accusations are not final. You have the right to respond to the charges against you. Possible defenses to allegations of grand theft may include:
If you are facing charges of grand theft in San Diego, you need a law firm who understands California theft laws. We literally wrote the book on defending against charges of theft. Call David P. Shapiro Criminal Defense Attorneys where we pride ourselves in helping good people regain control of their future when charged with a crime.
"*" indicates required fields
Charged with a crime in San Diego? Wondering how the case will affect your reputation, career, and freedom? Trying to figure out what comes next? Look no further! David’s book addresses common misconceptions and mistakes made by those charged with a crime in San Diego. Some of the chapters include topics such as:
“I came to David Shapiro to end my probation early and expunge my case. I had a very positive and very informative experience with him. David and his assistant Maria were excellent and always kept in the loop of what was going on.”
“Helping good people get their lives back is not just a catch phrase. They mean what they say and are serious about taking care of the client. Ally Keegan and the team at Law Office of David Shapiro are AMAZING! My charges for a 25 plus year old case were dismissed, it was not easy but I truly believe that if I had went with any other Law Firm that the outcome would have been very different. Thank you Ally for helping me get my life back!”
“I called many lawyers after I got my DUI. Stefano was the only lawyer who put my mind at ease and gave me a sense of relief. He constantly communicated with me about my case and laid out all my options. He was willing and able to do whatever he could to help me. He went above and beyond what was expected.”
“I have used David 2 times in the past and he has by far exceeded my expectations. He has great knowledge and knows the system. He is straight forward and honest and somebody you can trust without doubt. I would recommend him to friends, family, and anybody that needs help. Best attorney I’ve ever come across.”
“Stefano Molea was extremely professional and consistently timely with responses to my questions. Most of all, Stefano was reliable. Stefano was diligent with discovery and always prepared and tenacious when relevant to the situation. Stefano is an attorney that you can count on for the best outcome. Thank you Stefano for all you did in my case. You’re so awesome!!!!”
“Ally was an absolute pleasure to work with. Her calm and reassuring demeanor was matched with her excellent knowledge, dedication, thoroughness. We unfortunately found ourselves in need of a criminal lawyer and we can without a doubt say that having Ally and her firm represent us from the beginning was the best choice we could have made.”
