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We’ve compiled this guide to help those facing theft charges in San Diego, and are offering it as a free download to help those facing this unique legal challenge. We encourage you to review this guide and call us for a case evaluation.
Theft related legal questions answered in this Google Hangout by criminal defense attorney David P. Shapiro.
There are many offenses that fall under the umbrella of theft offenses in the state of California. If you have been accused of (or arrested for) theft you will likely be charged with any of the following offenses, which include:
The many different theft charges range from misdemeanors to serious felonies. Those convicted of theft offenses face serious consequences. The most important thing you can do for your case and your future is to retain an experienced San Diego law firm skilled in defending against theft charges. The unique circumstances of your case, coupled with your attorney’s effectiveness presenting your defense and/or factors in mitigation will be extremely important in determining the outcome of your case. By this point in time, the facts of the alleged offense have already been determined. However, the quality of the criminal defense law firm you hire to be by your side is still in your control.
More than many offenses, theft crimes in California tend to encompass a massive list of enumerated offenses. The details specific to your case will determine which charges you will be facing. The prosecution will want to build the strongest case they can against you. It is common for multiple theft charges to arise from even a single incident. A few commonly-prosecuted theft charges in San Diego County are:
Petty Theft
Theft charges are most often classified based off the amount of money allegedly stolen, or the value of the property allegedly taken. In most theft cases valued at $950.00 or less it will be charged as a petty theft – a misdemeanor charge.
Grand theft charges result when the money or property allegedly stolen is valued at over $950.00. Depending on many factors, including the facts surrounding the offense and the defendant’s prior criminal history (if any), grand theft charges may be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or a felony.
One of the most common theft charges in the San Diego court system, shoplifting charges require four specific elements:
The alleged offender entered a business (for example: a retail store, drug store, etc.)
The entrance occurred during business hours
The alleged offender had the intent to commit theft
The value of the property allegedly stolen is $950.00 or less
Make no mistake about it, we will make the prosecution prove every element of a shoplifting offense beyond a reasonable doubt.
Theft charges may extend into the realm of white collar (financial) crimes as well, such as embezzlement, identity theft, and bank fraud.
It may sound like something out of the movies, but extortion charges are more common than you may think. Extortion (“blackmail”) charges may result from any situation where one party demands a form of payment from another for keeping information confidential (for example, a student threatening to expose another student’s sexuality in exchange for cash payment). Irrespective of the dollar amount involved, extortion will be charged as a felony offense.
Maximize your chances for a dismissal, or at least a reduction in charges, by retaining the best, locally experienced, defense attorney possible.
Assuming you are convicted for a theft offense, the punishment will range from probation with no jail time all the way to years in state prison. A lot will depend on the amount of loss in question, if restitution has (or can) be paid, your prior criminal history, and the quality of representation you hired.
Thefts charged as misdemeanors (generally due to the amount or value in question, or the type of theft crime) may carry jail time, fines, and probation. For example, petty theft charges may result in up to six (6) months in jail and a fine up to $1,000.00. Receiving stolen property, as a misdemeanor, may result in a jail term twice as long – up to twelve (12) months.
Felony charges carry penalties more severe than misdemeanor charges. If convicted of a felony theft in the State of California you may be facing in years in prison, parole conditions, and heavy fines. Your best move when facing felony theft charges is not to delay your defense any further by contacting a top-notch criminal defense law firm to represent you.
When you retain David P. Shapiro Criminal Defense Attorneys, you retain a successful legal team with over a decade of experience helping over one thousand San Diegans defend against theft allegations and other criminal offenses. Just because you have been accused of theft doesn’t mean you are guilty! And even if you are guilty that doesn’t mean you will be proven guilty in court and/or deserve a harsh sanction. Contact us at 619-295-3555 to schedule your no obligation theft charge consultation today!
Here’s what you need to know to regain control of your future
“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.”
