Being charged with theft can have serious consequences, including criminal records, fines, and even jail time. At Shouse California Law Group, we specialize in defending clients who are facing charges, and need a trusted theft lawyer in Orange County, CA. Whether it’s petty theft or more complex white-collar crimes, we provide the legal expertise to safeguard your future.
Why Hiring a Theft Attorney Matters
Hiring an experienced theft attorney Orange County is essential when facing accusations of theft in California. Theft crimes can lead to significant legal consequences, including criminal records, fines, and jail time. A skilled theft attorney will help you understand the nuances of California’s theft laws, explore defense strategies, and potentially reduce your penalties or even get your case dismissed. With our in-depth knowledge of local theft laws, we’ll make sure your case is handled with the utmost care and expertise.
Theft Charges We Handle
Our firm handles various theft-related charges, including:
- Petty Theft (Shoplifting)
- Grand Theft (Theft of property over $950)
- Grand Theft Auto
- Embezzlement
- Theft by False Pretenses
- Joyriding
Understanding Theft Laws in California
California’s theft laws distinguish between different types of theft charges. Petty theft involves stealing property valued at $950 or less, while grand theft is defined as taking property worth more than $950. Recent changes to the law, such as the passage of Prop 36 in 2024, are making California’s theft laws even more complex.
Prop 36 allows certain theft crimes to be charged as felonies if the defendant has prior convictions for theft-related offenses like shoplifting, burglary, or carjacking. This shift represents a stricter stance on theft, especially for individuals with a history of such crimes. Notably, Prop 36 also enables prosecutors to consolidate multiple petty theft offenses into one felony charge if the total stolen value exceeds the felony threshold.
For individuals already facing drug charges or having drug-related convictions on their record, Prop 36 could increase the severity of the punishment, especially if those prior charges involved theft or property crimes. It’s important for those with previous criminal records to understand how Prop 36 could impact their case, and our team can help you navigate this challenge.
Crimes of Moral Turpitude and Their Impact
A theft conviction is often classified as a crime of moral turpitude. Crimes of moral turpitude involve conduct that is considered to be inherently wrong or unethical, such as theft, fraud, or assault. For those facing theft charges, being convicted of a crime of moral turpitude can lead to severe consequences, especially for non-citizens.
- Immigration Consequences: Non-citizens convicted of crimes of moral turpitude can face deportation, removal from the United States, or a bar on reentry.
- Professional Consequences: Many professions require a clean criminal record. A conviction for theft, classified as a crime of moral turpitude, can result in the denial or revocation of professional licenses, such as those for doctors, nurses, and teachers.
Penalties for Theft in Orange County
The penalties for theft crimes in California vary widely depending on the value of the stolen property and the nature of the theft. Some common penalties include:
- Petty Theft (Misdemeanor): A misdemeanor petty theft charge can result in up to six months in county jail and a fine. However, many petty theft charges are eligible for diversion programs, which allow the individual to avoid jail time by attending anti-theft classes or participating in community service.
- Grand Theft (Felony): If the property stolen exceeds $950, you could be charged with grand theft, which is a felony offense. This can lead to up to three years in state prison, along with significant fines.
- Grand Theft Auto (Felony): Stealing a car or motor vehicle is also considered a felony, with penalties that could include up to three years in prison, fines, and probation.
- Embezzlement (Felony): Embezzlement is a form of theft where someone in a position of trust (such as an employee) takes money or property from their employer. This is typically charged as a felony and can lead to up to four years in state prison. Additionally, embezzlement charges often carry substantial fines and restitution requirements.
It’s important to note that certain theft crimes can be charged as both a felony and a misdemeanor, such as grand theft. Whether you face a felony or misdemeanor charge depends on factors such as the value of the stolen property, your criminal history, and whether you have prior theft-related offenses.
Contact a Theft Lawyer Near You After a Theft Arrest
If you’ve been arrested for theft, it’s crucial to act quickly and thoughtfully. How you respond after the arrest can significantly influence the outcome of your case. Here are the immediate steps you should take:
Remain Silent
The first thing you should do after your arrest is exercise your right to remain silent. Do not speak to the police or anyone else about the alleged theft. Anything you say can be used against you later in court. Politely inform the officers that you choose to remain silent and would like to speak to your attorney before providing any statements.
Request an Attorney
As soon as possible, request to speak with an attorney. A theft lawyer will ensure that your rights are protected and provide legal advice tailored to your specific situation. Once you’ve requested legal representation, the police are required to stop questioning you until your attorney is present.
Avoid Making Any Confessions or Admissions
While it may feel tempting to explain yourself or make statements that could “clear things up,” it is vital not to do so. Even if you believe you are innocent, statements made during an arrest or interrogation can inadvertently harm your case. Always wait for your lawyer before discussing the details of your case.
Contact an Experienced Theft Lawyer
Once you’ve exercised your right to remain silent and requested an attorney, it’s time to contact an experienced theft lawyer near you. An attorney will review the circumstances of your arrest, examine the evidence, and begin preparing your defense. The sooner you reach out, the better your chances of securing a favorable outcome.
By following these steps, you ensure that your rights are protected and your case is handled as effectively as possible. The first 24-48 hours following a theft arrest are crucial, and taking these actions will help set you up for success in your defense.
Our Theft Defense Process
Our approach to defending theft charges involves investigating the details of the alleged crime, including:
Initial Consultation and Information Gathering
Our first step is to get detailed information about the incident, including the circumstances of the alleged theft, any potential witnesses, and your criminal history. This helps us understand the context of your case and begin forming a defense strategy.
Review of the Evidence
We will thoroughly review any available surveillance footage, witness statements, and police reports. If we find any inconsistencies or inaccuracies, we will use that information to challenge the prosecution’s case.
Determine Intent
Since theft requires the intent to permanently deprive the owner of their property, we investigate whether there was any evidence of intent to steal, or if there could be an innocent explanation for the alleged theft.
Explore Diversion and Treatment Options
If you’re a first-time offender, we will explore options like diversion programs under Penal Code Section 1001.5, which could allow you to attend anti-theft classes or perform community service in exchange for having the charges dismissed upon completion.
Building a Strong Defense
With all the gathered evidence and an understanding of your personal circumstances, we build a defense strategy tailored to your case. This may include challenging the evidence, seeking reduced charges, or pursuing diversion programs, especially for first-time offenders.
How Much Does a Theft Lawyer Cost in Orange County
The cost of hiring a theft lawyer in Orange County ranges from $3,000 for minor theft offenses to $40,000+ or more for complex cases like white-collar crimes or grand theft involving high-value assets. The final cost will depend on the complexity of the case and whether it goes to trial. Here are factors that can affect pricing:
- Misdemeanor vs. Felony: Felony charges generally cost more due to their complexity.
- Type of Theft Involved: Some theft crimes, such as embezzlement, may carry harsher penalties and thus require more extensive defense strategies.
- Case Progression: If your case goes to trial, additional costs will be incurred.
- Defense Strategy: If diversion programs or restitution efforts are pursued, costs may vary depending on the necessary resources.
Client Stories Real Theft Case Results
Theft Credit Card Fraud (Van Nuys 2019)
Charges: Credit Card Fraud, Theft
Location: Van Nuys Courthouse
Duration: 6 Months
In 2019, our client was accused of using stolen credit cards at multiple stores, leading to charges for credit card fraud and theft. Surveillance footage appeared to show someone matching our client’s description committing the crime. However, upon reviewing the video and conducting forensic analysis, we discovered an important discrepancy—the individual in the video did not have tattoos, while our client had visible tattoos at the time of the alleged thefts.
We also used metadata from our client’s phone to establish an alibi, showing that our client was not at the stores during the times of the thefts. Through this thorough investigation, we were able to demonstrate that the accused individual in the video was not our client.
Our client was facing 14 counts of theft from different stores, but we were able to secure a finding of factual innocence, which went on the record. This rare outcome means the court and prosecutor agreed that our client was not guilty of any crime, resulting in the complete dismissal of all charges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between petty theft and grand theft?
Petty theft involves stealing property worth less than $950, while grand theft refers to property valued over $950.
Can theft charges be expunged?
Yes, depending on the case and outcome, theft charges may be eligible for expungement, especially if you complete probation or diversion programs.
Contact Our Theft Lawyers in Orange County Today
If you’ve been charged with theft, it’s important to seek legal representation immediately. At Shouse California Law Group, we’re here to defend your rights and ensure the best possible outcome. Contact us today for a consultation.
Shouse Law Group Orange County Theft Lawyers Near You
Our team is comprised of former prosecutors and career police officers, offering clients over half a century of combined law enforcement experience. Whether you need a top theft lawyer in Orange County, CA or help with other serious charges, we get to work quickly to find favorable evidence and challenge the prosecution’s case. We leverage our deep knowledge of local courts, judges, and prosecutors to achieve the best possible outcomes for every client.
Shouse Law Group
333 City Blvd W Ste 1750
Orange, CA 92868
Phone: (714) 288-9455
“Karthik Krishnan was fantastic to work with. He was extremely responsive to all my questions as someone facing charges for the first time. He spent as much time as I needed and provided a wealth of information. He was able to ultimately get my case dismissed which was a huge relief. If anyone is facing an issue I would strongly recommend him and his firm.”