Riverside Theft Crime Attorney

Get the Defense of a Former Prosecutor: (951) 682-5110

Theft is unlawfully taking something that belongs to another with the intent of permanently depriving the owner of his or her property. If the value of the property, labor, or money you are accused of stealing is under $400, you will be charged with a misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in prison, $1,000 in fines, or both. Whether you have been accused of stealing a car off the street or stealing credit card information off the Internet, if you are charged, it will be with some form of theft.

Those who steal goods valued at $400 or more will be charged with felony or misdemeanor grand theft. If convicted, they can be sentenced to up to a year in jail or prison. Carrying a firearm, entering a home, or being involved in a street gang while committing theft enhances the seriousness of the charges and the severity of the punishment.

Fight your theft charges by contacting Blumenthal & Moore. Start with a free consultation. Call now - (951) 682-5110

Strong Legal Defense From Shoplifting to Carjacking

The Riverside criminal defense lawyers at Blumenthal & Moore represent clients charged with all types of theft offenses, including:

• Shoplifting/petty theft
• Larceny
• Robbery
• Burglary
• Grand theft auto (1051)
• Carjacking
• Identity theft
• Employee theft
• Credit card fraud
• Embezzlement
• Internet theft and fraud

Though petty theft is a misdemeanor, a second arrest for any type of theft can be charged as a felony and counted as a strike against you in California's three strikes system. That is why it is important to have an experienced Riverside criminal defense attorney on your side.

Penalties for Theft Crimes in Riverside, CA

California law categorizes theft crimes based on the value of the property involved, the method of the theft, and whether any aggravating circumstances are present. These distinctions can significantly affect the severity of the charges and potential penalties.

Below is an overview of potential penalties for common theft crimes in California:

Petty Theft (California Penal Code 484)

Petty theft is typically charged when the value of the stolen property is under $950. It is usually classified as a misdemeanor, which can result in up to six months in county jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. Despite the relatively minor penalties, a petty theft conviction can still have a lasting impact on your criminal record.

Robbery (California Penal Code 211)

While technically a form of theft, robbery involves using force, fear, or threats to steal from another person. Robbery is a serious felony charge that can carry lengthy prison sentences. Conviction for robbery can result in 2 to 9 years in prison, depending on the severity of the crime and whether it involved a weapon.

Burglary (California Penal Code 459)

Burglary involves entering a structure with the intent to commit theft or another felony. It can be charged as either first-degree or second-degree burglary, with first-degree burglary involving an inhabited dwelling and carrying more severe penalties. 

Depending on whether the burglary is charged as a felony or misdemeanor, penalties can include up to six years in prison for first-degree burglary and three years in prison for second-degree burglary.

Grand Theft (California Penal Code 487)

Grand theft is charged when the value of the stolen property exceeds $950. This can be considered either a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances. If the theft involved property such as firearms, automobiles, or agricultural products, it may automatically be treated as a felony. 

Grand theft carries more serious penalties, including up to three years in state prison for felony charges, fines, restitution, and possibly probation.

Embezzlement (California Penal Code 503)

Embezzlement occurs when someone entrusted with money or property steals it for personal use. The charge can vary in severity depending on the value of the property stolen. A conviction can result in both criminal penalties (up to 3 years in prison for large-scale embezzlement) and civil actions for restitution.

The Importance of a Strong Defense

If you are facing theft charges, the sooner you seek legal representation, the better. Early intervention from an experienced theft crime attorney can help mitigate the potential consequences of a conviction. A Riverside theft crime attorney from our firm can begin investigating your case immediately, gathering evidence, challenging police procedures, and working with expert witnesses to build a solid defense.

We can help defend against theft charges by exploring various strategies tailored to the specifics of your case. Common defenses include demonstrating a lack of intent, proving mistaken identity, challenging insufficient evidence, or showing that the alleged theft did not occur. Additional defenses such as consent, duress, or lack of knowledge about stolen property can also be used to reduce or dismiss charges. With the right legal representation, you can ensure your rights are protected and work toward the best possible outcome.

Contact Our Theft Attorneys in Riverside 

Facing theft charges can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate this challenging process alone. Blumenthal & Moore, APC, offers aggressive and effective defense strategies for clients charged with theft crimes in Riverside. With a deep understanding of California’s criminal justice system, the firm’s attorneys are committed to ensuring that your rights are protected at every stage of your case.

The legal team at Blumenthal & Moore, APC, works tirelessly to investigate the circumstances surrounding your arrest, review evidence, and build the most effective defense strategy possible. Whether you are facing a misdemeanor petty theft charge or a serious felony, the firm is ready to fight for your freedom and future.