When money is tight and your family has needs, you can be pushed to do things you normally wouldn’t consider. Or maybe you acted on a crazy impulse. After the fact, it is easy to recognize what happened was wrong. Theft and shoplifting crimes are among the most commonly prosecuted crimes in California. Unfortunately, without an experienced attorney working for you, the judge may not listen to your side of the story.
Whether you left a store and forgot to pay for something or even if a lapse in judgment found you driving a stolen car, we can help!
Here are five theft crimes you should know about:
1. Petty theft involves taking property under $400 in value. If you are charged and convicted of misdemeanor petty theft, you may face to up to six months in jail and fines up to $1,000.
2. Grand theft occurs when property is worth more than $400. Grand theft can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. This decision is made by the prosecution and is punishable by fines and up to one year in jail or state prison.
3. Felony petty theft can occur if you are convicted of a theft crime for a third time. Even if both priors were petty theft and the third is also, you may be facing felony charges and one year in state prison. This California Law has received much publicity for sending non-violent people to state prison for minor offenses.
4. Grand theft auto involves taking or driving a vehicle without the owner’s permission. Even a first-time offender can face up to one year in prison and fines up to $5,000.
5. Theft by receiving stolen property can occur by merely being in possession of stolen property and result in harsh fines and jail time as well.
Theft charges should not be taken lightly. It is vital that you contact us immediately because criminal charges can result in prison time, steep fines, and a record that could follow you forever. We will fight to ensure you are treated fairly and get a second chance!
Call for a free case evaluation on any theft or other criminal offense in California. For more information, 24-hour help is available by contacting my assistant Kyle at 1-800-590-1173.