ROBBERY – FRAUD – IDENTITY THEFT GRAND THEFT – BURGLARY – PETTY THEFT

In California, a conviction for a theft crime can result in severe legal and personal consequences. Theft offenses are considered crimes of moral turpitude and carry with them a stigma that the individual charged is a dishonest person. In consequence, a theft offense can result in the loss of a job, disqualification from employment, loss of a professional license and can even be a bar to immigration.

Basic Theft Law

In California, theft is defined as the intentional taking of another person’s property without his/her consent and can include any of the following offenses:

• Robbery
• Fraud
• Identity Theft
• Grand Theft
• Burglary
• Petty Theft / Shoplifting
• Auto Theft
• Embezzlement
• Extortion
• Receiving Stolen Property

Petty Theft (Penal Code Section 484)

This is the offense commonly referred to as shoplifting. This is a theft of property where the value of the property taken is under $400.00. Petty theft is a misdemeanor offense. As a first offense, it can often be resolved by way of informal probation and a fine. In some instances it can even be reduced to an infraction, thereby avoiding any criminal record.

Petty Theft with a Prior (Penal Code Section 666)

If you are arrested for petty theft and have a prior petty theft conviction you can be charged with the offense of “petty theft with a prior.” Petty theft with a prior can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor.

Grand Theft (Penal Code Section 487)

This is a theft of property where the value of the property taken is in excess of $400.00. Grand theft can be charged as either a felony or misdemeanor offense. The determination as to whether you will be charged with a felony or misdemeanor usually depends on a number of factors, such as the value of the property taken and the sophistication of the crime. It is not uncommon for grand theft offenses to be overcharged as felonies even though the conduct alleged is more appropriately misdemeanor conduct. California criminal defense attorney Gabriel Dorman understands the politics involved in charging theft offenses and has had great success in getting felony grand theft cases reduced to misdemeanor offenses for his clients.

Alternative Sentencing

California criminal defense theft lawyer Gabriel Dorman has enjoyed great success in getting his clients alternative sentences, especially in cases where they have had prior theft convictions. Despite severe consequences for repeat offenders, many individuals continue to commit offenses such as petty theft. This is because they feel a compulsion to steal much like an alcoholic feels compelled to drink. Gabriel Dorman understands this and, in many instances, has been able to arrange for clients to attend treatment programs as an alternative to more punitive conditions such as jail.

If you or a loved one has been charged or accused of committing a theft crime it is important to hire an experienced lawyer experience to help you achieve the result that you deserve. The Law Offices of Gabriel Dorman have successfully defended numerous clients charged with theft crimes in Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, San Bernardino and Riverside counties. The Law Offices of Gabriel Dorman are committed to defending your legal rights and providing honest and competent representation with a focus on achieving the best result for you.