El Segundo Theft Crimes Lawyer

Experienced Representation in El Segundo, Torrance, Inglewood, Culver City, & Surrounding Areas

The crime of theft can take many forms in California, from shoplifting to grand theft, burglary, and robbery. All theft crimes should be taken seriously due to their consequences on your personal and professional life. 

Beyond the immediate legal ramifications of jail or prison time and heavy fines, a theft conviction can affect employment opportunities. Employers often conduct background checks and may prefer not to hire someone convicted of theft whom they view as untrustworthy and a risk to their operation. 

Theft convictions can also influence housing applications and academic prospects, where applicants without a record of theft would be safer choices in the eyes of landlords, property management companies, or higher learning institutions. 

If you have been arrested for or charged with any theft crime, your first order of business should be to bring in a qualified criminal defense lawyer. Navigating the complexities of theft charges requires professional knowledge and practical experience dealing with the courts. 

At Rollins Law Group, we are known for our robust defense work in fighting for the freedom and futures of our clients. We take our role as client advocates seriously by applying our decades of practice devoted exclusively to criminal defense. With such high stakes, we work to bring you the best possible results based on the unique circumstances of your situation. 

Discuss the specifics of your case with a Southern California theft crimes attorney in a free case assessment. Contact us online or phone (310) 807-2282 to get started. 

Petty & Grand Theft Crimes in California

Under California Penal Law, theft is broadly categorized into petty and grand theft. Petty theft involves property or cash value not exceeding $950, while grand theft refers to theft exceeding this amount. 

The penalties for theft crimes vary based on the nature and severity of the crime. In most cases, petty theft is charged as a misdemeanor, with penalties including a fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment in county jail for up to six months, restitution, and probation. An example of petty theft would include a cashier stealing small sums of cash from the register or stealing other items off the shelves where they work. 

On the other hand, grand theft is a "wobbler,” which means it can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. If charged as a felony, penalties can include imprisonment in a county jail for up to one year or in state prison for 16 months, two years, or three years. This could include an accountant embezzling thousands of dollars from an employer or someone stealing a car off the street. 

In these cases, theft involves the intention to deprive the owner of their property and move or carry it away. It can include stealing multiple items simultaneously, which amounts to a single charge that combines the value of everything stolen.