Victorville Theft & Robbery Lawyer

Seasoned Legal Representation for Theft Offenses in California

With a failing economy and decreased wages or job opportunities, many Californians are feeling desperate about their financial situation. Unfortunately, such overwhelming circumstances can sometimes make people more likely to turn to theft. Storeowners and retail managers take such crimes extremely seriously, which is why there are often such high fees attached to these convictions. Unfortunately, their zeal, while understandable, can sometimes go too far. Even if a situation was a complete misunderstanding, some managers or retail owners still press charges, simply to teach a lesson to potential thieves.

Contact us now at (760) 227-7625 to get a free consultation with our devoted team today.

No matter what specific theft crime you have been accused of, it is essential to get in touch with our theft crime lawyer in Victorville as soon as possible, so that Holistic Legal can be there to support you with powerful criminal defense.

Common Theft Offenses in California

Common crimes in California that are classified as theft include:

Misdemeanor Theft Crimes in California

Another name for taking money or property that is valued at less than $950 is known as petty theft.

Misdemeanor charges of petty theft are punishable by:

• Up to half a year in jail and a maximum fine of $1,000
• The defendant not only has to pay for all restitution for the plaintiff but will also need to pay all the fees accumulated from the criminal defensive investigation, counseling classes, and probation.

Even though this kind of crime may not be as severe as convictions for other crimes, it is crucial to fight the misdemeanor as powerfully and as quickly as possible. Failure to do so can greatly increase the long-term consequences you face.

Felony Theft Crimes in California

The theft of money or property with a value that exceeds $950 is deemed as grand theft.

Felony grand theft convictions are subject to penalties such as:

• Extended time spent in prison, heavy fines for court fees, parole or probation, as well as counseling
• The person convicted of a crime is often required to pay reimbursement costs of both the victim and the police officials themselves
• The conviction will remain permanently on a criminal record, and will incur more severe penalties upon sequential convictions

Key Elements of Burglary in California

The elements of burglary in California include:

• The defendant entered a building, room within a building or locked vehicle AND
• When he or she entered into the building, room or vehicle, he or she intended to commit theft or a felony.

A person is considered to have entered a building if some part of his or her body, or some object they are using, penetrates the area inside the building's outer boundary, which can include the area inside a window screen or an attached second-floor boundary. For the burglary statute to apply to an automobile, there must be evidence of forced entry into a locked vehicle. Simply entering an unlocked vehicle would not be enough to violate the burglary statute.