Long Beach Theft Defense Lawyer

Punishments for Theft Crimes

Theft is a generic term for many different types of crimes. The offense pertains to a person intentionally and fraudulently taking the personal property of another, without their consent or permission.  It includes the intention to convert it to their own use. In California, theft crimes are divided into two categories; petty theft and grand theft or larceny. Petty theft applies to amounts less than $400 and grand theft is for amounts of over $400.  Whether they are charged as misdemeanors or felonies depend on various factors, which can include the skill of a Long Beach criminal defense attorney.

Petty theft is usually treated as a misdemeanor.  It carries with it a fine of up to $1000 or time in the county jail of up to 6 months, or both.  If you are arrested for a second petty theft, it can be punished as a felony.  In this instance, a petty theft can result in a maximum of one year in jail or a state prison.  If an individual is convicted of grand theft, they face a fine up to $1000 and up to 1 year in the country jail or state prison.  Prior convictions and certain circumstance can make the penalties substantially higher, such as 4 years in state prison. 

Can crimes of theft be defended?

Theft crimes may be charged in conjunction with other violations, such as forgery, check fraud and embezzlement.  Additionally, if a person has prior criminal convictions, a theft charge may invoke the three strikes rule in California.  These can all cause stiffer fines and penalties for a defendant.  Attorney Leonard Matsuk has 3 decades of experience in and around Long Beach and has tried over 300 cases before judges and juries.  He would like to bring his successful experience to bear in your case.

There are ways to win against theft crimes charges.  If you were actually given consent to use the property in question, this may be a viable defense on your behalf.  Another legal defense can occur if you believed, in good faith, that you actually owned the property that was allegedly stolen.  In certain cases, the individual simply did not take the property they are accused of taking.  Act now to get the best possible outcome for your case.

Contact a Long Beach Theft Defense Attorney when you or a loved one are accused of any theft crime and require competent and aggressive legal help.