Theft is also referred to as larceny. It is a significant offense involving illegally obtaining or use of another person’s property. If you have been detained for stealing, you have been charged with either misdemeanor or felony theft.
There are numerous forms of theft that fall under these two broad categories, including embezzlement, stealing from shops, scams, and robbery. While all of these crimes share the same fundamental characteristics, they each have minor differences and distinct potential penalties. Here is an overview of the various types of theft crimes and how our theft crimes attorney can assist you.
common theft crimes:
- Grand Theft vs. Petty Theft – The monetary worth of the stolen goods distinguishes petty theft from big theft. You could be prosecuted with petty theft if you take money or goods worth less than $950. Petty theft is a crime punishable by a maximum of six months in the county jail or a fine of up to $1,000. Penal Code Section 666 PC. Grand theft is defined as stealing money or property worth more than $950. Grand theft is referred to as a “wobbler” in California. Penal Code Section 487(a) PC.
- Robbery – Robbery is defined as theft committed with the use of intimidation, force, or threats to get the stolen items. The threat component of this offense increases the severity of the punishment often associated with it. Penal Code Section 211 PC.
- Gun theft – A robbery with a gun, knife, or other tool is called an armed robbery. Armed robbery is a much worse crime than theft because it involves the use of a weapon. In California, state jail sentences range from 3-9 years. Penal Code Section 211 PC with a weapon in violation of Penal Code 12022 PC.
- Car Robbery – Car robbery is when someone steals or tries to steal a car. This includes trucks, cars, buses, motorbikes, wagons, and any other powered vehicle used for traveling. Vehicle Code Section 10851 VC.
- Embezzlement – Embezzlement is the robbery of valuables (money or goods) by a person entrusted with their security. This theft offense occurs most frequently in job and company environments. Penal Code Section 503 PC.
- Retail theft – This type of theft is when someone takes something from a store. One of the most frequently committed property theft in California is retail theft or shoplifting, which is punished by a fine of $50 to $1,000 and/or a maximum of 6 months in jail. Penal Code Section 484 PC.
- Vandalism or Burglary – A burglary occurs when someone enters a property with the goal of committing a crime there. They have no obligation to do so in order to be punished with burglary; simply intending to commit a crime is enough. Burglars enter property illegally and frequently inflict significant damage, therefore it is critical to take precautions to protect your residence or company from burglary. Penal Code Section 459 PC.
Conclusion
If you are being investigated for a theft crime or have been charged with one, you need to hurry and hire an experienced theft crime defense lawyer to protect your rights. It is important for you to start planning your defense and talk to a good lawyer about your legal choices. Call the Law Offices of KAREEM A. RAMADAN at (888)-506-6519 to get a free review of your case.
