Dealing with a theft allegation is a major concern that may completely ruin your life. Under California law, many offenses—including petty theft, shoplifting, burglary, or grand theft—carry harsh fines, jail time, and a lifelong criminal record. Many people misunderstand trying to pay these costs on their own or believing they will be let off since it is their first violation. The truth is, your future may suffer long-term effects from even an apparently small larceny conviction. Therefore, early hiring of a theft crimes attorney is not only wise but also maybe the most crucial choice you ever make.
Knowledge of California Theft Charges
Theft, sometimes referred to as “larceny,” is the illegal taking of someone else’s property with an eye toward permanently depriving them of it. Depending on the magnitude and type of the relevant goods, theft crimes in California are essentially classified as either petty theft or grand theft.
Usually charged as a misdemeanor, petty theft usually consists in stolen goods valued $950 or less. Depending on the situation, grand theft—property valued over $950, theft of guns, or theft straight from a person—e.g., pickpocketing—may be charged as a felony or misdemeanor. Additional connected accusations could be: burglary; robbery; identity theft; embezzlement; auto theft; shoplifting; receiving stolen goods. Every one of these crimes has particular characteristics and punishments; thus, a theft crime attorney knows how to negotiate the legal subtleties of each.
What stands at risk?
A theft conviction can potentially ruin your chances for employment. Disqualify you from housing; jeopardize your immigration status; strip you of professional licenses; sour your personal connections and reputation.
Many companies and landlords see stealing convictions as dishonesty-based crimes, which makes it challenging to get a job or a place to live. Unless you act early in your case, the stigma of being called a “thief” can follow you even after you have served time.
Typical Mistakes Individuals Make Following Theft Allegation
People accused of a theft crime often either undervalue the seriousness of the accusations or panic. Here are some often occurring but expensive mistakes:
- Many try to justify their position since they believe it will be beneficial. Sadly, anything spoken without a lawyers for robbery could be used against you—even if your intentions were good.
- Delaying legal representation might cause lost chances to contest evidence, negotiate charges, or lower fines by waiting to engage an attorney.
- Ignoring court dates, not treating the matter seriously, or failing to show up could result in a warrant for your arrest assuming the case will “go away”.
- While it might save legal expenses, representing yourself could damage your freedom and future.
Why You Want a Theft Crimes Attorney?
Your chances of a positive outcome are higher the sooner you engage a theft offenses theft crimes attorney. Sometimes, if you get in touch with a California Criminal Defense Lawyer shortly after an arrest or investigation, they can get involved with the district attorney’s office prior to official charge filing. A skilled theft crimes attorney will examine every element of the prosecution’s case.
- Was there probably cause for the arrest?
- Exists eyewitness evidence or surveillance footage contradicting the police report?
Your theft crimes attorney could be able to have your charges dropped or lowered by exposing flaws in the prosecution’s case.
Plea Negotiations and Alternative Sentencing
Not every matter is tried. Actually, negotiated plea agreements help to resolve many theft charges. Should you be guilty, you might not have to deal with a lifetime criminal record. Your robbery defense attorney might be able to work out a lowering of charges from felony to misdemeanor or a plea agreement allowing for expungement later. Should you already have a criminal record, a qualified robbery defense lawyer can help to mitigate damage and preserve your future prospects.
Courtroom Representation and Strategy
Trainings in trial technique, jury selection, cross-examination, and criminal defense strategies equip the best criminal defense lawyers. Should your case proceed to trial, you want someone with strong argumentative skills and the ability to highlight flaws in the prosecution’s case.
Every case of theft is different, hence a strong defense relies on the facts. False criminal charges, mistaken identity, and lack of intent to steal; consent of the property owner; illegal search and seizure; entrapment. Working to secure the best possible outcome, an experienced theft crimes attorney will customize a defense plan depending on the particular situation of your case.
Conclusion
Charges of Robbery crime can ruin your life. You are not without power, though. Early in the process, hiring a qualified theft crimes attorney is the only best method to guard your freedom, reputation, and future.
The risks are too great to go it alone whether your theft is a little, grand theft, or a sophisticated white-collar theft investigation. A theft crimes attorney can assist you confidently in going forward, advocating for your rights, and negotiating the criminal court system. At the Kareem Law APC, we represent the best Robbery lawyers who have handled a wide range of cases. Get in touch with us today at (888) 506-6519!
