Top Topanga, CA Theft Lawyers Near You
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6345 Balboa Blvd, Suite 247, Encino, CA 91316
If you need Theft help in California, contact Law Office of Gregory Rubel, a local practice in Topanga, for legal representation.
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16520 Bake Parkway, Suite 280, Irvine, CA 92618
Representing people in Topanga, California with their Theft issues.
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260 St. Ann's Drive, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Clients who need legal help with Theft concerns can contact Law Offices of Barry T. Simons, a reputable law firm in Topanga, California.
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23679 Calabasas Road, Suite 412, Calabasas, CA 91302
Assisting people in California with their Theft needs. Learn More.
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1440 N Harbor Blvd, Suite 900, Fullerton, CA 92835
Contact Law Offices of David Borsari for experienced Theft guidance in Topanga, California.
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575 Anton Blvd, Suite 750, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
355 S Grand Ave, Suite 2850, Los Angeles, CA 90071
2049 Century Park East, Suite 3550, Los Angeles, CA 90067
19800 MacArthur Blvd, Suite 300, Irvine, CA 92612
6464 West Sunset Blvd., Suite 1030, Los Angeles, CA 90028
299 W Foothill Blvd, Suite 204, Upland, CA 91786
9327 Fairway View Pl, Suite 304, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
22982 La Cadena Dr, 239, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
12400 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 1120, Los Angeles, CA 90025
4333 Orange St, Suite 102, Riverside, CA 92501-3859
633 West 5th Street, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90071
1900 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 2700, Los Angeles, CA 90067
2049 Century Park E, Suite 3500S, Los Angeles, CA 90067
1010 Wilshire Blvd, Ste.1415, Los Angeles, CA 90017
3801 University Ave, Suite 265, Riverside, CA 92501
2030 Main Street, Suite 1300, Irvine, CA 92614
20955 Pathfinder Road, Suite 100, Diamond Bar, CA 91765
100 N. Euclid Avenue, Second Floor, Upland, CA 91786
1300 Bristol St. N., Suite 100, Newport Beach, CA 92660
222 N Mountain Ave, Suite 100, Upland, CA 91786
Topanga Theft Information
Lead Counsel independently verifies Theft attorneys in Topanga and checks their standing with California bar associations.
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Be in good standing with their bar associations and maintain a clean disciplinary record.Annual Review
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The Crime of Theft
A charge of theft can vary in severity and can be defined as robbery, burglary or larceny. Typically theft is defined as the taking of another person’s property without that person’s consent with the intent to deprive the rightful owner of it. The state you live in usually determines the typical definition of theft. An attorney can define a charge of theft for you as it pertains to your case.
What Is Considered a Theft Crime?
The term theft crime is used to refer to a broad category of crimes including robbery, larceny, petty (or petit) and grand theft, embezzlement, extortion and various forms of fraud.
Theft is said to have taken place when an offender steals, misappropriates or forcefully takes (in the case of robbery) property that does not lawfully belong to them.
Is Theft a Misdemeanor or a Felony?
Theft is considered petty/petit theft which is generally a misdemeanor if the sum value of goods or property stolen does not exceed a particular threshold. Said threshold depends on the state in which the case is being heard, but ranges from $500 to $1,000 in most instances.
For example, in certain states, petty theft is considered to be a Class A misdemeanor if the theft is less than $500 but in others where petty theft is also classified as a misdemeanor, that threshold is $950.
Some iterations of theft, such as armed robbery, are almost always classified as felonies. Regardless of the sum value of the property being stolen, robbery — armed or otherwise — is typically treated more severely than simple theft for a few reasons. Firstly, these forms of theft involve violent acts or at the least the threat of violence. Secondly, robbery and adjacent offenses involve aggression against a present victim (unlike, say, burglary committed when the victim or victims are not home).
What Is the Punishment for Theft?
The punishment for theft (or larceny, depending on the legal language used in individual statutes) varies from state to state. At the federal level, theft of public property could result in the guilty party being sentenced to prison for up to 10 years. If the sum of public property stolen is valued at less than $1,000, the maximum amount of incarceration which can be ordered in federal court is instead set at no more than one year.
Theft charges are more commonly pursued at the state level, however. Punishments generally correspond to the severity of the theft (the sum being stolen, aggravating factors such as the threat or use of force, etc.). Felony charges result in advanced penalties as compared to misdemeanor charges upon conviction. Misdemeanor convictions can lead to up to a year in jail, while felony convictions generally carry a prison sentence of between three to 25 years with them.
In the state of New York, grand larceny (their terminology concerning property theft) can fall under a variety of categorical degrees, from fourth to first-degree felony charges. Fourth-degree grand larceny charges result in up to four years imprisonment, as well as a fine of double damages, while first-degree grand larceny charges (levied when the sum stolen exceeds $1 million in value) can lead to a 25-year-long prison term.
How Can You Avoid Jail Time for Theft?
The best way to avoid a jail or prison term as a result of being charged with theft or theft-related charges is to secure skilled and experienced legal representation.
Have You Been Charged With Theft?
If you have been charged with the crime of theft, then you will have the option to hire an attorney or have one appointed to you. A skilled theft attorney can help protect your rights before and during trial.
Do You Need an Attorney for a Theft Charge in California?
If you’re facing charges related to theft, it is vitally important that you immediately seek out legal representation. Without adequate legal counsel, the chances of avoiding conviction decrease. A professional and invested defense team will represent your best interests.
Attorney-client privilege allows you to discuss the particular details surrounding your case with your legal counsel, giving you the opportunity to divulge all material evidence and to decide the best course of action. Further, lawyers familiar with standing precedent, existing case law and the state statutes related to your charges may be able to engage a number of common defenses against theft charges — ranging from simple innocence (if the prosecution has a weak body of evidence) to entrapment, coercion, duress or a number of other options.
If, in your case, it is deemed that it might be better to attempt to negotiate (a plea bargain or similar) there is a strict advantage in having your lawyer do so on your behalf.