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Los Angeles Theft Lawyer
William S. Kroger Criminal Defense Attorney at Law helps people facing all types of theft charges in Los Angeles County. Whether you're accused of petty theft, shoplifting, grand theft, or something more serious, we know what it takes to build a strong defense.
Our legal team works to protect your rights, keep you out of jail, and fight to get your charges reduced or dropped whenever possible.
Importance of Theft Lawyer in Los Angeles
Theft crimes are taken seriously in California, and even a small theft charge can lead to big problems. The laws are strict, and the penalties can be harsh. Having a skilled Los Angeles theft lawyer by your side helps protect your rights, expands your options, and builds a defense that gives you the best chance at a good outcome.
Understanding Theft Charges Under California Law
California law covers many types of theft, and each comes with its own rules and penalties. Petty theft usually involves stealing something worth less than $950. Grand theft applies when the value is higher or if items such as firearms or vehicles are involved. Crimes, including burglary and credit card fraud, can also fall under theft laws.
An experienced criminal defense lawyer will look closely at the evidence, check if your rights were violated, and file appropriate motions to get the charges reduced or dismissed.
How LA Prosecutors Build Theft Cases
Prosecutors in Los Angeles County rely on police reports, video footage, witness statements, and sometimes even social media posts to prove theft crimes. They may use store security footage in shoplifting cases or financial records in embezzlement or fraud crimes. In larger cases like grand theft auto or credit card fraud, they often bring in investigators to track spending, emails, or transactions.
They must show that the property was taken without permission, there was intent to steal, and that the suspect knew the property belonged to someone else. But theft crime charges can be complicated.
Sometimes, people can be arrested based on weak or circumstantial evidence, or the situation is misunderstood.
Why Early Legal Representation Is Critical
Hiring a Los Angeles theft lawyer early on can make a huge difference. When we step in quickly, we can review the criminal charges, protect your legal rights, and start building a defense strategy that may mitigate the case before it grows.
We work to spot mistakes in how the police handled your case or if there was insufficient evidence. In some cases, we can talk with the detective early and push for theft charge reductions before formal charges are even filed. Early action can often lead to better results.
Types of Theft Charges We Handle
At our law firm, we handle all types of theft crimes in Los Angeles County, from small shoplifting cases to serious felony theft offenses. Each case is different, and so are the legal consequences.
Whether you are facing a misdemeanor offense or a felony crime, we focus on defending your rights and working toward the best possible outcome.
Petty Theft (Penal Code § 484 & 488)
Petty theft usually means stealing something worth $950 or less. This charge often comes up in Los Angeles petty theft cases, especially involving items from stores, like clothing, food, or electronics. A conviction can still lead to a criminal record, probation, and even time in county jail.
We have successfully filed many judicial diversion motions to get our clients’ petty theft cases dismissed. With the success of a judicial diversion motion and dismissal, clients have no criminal conviction on their record.
Grand Theft (Penal Code § 487)
Grand theft involves property worth more than $950 or theft of specific items like firearms or vehicles, regardless of their value. This is a wobbler offense, meaning it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the case.
If you’re accused of grand theft auto or theft of high-value goods, the penalties can include jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal conviction. Our Los Angeles theft lawyer works to protect your record and reduce the risk of serious punishment.
Shoplifting (Penal Code § 459.5)
Shoplifting under California Penal Code § 459.5 means entering a store during business hours with the intent to steal something worth $950 or less. This is usually a misdemeanor, but it still carries serious consequences, such as a criminal record and informal probation.
Our job as your Los Angeles theft lawyer is to challenge the evidence, question intent, and push for theft charge reductions or dismissal when possible.
Burglary and Robbery
Burglary involves entering a building with the intent to commit theft or another felony crime. It can be charged as first-degree or second-degree burglary, depending on whether the building is a home or business. Robbery, on the other hand, involves using force or fear to take something from someone directly.
Both charges are felonies and can lead to severe penalties, including long terms in county jail or state prison. These are complex criminal cases, and we focus on building a strong defense strategy to challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
Identity Theft and Credit Card Fraud
Identity theft and credit card fraud are serious white collar crimes. These can involve using someone else’s personal data or card without permission, and charges may include fraud crimes, theft crimes, and even felony convictions, depending on the situation.
Our law firm defends people accused of these forms of theft, working to uncover weaknesses in circumstantial evidence, possible police misconduct, or illegal searches. We aim to protect your future and push for favorable plea agreements or complete dismissal.
Auto Theft and Carjacking
Auto theft involves stealing a vehicle without the owner's permission. It can lead to charges like grand theft auto, which is a felony under the California Penal Code. If force or fear is used to take the car directly from someone, the charge becomes carjacking, which carries much more serious criminal penalties.
Our Los Angeles theft lawyer team knows how to break down the evidence and challenge the state’s claims, especially when there is insufficient evidence or mistaken identity.
Embezzlement and Employee Theft
Embezzlement is when someone misuses money or property entrusted to them, often in a job setting. Employee theft can include stealing inventory, cash, or sensitive data. Both are seen as theft crimes and can quickly turn into felony crimes depending on the value of the stolen property. These charges can ruin a career, damage your reputation, and create a lasting criminal record.
We defend against these theft crime charges by examining the details closely, often showing that there was no intent to steal or that the facts were misunderstood.
How Our Los Angeles Theft Lawyer Can Help
When you're facing a theft charge, having the right legal team matters. William S. Kroger Criminal Defense Attorney at Law focuses on smart, clear, and strong defense. We understand the criminal justice system in Los Angeles County, and we build every step of your defense with intent.
Here's how we work to protect your future:
Investigating Your Case and Gathering Evidence
- Reviewing Police Reports: We look closely at what law enforcement officers recorded during the arrest. Mistakes or gaps in reports can help your defense.
- Interviewing Witnesses: Our team speaks with anyone who saw what happened. Their words can support your version of events.
- Checking for Surveillance Footage: Video evidence can show what really took place and may prove you were not involved.
- Challenging Circumstantial Evidence: If the case is built only on assumptions, we make that clear in court.
- Looking for Insufficient Evidence: We search for any weak spots that show the prosecutor cannot prove the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.
Filing Motions to Dismiss or Reduce Charges
We file legal requests to the court to dismiss misdemeanor theft cases or cut down charges based on the law. We have filed hundreds of successful judicial diversion motions to dismiss our clients' cases. These motions can make a huge difference in your future and help avoid jail or a criminal conviction.
Negotiating Plea Deals or Alternative Sentencing
Not every theft case goes to trial. Many are resolved through plea deals or alternative sentencing. We talk directly with the county prosecutor to find the best outcome. This might mean reducing a theft charge to a lesser offense or working out an agreement for informal probation, anti-theft courses, and or restitution.
Preparing an Aggressive Trial Defense if Needed
If your case must go to trial, we are ready. Our Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys have the experience to fight for you at trial. We challenge the evidence, question the law enforcement process, and present clear facts that support your side.
We know how to handle criminal cases in Los Angeles County and work hard to get the best possible sentence for you.
Alternatives to Jail for Theft Offenses
Jail is not the only option if you're facing a theft charge in Los Angeles. Our team explores every possible way to keep you out of jail. Many California theft crime cases qualify for programs that focus on second chances, not punishment.
These options may protect your criminal record and help avoid serious legal consequences.
Civil Compromise in Petty Theft Cases
In Los Angeles petty theft cases, a civil compromise may allow charges to be dismissed if the victim agrees to settle outside the court system. This often involves returning the stolen personal property or paying restitution.
If the victim is satisfied and the court approves, the petty theft case may be dismissed. We help clients explore this option when available, especially for misdemeanor offenses with low-value items.
Probation and Restitution Agreements
For many theft crime cases, probation combined with a restitution agreement and self-help classes is a common alternative to jail. This means you avoid months in county jail by agreeing to pay back the victim and follow certain rules set by the court. These rules may include staying employed, avoiding more arrests, and meeting with a probation officer.
We work to secure these outcomes and keep you out of jail whenever possible.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between petty theft and grand theft?
Petty theft usually involves stolen property worth $950 or less. Grand theft is charged when the value is higher or if certain items are taken, like a car or firearm. Each has different legal consequences and potential jail time under the California Penal Code.
2. Can I go to jail for a first-time theft charge?
Yes, but not always. Many Los Angeles County courts offer alternatives to jail for first-time offenders, like informal probation or pretrial diversion. Our team works to keep you out of jail, especially for petty theft charges.
3. Will a theft conviction stay on my record forever?
A theft conviction can show up on background checks, even years later. However, some misdemeanor convictions may be cleared through expungement. We help clients understand what relief may be available based on their case and criminal record. If the case ends in a dismissal, you will not have a criminal conviction on your record.
4. What happens if the store doesn’t press charges?
Even if the store drops the complaint, the county prosecutor can still file criminal charges. The state decides whether to move forward with the case, not the store. That is why you still need a theft defense lawyer to protect your rights.
5. How can a theft lawyer help with plea deals?
An experienced criminal defense lawyer knows how to work with prosecutors to reduce charges or avoid jail. A plea deal might lead to lower penalties, like a civil compromise, community service, or restitution instead of jail time.
Contact Our Los Angeles Theft Crimes Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you were arrested or are facing charges for theft in Los Angeles, do not wait to get help. Even a first-time charge can have a lasting impact on your future. Whether it's petty theft, grand theft, or theft by embezzlement, these cases must be taken seriously from the very start.
At William S. Kroger Criminal Defense Attorney at Law, our criminal defense law firm focuses on protecting your freedom and record. We understand how the criminal law system works in Los Angeles and how to build the right defense for your situation. We handle plea bargains, trial defense, and everything in between. You will speak directly with a skilled Los Angeles theft crimes lawyer who will take the time to explain your legal options.
Contact us today at (323) 655-5700 for a free consultation. We are ready to fight for you and guide you through every step.
