Los Angeles Theft Crimes Defense: Experienced Attorneys for All Theft Charges at Rogers | Beltran LLP

Facing theft crimes charges in Los Angeles can lead to serious consequences, including jail or prison time, substantial fines, restitution, and a criminal record that impacts your employment, housing, and personal life. At Rogers | Beltran LLP, our experienced Los Angeles theft crimes defense attorneys regularly defend clients against all misdemeanor and felony theft-related offenses, including petty theft, grand theft, receiving stolen property, grand theft auto, joyriding, commercial burglary, residential burglary, shoplifting, embezzlement, and more. With our deep expertise in California’s Penal Code and theft laws, we fight aggressively to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome. Below, we explain common theft crimes, what the prosecution must prove, effective defenses, potential penalties, and why you need our skilled legal team to navigate these complex cases.

Common Theft Crimes in California

California’s theft laws, enforced rigorously in Los Angeles, cover a range of offenses involving the unlawful taking or use of another’s property. At Rogers | Beltran LLP, we handle all theft-related charges, including but not limited to the following:

1. Petty Theft (PC § 484)

  • Description: Unlawfully taking property valued at $950 or less.
  • Key Factors: A misdemeanor since Proposition 47 (2014); often involves shoplifting or small-scale theft.

2. Grand Theft (PC § 487)

  • Description: Unlawfully taking property valued over $950 or specific items like firearms or vehicles.
  • Key Factors: A misdemeanor or felony “wobbler,” depending on value or circumstances.

3. Receiving Stolen Property (PC § 496)

  • Description: Knowingly buying, receiving, or concealing stolen property.
  • Key Factors: A misdemeanor for property valued at $950 or less; felony for higher values or priors.

4. Grand Theft Auto (PC § 487(d))

  • Description: Unlawfully taking a vehicle valued over $950 with intent to permanently deprive the owner.
  • Key Factors: A misdemeanor or felony “wobbler”; distinct from joyriding.

5. Joyriding (VC § 10851)

  • Description: Taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent, with intent to temporarily deprive them.
  • Key Factors: A misdemeanor or felony “wobbler”; less severe than grand theft auto.

6. Commercial Burglary (PC § 459)

  • Description: Entering a commercial structure (e.g., store) with intent to commit theft or a felony.
  • Key Factors: A misdemeanor (if shoplifting under $950, PC § 459.5) or felony “wobbler.”

7. Residential Burglary (PC § 459)

  • Description: Entering a residence with intent to commit theft or a felony.
  • Key Factors: A felony; considered a “violent” offense under California’s Three Strikes Law.

8. Shoplifting (PC § 459.5)

  • Description: Entering a commercial establishment during business hours to steal property valued at $950 or less.
  • Key Factors: A misdemeanor since Proposition 47; distinct from commercial burglary.

9. Embezzlement (PC § 503)

  • Description: Fraudulently taking property entrusted to you (e.g., by an employer or client).
  • Key Factors: A misdemeanor or felony “wobbler,” depending on the value stolen.

10. All Other Theft Crimes

  • Description: Our firm handles every theft-related offense, including theft by fraud (PC § 484), theft of services (PC § 484), and identity theft (PC § 530.5).
  • Key Factors: We tailor defenses to each charge, ensuring comprehensive representation.

What the District Attorney Must Prove in Theft Crimes Cases

To secure a conviction for theft crimes, the Los Angeles DA must prove specific elements beyond a reasonable doubt. Our attorneys at Rogers | Beltran LLP leverage these requirements to build robust defenses:

For Petty Theft (PC § 484):

  1. Taking: You took property belonging to another.
  2. Intent: You intended to permanently deprive the owner.
  3. Value: The property was valued at $950 or less.

For Grand Theft (PC § 487):

  1. Taking: You took property belonging to another.
  2. Intent: You intended to permanently deprive the owner.
  3. Value/Type: The property was valued over $950 or was a specific item (e.g., firearm).

For Receiving Stolen Property (PC § 496):

  1. Receipt: You bought, received, or concealed stolen property.
  2. Knowledge: You knew the property was stolen.
  3. Intent: You intended to deprive the owner.

For Grand Theft Auto (PC § 487(d)):

  1. Taking: You took a vehicle belonging to another.
  2. Intent: You intended to permanently deprive the owner.
  3. Value: The vehicle was valued over $950.

For Joyriding (VC § 10851):

  1. Taking: You took or drove a vehicle without consent.
  2. Intent: You intended to temporarily deprive the owner.
  3. No Permission: You lacked the owner’s consent.

For Commercial Burglary (PC § 459):

  1. Entry: You entered a commercial structure.
  2. Intent: You intended to commit theft or a felony.
  3. No Permission: You lacked permission to enter.

For Residential Burglary (PC § 459):

  1. Entry: You entered a residence.
  2. Intent: You intended to commit theft or a felony.
  3. No Permission: You lacked permission to enter.

For Shoplifting (PC § 459.5):

  1. Entry: You entered a commercial establishment during business hours.
  2. Intent: You intended to steal property valued at $950 or less.
  3. No Permission: You lacked permission to take the property.

For Embezzlement (PC § 503):

  1. Entrustment: Property was entrusted to you by the owner.
  2. Fraudulent Taking: You fraudulently took or used the property.
  3. Intent: You intended to deprive the owner.

The DA relies on evidence like police reports, surveillance footage, witness testimony, or recovered stolen property. Our Los Angeles theft crimes attorneys at Rogers | Beltran LLP meticulously challenge this evidence to protect your rights.

Common Defenses to All Theft Crimes in Los Angeles

Our experienced attorneys at Rogers | Beltran LLP employ tailored defenses to fight all theft-related charges, including:

  1. Lack of Intent:
    • If you did not intend to steal or permanently deprive the owner, you may not be guilty.
    • Example: You borrowed a vehicle believing you had permission, negating joyriding.
  2. False Allegations or Mistaken Identity:
    • Charges may stem from misunderstandings or false claims.
    • Example: A store employee wrongly identified you in a shoplifting case.
  3. Ownership or Consent:
    • If you had a lawful claim to the property or the owner’s consent, charges may not apply.
    • Example: You took property you believed was yours in an embezzlement case.
  4. Insufficient Evidence:
    • The prosecution may lack evidence to prove intent, value, or entry.
    • Example: No surveillance footage shows you entering a residence for burglary.
  5. Illegal Search and Seizure:
    • If police obtained evidence unlawfully, it may be suppressed.
    • Example: Officers searched your home without a warrant in a receiving stolen property case.
  6. Entrapment:
    • If police coerced you into committing a theft crime, your actions may be excused.
    • Example: An undercover officer pressured you into receiving stolen goods.

Our Los Angeles theft crimes defense lawyers thoroughly investigate your case to identify the most effective defense strategy for any theft-related charge.

Potential Penalties for Theft Crimes in California

Penalties for theft crimes vary depending on whether they are misdemeanors or felonies and your criminal history. As of July 20, 2025, potential consequences include:

Misdemeanor Theft Crimes

  • Jail Time:
    • Petty Theft (PC § 484): Up to 6 months in county jail.
    • Receiving Stolen Property (PC § 496, $950 or less): Up to 6 months in county jail.
    • Grand Theft Auto (PC § 487(d)): Up to 1 year in county jail.
    • Joyriding (VC § 10851): Up to 1 year in county jail.
    • Commercial Burglary (PC § 459, shoplifting under $950): Up to 6 months in county jail.
    • Shoplifting (PC § 459.5): Up to 6 months in county jail.
    • Embezzlement (PC § 503, $950 or less): Up to 6 months in county jail.
  • Fines: Up to $1,000 (plus court fees).
  • Probation: Up to 3 years of informal probation, with conditions like community service or restitution.
  • Diversion: Eligible for programs like PC § 1001.95, potentially dismissing charges upon completion.

Felony Theft Crimes

  • Prison Time:
    • Grand Theft (PC § 487): 16 months, 2, or 3 years in state prison.
    • Receiving Stolen Property (PC § 496, over $950): 16 months, 2, or 3 years.
    • Grand Theft Auto (PC § 487(d)): 16 months, 2, or 3 years.
    • Joyriding (VC § 10851): 16 months, 2, or 3 years.
    • Commercial Burglary (PC § 459): 16 months, 2, or 3 years.
    • Residential Burglary (PC § 459): 2, 4, or 7 years.
    • Embezzlement (PC § 503, over $950): 16 months, 2, or 3 years.
  • Fines: Up to $5,000 for grand theft; up to $10,000 for residential burglary (plus fees).
  • Probation: Formal probation in some cases, with conditions like restitution or community service.
  • Felony Record: Impacts employment, housing, and professional licenses.
  • Strike Offense: Residential burglary is a “violent” felony under California’s Three Strikes Law.

Additional Consequences

  • Restitution: You may be ordered to repay victims for stolen or damaged property.
  • Immigration Consequences: Non-citizens may face deportation, especially for felony convictions.
  • Employment Challenges: A criminal record limits job opportunities, particularly in roles requiring background checks.
  • Civil Lawsuits: Victims may sue for damages, increasing financial liability.

Why Choose Rogers | Beltran LLP for All Theft Crimes Defense?

At Rogers | Beltran LLP, we bring extensive experience defending clients against all misdemeanor and felony theft crimes in Los Angeles, including but not limited to:

  • Petty theft (PC § 484)
  • Grand theft (PC § 487)
  • Receiving stolen property (PC § 496)
  • Grand theft auto (PC § 487(d))
  • Joyriding (VC § 10851)
  • Commercial burglary (PC § 459)
  • Residential burglary (PC § 459)
  • Shoplifting (PC § 459.5)
  • Embezzlement (PC § 503)

Our attorneys have a proven track record of securing dismissals, reduced charges, and favorable plea deals across the spectrum of theft offenses. We understand the complexities of California’s theft laws and leverage our expertise to challenge evidence, assert defenses like lack of intent or illegal searches, and protect your future. Our personalized, aggressive representation ensures the best possible outcome for your case.

What Else Should You Know About Theft Crimes in Los Angeles?

Theft crimes in Los Angeles are prosecuted aggressively due to the city’s high rate of property crimes and public safety concerns. Here are key details to understand:

The Theft Crimes Defense Process in Los Angeles

  1. Investigation: Police investigate using surveillance footage, witness statements, recovered stolen property, or forensic evidence, often involving theft or burglary units.
  2. Arrest and Booking: You may be arrested and held without bail for felonies or released on bail for misdemeanors.
  3. Court Proceedings: Your case involves arraignment, pre-trial motions, and possibly a trial. Plea deals may reduce charges to lesser offenses or secure diversion programs.
  4. Diversion Programs: For misdemeanor charges, programs like PC § 1001.95 may dismiss charges upon completion of conditions like restitution or community service.

Why You Need a Los Angeles Theft Crimes Attorney

Navigating theft crimes requires legal expertise due to complex laws and severe penalties. Our attorneys at Rogers | Beltran LLP can:

  • Challenge the prosecution’s evidence, such as unreliable surveillance or lack of intent, to seek dismissal or reduction.
  • Negotiate for diversion programs or lesser charges to avoid jail time.
  • Represent you in court to protect your rights and future.
  • Mitigate impacts on your employment, professional licenses, or immigration status.

How to Protect Yourself After a Theft Crime Charge

  1. Do Not Discuss the Case: Avoid talking about the incident with anyone except your attorney, as statements can be used against you.
  2. Document Evidence: Keep records of receipts, witnesses, or events supporting your defense (e.g., proof of ownership or consent).
  3. Hire an Attorney Immediately: Early intervention can lead to dismissed charges or reduced penalties.
  4. Comply with Court Orders: Follow bail conditions to avoid additional charges.

Los Angeles-Specific Considerations

  • Urban Context: Los Angeles’s high-crime areas (e.g., South LA, Downtown, Hollywood) and frequent property crimes increase theft allegations, often during retail theft sweeps or vehicle break-ins.
  • Local Courts: Cases are heard in courts like the Los Angeles Superior Court, Compton Courthouse, or Van Nuys Courthouse, each with unique procedures.
  • Police Enforcement: LAPD uses advanced tools like security cameras, sting operations, and forensic evidence, which can be challenged for errors or bias.

Contact Rogers | Beltran LLP for Expert Defense Against All Theft Crimes in Los Angeles

No matter the theft charge you face, Rogers | Beltran LLP is here to help. Our skilled Los Angeles theft crimes attorneys have the expertise to defend against all misdemeanor and felony theft offenses, from petty theft and shoplifting to residential burglary and embezzlement. Visit www.rogersbeltran.com to learn how we can protect your future.

Call us today at (213) 900-9004 or fill out our online contact form for a free, confidential consultation. Let us fight for your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.