What Should I Do If I’m Facing Shoplifting Charges In Riverside?
If you are facing shoplifting charges in Riverside, the options you have depend on a number of factors including the dollar value of the property that was allegedly stolen and whether you have any theft-related priors. If the dollar value of the items was under $50 and you have no priors then there is a good chance that the Riverside District Attorney would agree to reduce the case to an…
Read MoreIs Petty Theft a Felony In Riverside?
A petty theft offense itself is not a felony in Riverside but rather it can be charged as a misdemeanor or an infraction. However, the act of petty theft can result in a felony charge under certain circumstances. For example, if you go into a store with the intent to steal and in fact steal something you could be potentially charged with felony commercial burglary due to your act of…
Read MoreI Was Charged With Grand Theft in Los Angeles. Do I Need A Los Angeles Criminal Lawyer?
If you are accused of grand theft in Los Angeles it is critical you retain a criminal defense law firm that has years of experience defending people against grand theft charges in the Los Angeles courts. Our lawyers at Wallin and Klarich have over 40 years of experience fighting for our clients facing grand theft charges. If you are convicted of grand theft in Los Angeles you are facing up…
Read MoreI Was Charged With Petty Theft In Riverside. What Consequences Am I Facing?
The answer depends on a number of factors including the dollar value of the property that was allegedly stolen and whether you have any theft-related priors. If the dollar value of the items was under $50 and you have no priors then there is a very good chance that the District Attorney would agree to reduce the case to an infraction which is not a criminal conviction. Also, the Riverside…
Read MoreCan you be charged with a theft crime for picking up personal property that appears to be “lost”? (PC 485)
Yes, depending upon the surrounding facts and circumstances. California has enacted Penal Code 485 pertaining to “lost” property. An important determination is whether there is an indication as to the true owner of the lost property. Is there a name and contact information on the property? Where was the property found? If there is no legitimate clue of ownership it will be difficult for the prosecution to pursue criminal charges…
Read MoreWhat is the difference between 1st and 2nd degree burglary?
First-degree burglary is the burglary of an inhabited house or dwelling. First-degree burglary is always a felony in California. Second-degree burglary is commonly referred to as commercial burglary. Second-degree burglary includes all burglaries that are not first-degree. The most common type of second-degree burglary is theft from a retail store.
Read MoreI am being charged with grand theft in Orange County for stealing a computer from another student at school. I admitted the theft, but I already got rid of the computer. What kind of punishment am I looking at?
Grand theft is a wobbler under California law, which means it can be charged as a felony or misdemeanor. The most important factors to take into account in any grand theft case is whether it’s charged as a felony or misdemeanor, the value of the property stolen, whether the defendant can pay full restitution before the case resolves, and the criminal history of the defendant. Of those factors likely to…
Read MoreCan I be found guilty of theft even if I didn’t “intend” to take the item with me when I left the store?
The answer is NO. The prosecution must prove that at the time you left the store you had the “specific intent” to take the item without paying for it. Often the DA can prove this based upon statements that the accused made to security personnel at the store or to the police soon after they were apprehended. In other cases, the DA will attempt to prove this by way of…
Read MoreI was arrested for Petty Theft as a misdemeanor. Will I be able to keep this off my record?
The best answer is that it depends. Some counties in California offer petty theft diversion programs which allow the defendant to attend classes and if they complete the classes successfully the District Attorney will dismiss the charges. However, many counties do not offer these programs and in those cases it will be more difficult to get the case dismissed entirely. If the dollar value of the merchandise was under $50…
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