Long Beach Theft Crime Lawyer

Long Beach Theft Crime Attorney

The crime of theft is considered any unlawful taking of another person’s property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. This happens across Long Beach, from smaller thefts such as shoplifting inexpensive items to more severe forms of home theft. The penalties for this crime can be severe, which is why anyone who has been accused of committing theft should connect with a Long Beach theft crime lawyer as soon as possible.

At Gibbons & Gibbons, we are well-versed in navigating the complexities of theft laws and know how to construct compelling defense strategies. We work tirelessly to ensure that no one takes advantage of our clients’ rights while finding ways to dismiss or reduce the charges against them.

What Are the Most Common Forms of Theft in Long Beach?

Theft crimes in Long Beach, CA are varied and range on a spectrum of minor to serious offenses. The most common type of theft in Long Beach is petty theft, which is when someone unlawfully takes someone else’s low-value property.

Petty theft could include instances of stealing small items from a store or stealing a smaller item from another individual, like a bike. Although the item stolen in a petty theft is not of high value, it can still lead to an arrest and criminal record if the defendant is found guilty in court.

Grand theft is another common type of theft. This is a more serious offense in which a piece of property that is relatively high in value is stolen. If a defendant is found guilty, grand theft crimes can result in a permanent felony on their record. Aggravating circumstances, like the use of a weapon, can result in more severe penalties.

Commonly stolen items found in grand theft cases include large sums of money, expensive cars, or even valuable jewelry. Regardless of whether a case is considered petty or grand theft, police officers and prosecutors will investigate both types of crimes while defendants connect with defense attorneys to represent their interests in court.

What Types of Defenses Exist for Theft Crimes?

There are many defenses that a criminal defense attorney could employ to defend against your theft charges:

• Lack of intent: One of the most important elements of a theft case is that the intent to steal needs to be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. If there is any evidence to prove that the accused did not have any intention to permanently deprive the other individual of their property, it could dismiss or reduce the charges. A lack of evidence could also help to make this point.
• Ownership: If the defense attorney can prove that their client did own the property or that it was shared property, this could dismiss the case entirely. Evidence such as receipts or testimonies can help to prove ownership.
• Duress or coercion: A duress or coercion defense is appropriate if there is any evidence that the person who committed the theft was actively under threat of harm. To make this case, there must be evidence that the threat existed, such as a witness statement or a recorded communication.
• Mistake of fact: If the person accused of stealing the item genuinely believed they had a right to the property or mistakenly thought they had permission to take it, this defense could help prove their innocence.

When you hire a Long Beach theft crime law firm, they can investigate your case to develop an individualized defense strategy that pursues the optimal outcome.

Long Beach Theft Crime FAQs

Q: How Long Do You Go to Jail for Grand Theft in California?

A: The amount of time someone would spend in jail for a grand theft crime varies based on the specifics of the case. The value of the stolen property and the defendant’s criminal history will be major factors in this decision. If the final verdict rules the crime as a misdemeanor, it can lead to a single year spent in county jail. If the nature of the crime resulted in a felony conviction, the sentencing could increase to several years in prison.

Q: How Much Money Stolen Is a Felony in California?

A: A grand theft, which is classified as any property that exceeds $950 in value, could be a felony or a misdemeanor in California. Anything involving less valuable property is typically considered petty theft and a misdemeanor. However, there are certain items that could increase a petty theft charge to grand theft, such as a firearm.

Regardless of how much worth you are accused of stealing, it’s important to connect with a legal defense counsel as soon as possible. They can help appraise the total value of everything you have been accused of stealing and try to find ways to dismiss or reduce the charges against you.

Q: Can Theft Charges Be Expunged?

A: Yes, there are certain conditions where a theft charge may be expunged from a person’s record entirely. This means that the previous record of theft will be sealed and inaccessible through any type of state or federal repository. Eligibility for expungement will depend on the individual.

For many, this could require the completion of a probation sentence or that all fines have been paid off. Both felonies and misdemeanors can qualify for expungement consideration. A criminal defense attorney is the appropriate resource to consult with if you’re interested in this process.

Q: Does a Theft Conviction Affect Employment Opportunities?

A: A criminal record with a theft conviction can impact one’s ability to secure employment. Many employers are required to conduct background checks to look for these types of instances. If they see a theft charge, they may be hesitant to hire the individual.

This is especially true for positions that may involve merchandise or handling money. To avoid these employment implications, a criminal defense attorney can attempt to prevent a theft conviction, and they can help you seek an expungement if you’ve already been convicted.

Contact Gibbons & Gibbons Today

If you have been accused of committing theft in Long Beach, contact our defense attorneys today. At Gibbons & Gibbons, we understand the complexity of theft cases, and our team has the experience necessary to defend your rights throughout the entire process.