Aggressive Defense in the Face of Theft, Fraud, and Robbery Allegations

Northern CA Theft Crime Lawyers

Defending Clients Who Are Facing Theft Crime Charges

Charged with the crime of theft? Under U.S. law, you have the right to defend your charges and protect your future with the help of an experienced attorney. Even if the evidence against you is substantial, our team can negotiate for a favorable outcome.


Call Jesse J. Garcia Attorney at Law, today at (510) 782-7580 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our theft crimes attorney.

Types of Theft Crimes

Theft may not involve the loss of life, but it can result in losing your freedom if you’re convicted. At Jesse J. Garcia Attorney at Law, our attorney have 50 years of experience in state and federal theft law. This means we are fully prepared for whatever strategy the prosecution may attempt.

Theft is an umbrella term that covers several specific crimes, including:

Petty Theft

Grand Theft

Identity Theft

Robbery

Fraud

Additional categories can include variations of these crimes, such as shoplifting, which may fall under petty theft.

Severity of Punishment:

  • Petty Theft: The charge is typically a misdemeanor if the stolen item’s value is under $100.
  • Grand Theft: Crimes involving higher-value items (e.g., expensive vehicles) may result in a felony conviction, carrying prison time of several years.

The methods used to commit theft and the value of the stolen property significantly impact the severity of the punishment. For example, stealing and selling a car can lead to additional charges for grand theft auto.

Prosecuting Theft in California 

Theft crimes are prosecuted aggressively in California. Below are several aspects of theft prosecution, organized based on the structure of the original site:

Grand Theft & Wobblers

Some theft charges, such as grand theft, are considered wobblers. This means the charges can be prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on:
• The value of the stolen property.
• The circumstances of the crime.
• The defendant’s criminal history.

Proving Theft

To secure a conviction for theft, the prosecution must prove:
1. The defendant knowingly took property belonging to someone else without consent.
2. Movement of the property occurred—meaning the item was physically moved to another location to conceal the crime.

Grand Theft Auto

In grand theft auto cases, the prosecution often focuses on whether the vehicle changed hands. For example, if the accused allegedly sold the stolen vehicle to another person, this creates two crimes and involves two parties:
1. The person who stole the car.
2. The person who knowingly purchased the stolen car.

Purchasing Stolen Goods

Purchasing stolen goods is a crime only if the buyer knowingly purchased stolen property. However, if the prosecution finds evidence that the buyer was aware of the stolen origin, they could face harsher penalties.

What Are the Penalties for Theft Crimes in California?

The penalties for theft depend on the value of the stolen property, the methods used, and the presence of additional criminal intent.

Examples of penalties include:

  • Misdemeanor Theft: Fines and at least 6 months in prison.
  • Felony Theft: Fines and up to 2 years in prison.

For example, stealing a computer may result in one level of punishment, but if it’s part of a larger embezzlement scheme, the penalties can escalate. Evidence is critical in these cases, and prosecutors often push to stretch the facts in favor of harsher convictions.

This is why it is crucial to work with an experienced theft crime attorney who understands how to defend against these charges effectively.

Contact Our Theft Crime Attorney Today

Being accused of theft is a serious matter that can disrupt your life and threaten your future. We never shy away from tough battles at Jesse J. Garcia Attorney at Law.


Our experienced legal team believes that no case is hopeless and that every client deserves a second chance. We are committed to tenaciously defending those who entrust their cases to us, exploring every possible defense, and pursuing the best possible outcome on your behalf.


Don’t face theft charges alone. Contact Jesse J. Garcia Attorney at Law, today at (510) 782-7580 or reach out online to schedule your free consultation.

Get in Touch

You can count on us for defense in your theft case – call now at 510-782-7580.