Southern California Theft Crimes Defense Attorney
If you have been arrested or are under investigation for committing a theft offense you should speak to an experienced Southern California Attorney immediately. Prosecutors aggressively pursue theft charges, whether they are misdemeanors or felonies.
Southern California Criminal Defense Attorney David A. Welch is very familiar with theft crime defense and the California criminal court system. It is important to note that even though a person may be charged with a theft crime, it does not mean that they are automatically guilty. A typical question is what will hiring an attorney do for an individual charged with a theft crime. There are numerous options that may be available. Depending on the type of case, there are “deferred entry of judgment” type solutions in some courts where the case is dismissed upon successful completion of an anti-theft class. In other matters, felonies can be reduced to misdemeanors. Each case is different and requires a specific defense strategy.
As a knowledgeable Southern California Criminal Defense Attorney, David A. Welch and his staff undertakes all steps necessary to an aggressive defense. From thorough investigations, demands for evidence, aggressive negotiations all the way to defending your matter to a jury trial if you wish to exercise that right.
Types of Theft Crimes
There are different types of theft charges which can range from misdemeanors such as petty theft and shoplifting to serious felonies such as auto theft, receiving stolen property and burglary. The relative seriousness of the offense, including whether the case is filed as a misdemeanor or a felony, is typically reflected in the value of the item(s). For example, if the item is valued at under $400, the charges are usually misdemeanor, whereas if the value exceeds $400, felony grand theft charges can be filed. In either case, in addition to the criminal penalties, a more important consequence can be a record of theft that can have severe consequences in one's job search.
Petty Theft and/or Shoplifting is the most common type of theft crime, where items are taken (sometimes even inadvertently) from a store, residence or individual.
Robbery is a theft crime that includes either a threat of violence or actual violence in order to unlawfully obtain another person's belongings. Even robbery of relatively low value items is a serious offense.
Fraud is a theft offense where another is deceived in order to obtain property. Embezzlement is misappropriation of funds that are entrusted to a person, such as an employee or financial advisor.
Burglary is a theft crime that occurs while entering a home, business or other property. Burglary does not require an act of violence, merely the intent of committing a theft while entering another's property. At times, individuals are charged with burglary even in instances where nothing was taken: the charged individual had the intent. Surprisingly, some aggressive prosecutors will charge even shoplifters with Commercial Burglary, thereby increasing the potential penalties those accused may face.
Regardless of what type of theft charges you face, you need a legal expert to handle your case. You need to get in touch with a successful San Francisco theft crime attorney as soon as possible. Waiting to hire someone while your case is unraveling can cause a lot of problems for you. Procrastination can also be a real advantage for the prosecuting attorney as they build a strong case against you.
Please contact us today to schedule an appointment. The sooner we begin our own investigation the further it may benefit the outcome of your case. We may also be able to have theft charges lowered or even dropped before ever having to proceed in court. Our clients are very important to us and as skilled San Francisco theft crimes lawyers we will do everything we can legally in the effort towards securing outstanding case results.
What should I do is I am arrested?
If you have been arrested for a theft crime it is important to politely refuse to answer any further questions that law enforcement may ask until you speak with an attorney first. Immediately contact Southern California Criminal Defense Attorney David A. Welch if you have been arrested. We can advise you of your legal rights, represent you, and provide you with guidance throughout the entire criminal court process.
Please contact us immediately to speak with a Southern California Theft Crimes Defense Attorney who can help protect your future if you face any type of theft crimes offense; including:
- Auto Theft
- Bank Fraud
- Bribery
- Burglary
- Counterfeiting
- Credit Card Fraud
- Embezzlement
- Mail Fraud
- Money Laundering
- Shoplifting