When facing robbery or theft charges in Downey, California, the consequences can be life-altering. A criminal conviction can result in imprisonment, substantial fines, a permanent criminal record, and long-lasting damage to your reputation, employment prospects, and personal relationships. Whether you’ve been accused of petty theft, grand theft, burglary, robbery, or any related offense, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands California law and knows how to protect your rights.
At Tu Defensor Criminalista, we provide aggressive, strategic legal representation for individuals facing robbery and theft charges throughout Downey and Los Angeles County. Our firm is dedicated to defending your freedom, protecting your future, and ensuring that you receive fair treatment under the law. We understand that being accused of a crime is one of the most stressful experiences you can face, and we’re here to guide you through every step of the legal process.
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California law distinguishes between various types of theft-related offenses, each carrying different penalties and legal implications. Understanding the specific charges you’re facing is the first step toward building an effective defense strategy.
Theft is broadly defined under California Penal Code Section 484 as the unlawful taking of someone else’s property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. Theft offenses can range from minor shoplifting incidents to sophisticated grand theft schemes involving substantial amounts of money or property.
The state categorizes theft offenses based on the value of the property taken and the circumstances surrounding the alleged crime. Petty theft involves property valued at $950 or less, while grand theft involves property exceeding this threshold. However, certain types of property—such as firearms or vehicles—can result in grand theft charges regardless of value.
According to data from the California Department of Justice[1], Los Angeles County consistently reports tens of thousands of theft-related offenses annually, with larceny-theft being among the most common property crimes. In Downey specifically, property crime rates have fluctuated over the years, making it essential for residents to understand their legal rights when accused of these offenses.
Robbery is defined under California Penal Code Sections 211-213 as the felonious taking of personal property from someone’s possession or immediate presence, against their will, accomplished through force or fear. Unlike theft, robbery always involves some element of force, intimidation, or threat, which makes it a significantly more serious charge.
California recognizes two degrees of robbery. First-degree robbery includes robberies that occur in inhabited dwellings, robberies of drivers or passengers of buses, taxis, cable cars, streetcars, or other transportation vehicles, and robberies that take place at ATMs or immediately after someone has used an ATM. All other robberies are classified as second-degree robbery.
The penalties for robbery are severe. First-degree robbery can result in three, four, or six years in state prison, while second-degree robbery carries a potential sentence of two, three, or five years. These sentences can be enhanced if weapons were used, if victims suffered great bodily injury, or if the crime was committed for the benefit of a criminal street gang.
Burglary, defined under California Penal Code Section 459, involves entering a building or structure with the intent to commit theft or any felony. Many people mistakenly believe burglary requires breaking and entering during nighttime hours, but California law is broader. Simply entering a store, home, or commercial building with the intent to steal can constitute burglary, even if no property is ultimately taken.
First-degree burglary (residential burglary) is always a felony and carries a sentence of two, four, or six years in state prison. Second-degree burglary (commercial burglary) can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances and the defendant’s criminal history.
Under California Penal Code Section 459.5, shoplifting is defined as entering a commercial establishment during regular business hours with the intent to steal property valued at $950 or less. This offense is typically charged as a misdemeanor, carrying potential penalties of up to six months in county jail and fines up to $1,000.
However, shoplifting charges can escalate if the defendant has prior theft-related convictions, if the value exceeds $950, or if the theft involved organized retail crime. Retailers throughout Downey and Los Angeles County have increasingly invested in security measures and loss prevention strategies, leading to more frequent arrests and prosecutions for shoplifting offenses.
California Penal Code Section 496 makes it illegal to buy, receive, conceal, sell, or withhold property that you know to be stolen. This charge doesn’t require you to have participated in the original theft—simply possessing stolen property with knowledge of its stolen status is sufficient for prosecution.
Receiving stolen property can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the value of the property involved. The prosecution must prove that you knew the property was stolen, which can sometimes be difficult to establish beyond a reasonable doubt.
Understanding what to expect during the criminal justice process can help reduce anxiety and allow you to make informed decisions about your case. While every case is unique, most robbery and theft prosecutions follow a similar pattern.
The process typically begins with an arrest, which may occur at the scene of the alleged crime or after an investigation by law enforcement. In Downey, the Downey Police Department handles most local arrests, while the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department may be involved in certain cases.
During and after the arrest, law enforcement officers may attempt to question you about the alleged offense. It’s critical to understand that you have the constitutional right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Anything you say can and will be used against you in court. We strongly advise invoking these rights immediately and contacting an experienced criminal defense attorney before answering any questions.
After arrest, you’ll be taken to a police station for booking, where your personal information will be recorded, fingerprints and photographs will be taken, and you’ll be searched. You’ll then be held in custody until your arraignment or until bail is posted.
Bail amounts for robbery and theft offenses vary widely depending on the severity of the charges, your criminal history, and whether you’re considered a flight risk or a danger to the community. According to the Los Angeles County Superior Court bail schedule[2], bail for robbery offenses can range from $50,000 to $100,000 or more, while theft offenses generally carry lower bail amounts.
Our firm can help you or your family understand the bail process and, when appropriate, petition the court for reduced bail or release on your own recognizance.
The arraignment is your first court appearance, typically occurring within 48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays). At the arraignment, you’ll be formally notified of the charges against you, advised of your constitutional rights, and asked to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
In most cases, we advise entering a not guilty plea at arraignment. This preserves all of your legal options and allows us time to investigate the case, review the evidence, and develop the strongest possible defense strategy.
After arraignment, your case will enter the pretrial phase, which may include several court appearances and proceedings. During this time, we’ll engage in discovery—the process of obtaining evidence from the prosecution, including police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and any physical evidence.
We’ll also investigate the case independently, interviewing witnesses, examining the scene, consulting with experts when necessary, and identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. This is often when we identify constitutional violations, procedural errors, or factual inconsistencies that can lead to reduced charges or case dismissal.
Pretrial proceedings may also include motion hearings, where we can ask the court to suppress evidence obtained through illegal searches or seizures, dismiss charges based on insufficient evidence, or address other legal issues that could impact the outcome of your case.
Many criminal cases are resolved through plea negotiations rather than trial. During plea negotiations, we’ll work with the prosecutor to seek reduced charges, alternative sentencing options, or dismissal of certain counts in exchange for a guilty or no contest plea to lesser offenses.
While plea agreements can be beneficial in some circumstances, we never pressure clients to accept a deal that isn’t in their best interest. We’ll thoroughly explain any plea offers, discuss the potential consequences, and provide our professional recommendation, but the final decision is always yours.
If your case proceeds to trial, you have the constitutional right to a jury trial (or a bench trial before a judge if you prefer). At trial, the prosecution bears the burden of proving every element of the charged offense beyond a reasonable doubt—the highest standard of proof in American law.
Our trial attorneys have extensive experience defending robbery and theft cases in Los Angeles County courthouses, including the Norwalk Courthouse, which serves the Downey area. We’ll present a vigorous defense, cross-examine prosecution witnesses, present exculpatory evidence, and argue persuasively for your acquittal.
Downey, located in southeastern Los Angeles County, is a vibrant city with a population exceeding 111,000 residents according to U.S. Census Bureau data[3]. With its mix of residential neighborhoods, commercial districts, and proximity to major transportation corridors, Downey experiences its share of property crime incidents.
The city’s strategic location near Interstate 5, Interstate 605, and State Route 19 makes it easily accessible, but also contributes to certain criminal law enforcement priorities. The Downey Police Department works diligently to address property crimes, often utilizing surveillance technology, undercover operations, and cooperation with retail establishments to investigate and prosecute theft-related offenses.
Local law enforcement’s aggressive approach to combating property crime means that individuals accused of robbery or theft in Downey face well-resourced prosecution teams. This makes it essential to have equally committed and experienced legal representation on your side.
Robbery and theft cases arising in Downey are typically prosecuted in the Norwalk Superior Court, part of the Los Angeles County Superior Court system. This courthouse handles thousands of criminal cases annually, and navigating its procedures requires familiarity with local practices, judicial preferences, and prosecutorial tendencies.
Our firm has extensive experience in the Norwalk courthouse and has built professional relationships with court personnel, prosecutors, and judges. This familiarity allows us to navigate the system efficiently and advocate effectively for our clients.
For Downey residents, a criminal conviction can have profound impacts beyond legal penalties. Downey is a close-knit community with strong family values and deep roots. Many residents work in local businesses, attend local schools, and participate in community organizations.
A theft or robbery conviction can damage your reputation within the community, affect your children’s experiences at school, impact your standing in religious or civic organizations, and create lasting stigma. We understand these community-specific concerns and work to resolve cases in ways that minimize collateral consequences and protect your standing in the Downey community.
Every case is unique, and the defense strategy we develop will be tailored to the specific facts and circumstances of your situation. However, there are several common defense approaches that are frequently effective in robbery and theft cases.
Most theft-related offenses require proof that you intended to permanently deprive the owner of their property. If you took property by mistake, believed you had permission to take it, or intended to return it, you may lack the requisite criminal intent.
For example, if you accidentally walked out of a store with merchandise you forgot to pay for, or if you borrowed someone’s property believing you had permission to do so, you may have a strong defense based on lack of intent.
Mistaken identity is more common than many people realize, especially in robbery cases where victims may have only brief opportunities to observe the perpetrator under stressful conditions. Eyewitness identifications are notoriously unreliable, and numerous studies have documented the fallibility of human memory and perception.
We thoroughly investigate identification procedures used by law enforcement, looking for suggestive lineup procedures, cross-racial identification issues, and other factors that may have contributed to misidentification. When appropriate, we may retain expert witnesses to educate juries about the science of memory and the problems with eyewitness testimony.
Unfortunately, people sometimes make false accusations for various reasons—to deflect blame from the actual perpetrator, to seek revenge, to cover up their own misconduct, or due to misunderstandings. We investigate the accuser’s background, motivations, and credibility, and we’re not afraid to expose false allegations in court.
The prosecution bears the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If the evidence is weak, contradictory, or insufficient to meet this high standard, you should be acquitted. We meticulously analyze the prosecution’s evidence, identifying gaps, inconsistencies, and weaknesses that create reasonable doubt.
California recognizes a “claim of right” defense to theft charges. If you genuinely believed you had a right to the property you took—even if that belief was mistaken—you may lack the criminal intent necessary for conviction. This defense often applies in disputes between business partners, family members, or others with complex property relationships.
Your constitutional rights don’t disappear when you’re accused of a crime. If law enforcement violated your Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable searches and seizures, your Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, or your Sixth Amendment right to counsel, we can file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
For example, if police searched your vehicle, home, or person without a valid warrant or legal justification, any evidence obtained during that illegal search may be excluded from trial. Without that evidence, the prosecution’s case may collapse entirely.
If you committed theft or robbery because someone threatened you or your family with immediate harm, you may have a duress defense. California law recognizes that people sometimes commit crimes under threats of violence or other compelling circumstances that overcome their free will.
The penalties for robbery and theft convictions in California vary significantly depending on the specific offense, the value of property involved, your criminal history, and various aggravating or mitigating factors.
Petty theft is generally a misdemeanor carrying maximum penalties of up to six months in county jail and fines up to $1,000. However, first-time offenders often receive more lenient sentences, potentially including informal probation, community service, theft prevention classes, and restitution to victims.
Grand theft can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony (a “wobbler” offense), depending on the circumstances and your criminal history. As a misdemeanor, grand theft carries up to one year in county jail. As a felony, it carries 16 months, two years, or three years in county jail or state prison.
As mentioned earlier, robbery is always a felony in California. Second-degree robbery carries two, three, or five years in state prison, while first-degree robbery carries three, four, or six years. These sentences can be significantly enhanced under various circumstances.
If you used a firearm during the robbery, you face a 10-year enhancement under California’s “10-20-life” law. If you personally and intentionally discharged a firearm, the enhancement increases to 20 years. If someone suffered great bodily injury or death as a result of the firearm discharge, you face 25 years to life.
First-degree (residential) burglary is always a felony carrying two, four, or six years in state prison. It’s also a “strike” offense under California’s Three Strikes Law, meaning a conviction counts as a serious or violent felony that can be used to enhance sentences for future convictions.
Second-degree (commercial) burglary, when charged as a misdemeanor, carries up to one year in county jail. When charged as a felony, it carries 16 months, two years, or three years in county jail or state prison.
Beyond the direct criminal penalties, a robbery or theft conviction can trigger numerous collateral consequences that affect your life for years to come:
Employment: A criminal record can make it extremely difficult to find employment, especially in positions requiring trust, financial responsibility, or security clearances. Many employers conduct background checks and may be reluctant to hire individuals with theft-related convictions.
Professional Licensing: Certain professions require state licensing, including healthcare workers, attorneys, accountants, real estate agents, and many others. A theft or robbery conviction may result in denial of a professional license or revocation of an existing license.
Immigration Consequences: For non-citizens, including lawful permanent residents, certain theft and robbery convictions can be considered “crimes involving moral turpitude” or “aggravated felonies” under immigration law. These designations can lead to deportation, denial of naturalization, or inadmissibility.
Housing: Many landlords conduct background checks and may refuse to rent to individuals with criminal convictions. Public housing authorities may also deny or terminate housing assistance based on criminal history.
Education: A criminal conviction may affect your ability to receive federal financial aid for education, and some colleges and universities consider criminal history in admissions decisions.
Gun Rights: Felony convictions result in a lifetime prohibition on firearm ownership and possession under both California and federal law. Certain misdemeanor convictions can also trigger temporary or permanent gun rights restrictions.
When you’re facing robbery or theft charges in Downey, you need more than just legal representation—you need a dedicated advocate who will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and your future. At Tu Defensor Criminalista, we provide comprehensive, personalized legal services designed to achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
We begin with a thorough evaluation of your case, reviewing all available evidence, police reports, and witness statements. We’ll explain the charges you’re facing, the potential penalties, and your legal options in clear, understandable terms.
Based on our case evaluation, we’ll develop a customized defense strategy tailored to your specific circumstances. This may involve challenging the legality of your arrest, questioning the reliability of witness identifications, exposing weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence, or pursuing alternative resolutions.
We’re not afraid to take cases to trial when it’s in our clients’ best interests. Our attorneys have extensive trial experience and a track record of success in Los Angeles County courtrooms. We’ll prepare your case meticulously, present compelling evidence, cross-examine prosecution witnesses effectively, and argue persuasively for your acquittal.
When appropriate, we leverage our relationships with prosecutors and our reputation as formidable trial attorneys to negotiate favorable plea agreements. We’ve successfully negotiated reduced charges, alternative sentencing arrangements, and dismissals in countless cases.
We understand that the criminal penalties are only part of the story. We work to minimize collateral consequences by pursuing outcomes that avoid convictions when possible, seeking record sealing or expungement when appropriate, and advising you on how to address your criminal case with employers, licensing boards, and immigration authorities.
At Tu Defensor Criminalista, you’re not just another case number. We provide personalized attention to every client, keeping you informed throughout the legal process, responding promptly to your questions and concerns, and treating you with the dignity and respect you deserve.
The sooner you contact an attorney after being accused of robbery or theft, the better your chances of achieving a favorable outcome. Early intervention allows us to:
In some cases, we can intervene before charges are even filed, potentially preventing prosecution altogether. If you’re under investigation or have been contacted by police regarding a theft or robbery, contact us immediately—even if you haven’t been arrested.
Not every theft or robbery case needs to end in a conviction. California law provides various alternative resolutions and diversion programs that may be available depending on your circumstances and criminal history.
For certain first-time offenders, pretrial diversion may be available. Under this arrangement, you agree to complete specific requirements—such as theft prevention classes, community service, restitution, and counseling—in exchange for dismissal of the charges upon successful completion.
In some cases, you may be eligible for deferred entry of judgment, where you plead guilty but judgment is deferred while you complete probation requirements. Upon successful completion, the guilty plea is withdrawn and the case is dismissed.
Under California Penal Code Section 1377-1379, certain misdemeanor cases may be resolved through civil compromise. If you compensate the victim for their losses and the victim requests dismissal, the court may dismiss the criminal charges. This option is most commonly available in minor theft cases without aggravating factors.
California’s Proposition 47, passed by voters in 2014, reclassified certain theft and drug-related offenses from felonies to misdemeanors. If you were previously convicted of a felony theft offense that would now be classified as a misdemeanor, you may be eligible to have your conviction redesignated and resentenced.
To provide context for robbery and theft prosecutions in Downey, it’s helpful to understand broader property crime trends in Los Angeles County. According to the California Department of Justice’s OpenJustice initiative[1], property crimes—including larceny-theft, burglary, and motor vehicle theft—represent a significant portion of reported crimes throughout the county.
While property crime rates have fluctuated over the years, law enforcement agencies throughout Los Angeles County, including the Downey Police Department, have maintained their focus on investigating and prosecuting these offenses. Enhanced surveillance technologies, cooperation with retail establishments, and specialized property crime units have increased arrest and prosecution rates.
However, it’s important to remember that an arrest is not a conviction. The criminal justice system is designed to protect the innocent and ensure that only those whose guilt is proven beyond a reasonable doubt are convicted. Effective legal representation is essential to ensuring these safeguards work as intended.
Research consistently shows correlations between economic conditions and property crime rates. During periods of economic hardship, unemployment, and financial stress, property crime rates tend to increase as individuals face greater economic pressures.
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics[4], economic conditions can vary significantly across different regions and time periods. These economic factors don’t excuse criminal behavior, but they do provide context for understanding why people sometimes make poor decisions that lead to criminal charges.
For individuals facing theft or robbery charges related to economic desperation, we work to present this context to prosecutors and judges when seeking lenient treatment, diversion programs, or alternative sentencing arrangements that address underlying issues rather than simply imposing punishment.
When accused of robbery or theft, you retain important constitutional rights that serve as protections against government overreach and ensure fair treatment.
The Fourth Amendment protects you against unreasonable searches and seizures. Law enforcement generally needs a warrant based on probable cause to search your home, vehicle, or person. There are exceptions to the warrant requirement, but police must still have legal justification for their searches.
If police searched you illegally, any evidence obtained during that search may be suppressed, meaning it can’t be used against you at trial. This can be devastating to the prosecution’s case and may result in dismissal of charges.
The Fifth Amendment protects you against self-incrimination. You have the absolute right to remain silent when questioned by law enforcement, and your silence cannot be used against you as evidence of guilt.
Many people make incriminating statements to police because they believe cooperation will help their case or they think they can talk their way out of trouble. Unfortunately, these statements almost always make matters worse. We strongly advise all clients to exercise their right to remain silent and request an attorney immediately when contacted by law enforcement.
The Sixth Amendment guarantees your right to legal counsel, your right to a speedy trial, your right to confront witnesses against you, and your right to present a defense. These rights are fundamental to a fair trial, and violations can result in reversal of convictions on appeal.
The outcome of your case will largely depend on the strength of the evidence against you and our ability to challenge, contextualize, or exclude that evidence. Common types of evidence in robbery and theft cases include:
Eyewitness identifications are common in robbery cases, but they’re also notoriously unreliable. Studies have shown that eyewitnesses frequently make mistakes, especially when identifying strangers, when the incident occurred quickly or under stressful conditions, or when the witness and suspect are of different races.
We scrutinize identification procedures for suggestiveness, examine whether witnesses had adequate opportunity to observe the perpetrator, and when appropriate, present expert testimony on the unreliability of eyewitness identifications.
Many businesses throughout Downey utilize surveillance cameras to deter and document criminal activity. Surveillance footage can be powerful evidence, but it’s not always as clear or conclusive as prosecutors suggest.
We carefully review all surveillance footage, looking for gaps in coverage, issues with image quality, difficulties in identification, and alternative explanations for the defendant’s conduct. Sometimes footage that appears incriminating at first glance becomes much less compelling upon closer examination.
Physical evidence in theft cases might include stolen property found in your possession, fingerprints at the scene, DNA evidence, or tools used to commit the crime. In robbery cases, it might include weapons, clothing matching witness descriptions, or property taken from victims.
We challenge the collection, preservation, and analysis of physical evidence, ensuring that proper chain of custody was maintained and that forensic testing was conducted properly. We also explore innocent explanations for physical evidence, such as lawful access to locations where fingerprints were found.
As mentioned earlier, statements made to law enforcement can be devastating to your defense. We examine the circumstances under which any statements were obtained, looking for constitutional violations, coercion, false promises, or other factors that may render statements inadmissible or unreliable.
A successful defense requires thorough investigation and meticulous preparation. Our approach includes:
We don’t simply accept the prosecution’s version of events. We conduct our own investigation, which may include:
We carefully review all discovery materials provided by the prosecution, including police reports, witness statements, forensic reports, and physical evidence. We look for inconsistencies, procedural errors, and weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
We stay current on developments in criminal law, including new case law, statutory changes, and evolving defense strategies. We research specific legal issues relevant to your case and prepare persuasive legal arguments supported by precedent.
When appropriate, we retain expert witnesses to support your defense. This might include eyewitness identification experts, forensic specialists, mental health professionals, or others whose testimony can help educate the jury and challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
When a young person is accused of robbery or theft in Downey, the case is typically handled in the juvenile justice system rather than adult criminal court. The juvenile system focuses more on rehabilitation than punishment, but the consequences can still be serious.
Juvenile adjudications can result in detention in juvenile facilities, probation supervision, counseling requirements, community service, and restrictions on activities and associations. While juvenile records are generally confidential and may be sealed, they can still affect educational opportunities, military service eligibility, and certain types of employment.
We have extensive experience representing juveniles in Los Angeles County Juvenile Court. We work to keep young people out of detention when possible, seeking home supervision, diversion programs, and community-based alternatives that address underlying issues while keeping families together.
Even after successfully resolving a robbery or theft case, you may have a criminal record that continues to affect your life. California law provides mechanisms for clearing certain criminal records, which can help you move forward.
If you were convicted of a misdemeanor or felony and successfully completed probation (or if you were convicted of a misdemeanor and completed your jail sentence), you may be eligible to petition for expungement under California Penal Code Section 1203.4.
An expungement allows you to withdraw your guilty or no contest plea, enter a not guilty plea, and have the case dismissed. While an expungement doesn’t completely erase your record, it does provide significant benefits:
For more serious offenses, you may need to seek a Certificate of Rehabilitation, which is a court order declaring you have been rehabilitated. This can help with employment, housing, and professional licensing. It also serves as an application for a gubernatorial pardon.
If you have a conviction related to conduct that is no longer illegal under California law—such as certain cannabis-related offenses—you may be eligible for record relief under Proposition 64 and related statutes.
When selecting a criminal defense attorney, you need someone with the knowledge, skills, experience, and dedication to fight for your rights. Here’s what sets Tu Defensor Criminalista apart:
We have extensive experience handling robbery and theft cases throughout Los Angeles County, including the Norwalk Superior Court that serves Downey. We understand local court procedures, know the prosecutors and judges, and have a proven track record of success.
We treat every client as an individual with unique circumstances, concerns, and goals. You’ll have direct access to your attorney, receive regular updates on your case, and have your questions answered promptly.
We understand that many Downey residents are more comfortable communicating in Spanish. Our firm provides bilingual legal services, ensuring that language is never a barrier to effective representation.
We’re committed to providing the highest quality legal representation to every client. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, ensuring we’re ready to fight for you at every stage of the proceedings.
We understand that being accused of a crime is one of the most stressful experiences you can face. We treat our clients with compassion, dignity, and respect, while providing honest, straightforward advice about their cases.
If you or a loved one is facing robbery or theft charges in Downey, California, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. The sooner you contact an experienced criminal defense attorney, the better your chances of achieving a favorable outcome.
At Tu Defensor Criminalista, we’re ready to fight for your rights, protect your freedom, and defend your future. We offer confidential consultations where we can discuss your case, answer your questions, and explain your legal options.
Don’t let a robbery or theft charge define your future. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward resolving your case.
Exercise your right to remain silent and request an attorney immediately. Do not answer questions or make statements to police without a lawyer present. Contact Tu Defensor Criminalista as soon as possible so we can begin protecting your rights and building your defense.
Robbery involves taking property from someone’s person or presence through force or fear. Burglary involves entering a building or structure with intent to commit theft or a felony. Robbery requires confrontation with a victim; burglary does not.
Yes, shoplifting charges can sometimes be reduced or dismissed, especially for first-time offenders. Options may include diversion programs, civil compromise, or negotiated reductions to infractions. The specific options depend on the facts of your case and your criminal history.
Not necessarily. First-time petty theft offenders often receive probation rather than jail time. Penalties depend on the circumstances of your case, your criminal history, and how your case is resolved. An experienced attorney can help minimize the likelihood of incarceration.
A theft conviction remains on your criminal record indefinitely unless you take action to have it expunged or sealed. However, you may be eligible for expungement after completing probation or your sentence, which can significantly reduce the impact of the conviction.
Yes. Surveillance video doesn’t always tell the whole story and may not clearly identify you as the perpetrator. Additionally, video evidence can sometimes be challenged based on how it was obtained, edited, or presented. An attorney can review the footage and develop appropriate defense strategies.
Grand theft auto is the unlawful taking of a motor vehicle belonging to another person. It’s always a felony under California law, regardless of the vehicle’s value, and carries potential penalties of 16 months, two years, or three years in county jail or state prison.
Yes, certain theft convictions can be considered crimes involving moral turpitude under immigration law, which can lead to deportation or inadmissibility for non-citizens. If you’re not a U.S. citizen, it’s critical to work with an attorney who understands the immigration consequences of criminal convictions.
For misdemeanor theft, the statute of limitations is generally one year from the date of the offense. For felony theft, it’s generally three years. However, there are exceptions and circumstances that can extend these time periods.
Legal fees vary depending on the complexity of your case, the charges involved, and the amount of work required. We offer competitive rates and transparent fee structures. Contact us for a consultation where we can discuss the specific costs for your case.
California’s Three Strikes Law requires longer sentences for defendants with prior serious or violent felony convictions. First-degree burglary and robbery count as strikes. A second strike doubles the sentence for the current offense; a third strike carries 25 years to life.
If you successfully completed probation for a theft conviction, you may be eligible for expungement under California Penal Code Section 1203.4. Expungement allows you to withdraw your plea and have the case dismissed, providing significant benefits for employment and other purposes.
Remember:
Attorney Armando Josué Cespedes is rated 5.0 on Avvo, with 34 five-star reviews from clients praising his dedication, professionalism, and results. Many note how his trial skills and attention to detail led to reduced charges or outright dismissals.
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