Shoplifting Defense Attorney in Pasadena

Expert Defense Against Shoplifting, Retail Theft & Commercial Burglary Charges in Pasadena, Altadena, South Pasadena, San Marino & All Los Angeles County

Being accused of shoplifting in Pasadena can feel overwhelming and frightening. Whether you made a simple mistake, were falsely accused, or find yourself facing criminal charges for the first time, the consequences of a shoplifting conviction can follow you for years. At Tu Defensor Criminalista, we understand that people make mistakes, and we’re here to protect your rights, your reputation, and your future.

Shoplifting charges in Pasadena are prosecuted aggressively by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, even for first-time offenders and even when the merchandise value is relatively small. Retailers throughout Pasadena—from the boutique shops in Old Pasadena to major chains at Paseo Colorado—invest heavily in loss prevention and work closely with law enforcement to prosecute shoplifting cases to the fullest extent of the law.

Our experienced criminal defense team knows how to navigate the Pasadena court system, negotiate with local prosecutors, and build strong defenses that protect our clients. We’ve helped countless individuals facing shoplifting charges achieve favorable outcomes, including case dismissals, reduced charges, diversion programs, and acquittals at trial.

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Understanding Shoplifting Laws in California

Shoplifting in California is addressed primarily under Penal Code Section 459.5^[1], which was enacted as part of Proposition 47 in 2014. This law defines shoplifting as entering a commercial establishment with the intent to commit larceny while that establishment is open during regular business hours, where the value of the property taken or intended to be taken does not exceed $950.

Before Proposition 47, many shoplifting offenses were charged as burglary, a felony offense. The passage of this landmark legislation reclassified most shoplifting cases as misdemeanors, reducing the potential penalties but not eliminating the serious consequences that come with a criminal conviction.

Elements of Shoplifting That Prosecutors Must Prove

To convict you of shoplifting in Pasadena, the prosecution must prove several elements beyond a reasonable doubt:

• Entry into a commercial establishment: You entered a store or other business that was open to the public. In Pasadena, this includes the hundreds of retail locations throughout the city, from small boutiques to large department stores.
• Intent to commit theft: You entered the establishment with the specific intent to steal merchandise. This is often the most contested element, as intent must be proven through circumstantial evidence like your behavior in the store, concealment of merchandise, or attempts to avoid detection.
• Value of merchandise: The total value of the property taken or intended to be taken must be $950 or less. If the value exceeds $950, you could be charged with the more serious offense of grand theft.
• During business hours: The alleged shoplifting must have occurred while the establishment was open during regular business hours.

Understanding these elements is crucial because each one represents a potential point of defense. If the prosecution cannot prove even one element beyond a reasonable doubt, you should not be convicted.

Related Theft Offenses in Pasadena

While shoplifting is the most common retail theft charge, you might also face related offenses depending on the circumstances:

• Petty theft (Penal Code Section 484/488): The unlawful taking of property valued at $950 or less. This is the general theft statute that applies when shoplifting charges don’t fit.
• Grand theft (Penal Code Section 487): Taking property valued at more than $950. This can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony depending on circumstances and criminal history.
• Burglary (Penal Code Section 459): Entering a building with intent to commit theft or any felony. Before Proposition 47, many shoplifting cases were charged as commercial burglary, a felony. Now, burglary charges in retail settings are generally reserved for cases involving property over $950 or thefts occurring when the store is closed.
• Robbery (Penal Code Section 211): Taking property from another person using force or fear. If you allegedly used force, threatened employees, or struggled with security personnel while shoplifting, you could face robbery charges, which are far more serious.
• Receiving stolen property (Penal Code Section 496): Knowingly buying, receiving, or concealing stolen merchandise.

Penalties for Shoplifting Convictions in Pasadena

Although shoplifting is classified as a misdemeanor in most cases, the penalties can significantly impact your life. Understanding what you’re facing helps you make informed decisions about your defense.

Criminal Penalties

If convicted of shoplifting in Pasadena, you face:

• County jail: Up to six months in Los Angeles County jail. While judges rarely impose the maximum sentence for first-time offenders with no aggravating factors, any jail time disrupts your employment, education, family responsibilities, and personal life.
• Fines: Up to $1,000 in base fines, plus mandatory penalty assessments and court fees that can triple or quadruple the total amount you owe. These additional costs include state and county assessments, court security fees, criminal conviction assessments, and other charges that quickly add up.
• Probation: Summary (informal) probation typically lasting one to three years. Probation conditions usually include staying out of legal trouble, completing community service hours, paying all fines and restitution, staying away from the store where the alleged theft occurred, attending theft prevention or shoplifting education classes, and submitting to searches by law enforcement.
• Restitution: You must pay the victim—typically the retail store—for their losses. This includes the retail value of any stolen merchandise not recovered, damage to store property or merchandise, and sometimes the store’s security costs and administrative expenses related to the incident.
• Community service: Courts often require 30 to 100 hours of community service as part of sentencing, particularly for first-time offenders.

Long-Term Consequences Beyond Criminal Penalties

The collateral consequences of a shoplifting conviction often prove more damaging than the direct criminal penalties:

• Employment difficulties: A theft conviction on your record signals dishonesty to potential employers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics^[2], individuals with criminal records face significant employment barriers, with research indicating that having a criminal record reduces callback rates from employers by approximately 50 percent. In Pasadena’s competitive job market, a shoplifting conviction can be the difference between getting hired and being passed over.
• Professional licensing issues: California licensing boards for nurses, real estate agents, contractors, security guards, accountants, teachers, and dozens of other professions consider criminal convictions when evaluating applications. A shoplifting conviction can result in license denial, suspension, revocation, or mandatory reporting requirements that affect your career.
• Immigration consequences: For non-citizens, shoplifting convictions can trigger deportation proceedings, denial of naturalization applications, inadmissibility determinations, and denial of visa renewals or adjustments of status. Crimes involving moral turpitude, which can include theft offenses, carry particularly severe immigration consequences under federal law.
• Housing challenges: Many landlords conduct criminal background checks and deny applications from individuals with theft convictions. In Pasadena’s competitive rental market, where demand often exceeds supply, a criminal record can make finding suitable housing extremely difficult.
• Educational impacts: Colleges and universities may ask about criminal convictions on applications. A shoplifting conviction could affect admission decisions, eligibility for certain scholarships, student housing assignments, and participation in study abroad programs.
• Professional reputation: In a city like Pasadena, where professional networks are interconnected and reputation matters across industries, a shoplifting conviction can damage relationships, limit advancement opportunities, and create lasting stigma.
• Civil liability: Beyond criminal penalties, you may face civil lawsuits from retailers seeking damages, often including civil penalties allowed under California law that can be several times the value of the merchandise.

The Pasadena Shoplifting Landscape

Pasadena presents unique considerations for shoplifting defense. As an affluent Southern California city with a population of approximately 138,000 according to the U.S. Census Bureau^[3], Pasadena features diverse retail districts that attract both residents and visitors from across the region.

Major Retail Districts in Pasadena

• Old Pasadena: This historic district along Colorado Boulevard between Pasadena Avenue and Arroyo Parkway features over 200 businesses, including national retailers, local boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The high foot traffic, dense concentration of shops, and tourist activity make this area a hotspot for shoplifting accusations. Stores here employ sophisticated security systems, undercover security personnel, and maintain close relationships with the Pasadena Police Department.
• Paseo Colorado: This outdoor shopping and entertainment complex spans three city blocks and includes major retailers, specialty shops, restaurants, and a movie theater. The open layout with multiple entrances and exits, combined with the mixed-use nature of the complex, sometimes leads to confusion about whether someone is shoplifting or simply moving between stores and dining areas.
• South Lake Avenue: Known for upscale shopping, South Lake Avenue features high-end retailers and boutiques catering to affluent customers. Stores in this district are particularly aggressive about prosecuting shoplifting cases and often have extensive security measures including high-definition surveillance, electronic article surveillance tags, and trained loss prevention teams.
• Colorado Boulevard commercial corridor: This major east-west thoroughfare through Pasadena is lined with countless businesses, from small independent shops to large chain stores. The variety of retailers means security practices vary widely, which can lead to inconsistent approaches to alleged shoplifting.

How Pasadena Retailers Approach Loss Prevention

Retailers throughout Pasadena invest significantly in loss prevention. According to the National Retail Federation^[4], retail shrink—which includes shoplifting, employee theft, and administrative errors—costs retailers billions annually, motivating aggressive prevention and prosecution efforts.

Common security measures you’ll encounter at Pasadena stores include:

• Video surveillance: High-definition cameras covering sales floors, fitting rooms, entrances, exits, and parking lots. Modern systems can track individuals throughout stores and provide clear facial recognition.
• Electronic article surveillance (EAS): Tags and labels that trigger alarms at store exits if not properly deactivated or removed at checkout.
• Loss prevention officers: Both uniformed security and plainclothes loss prevention personnel who observe shoppers, monitor surveillance feeds, and make apprehensions.
• Point-of-sale tracking: Computer systems that track inventory and flag unusual patterns or discrepancies.
• Employee training: Store employees are trained to watch for suspicious behavior and report concerns to management or security.
• Collaboration with law enforcement: Many retailers have dedicated relationships with the Pasadena Police Department and prosecute all shoplifting cases regardless of merchandise value.

Common Shoplifting Scenarios and Defenses

At Tu Defensor Criminalista, we’ve defended clients accused of shoplifting in virtually every scenario imaginable. Understanding common situations helps illustrate how these cases develop and how we build effective defenses.

Forgetting to Pay for Items

One of the most common shoplifting scenarios involves genuinely forgetting to pay for merchandise. This happens more often than you might think:

• Parents distracted by children who absentmindedly walk out with unpaid items
• Shoppers who place items in reusable bags or purses for convenience and forget they’re there
• Customers who put items in their cart or basket, get distracted, and leave without completing the purchase
• Individuals who try on jewelry or accessories and forget they’re wearing them

Defense strategy: These cases involve lack of intent, which is an essential element prosecutors must prove. We gather evidence of your distracted state, your payment history at the store, witness accounts of your behavior, and any circumstances explaining the innocent mistake. Character evidence showing you’re an honest, law-abiding person strengthens this defense.

Merchandise Switching or Price Tag Swapping

Some shoplifting accusations involve switching merchandise, swapping price tags, or attempting to pay less than the retail price through deception.

Defense strategy: These cases require proof of intent to defraud. We examine whether you actually switched tags or if this is an assumption, whether you might have picked up an item someone else tampered with, if there’s video evidence clearly showing the alleged conduct, and whether store employees properly documented the evidence.

Self-Checkout Errors

With the proliferation of self-checkout lanes at Pasadena retailers, honest mistakes are increasingly common. Customers might scan an item incorrectly, miss an item in their cart, enter the wrong produce code, or experience technical glitches with the scanning system.

Defense strategy: Self-checkout cases often involve genuine mistakes rather than criminal intent. We review the transaction records, examine the self-checkout system for known glitches, document your payment for other items showing intent to pay, and challenge assumptions by store security about your intent.

Concealment Without Theft

Sometimes security personnel stop customers who concealed merchandise but hadn’t yet left the store or made clear their intent to steal. Perhaps you put items in your purse or bag while continuing to shop, concealed merchandise while comparing products, or placed items in your clothing while your hands were full.

Defense strategy: Concealment alone doesn’t prove theft. We argue that you hadn’t yet formed the intent to permanently deprive the store of merchandise, demonstrate that you were still shopping, show you had the means to pay, and challenge the premature stop by security.

False Accusations and Mistaken Identity

Unfortunately, innocent people are sometimes accused of shoplifting due to mistaken identity, overzealous security personnel, profiling based on appearance or demographics, or misinterpretation of innocent behavior.

Defense strategy: We thoroughly investigate the identification procedures used, quality of surveillance footage, reliability of witness identifications, distance and viewing conditions for witnesses, and any evidence supporting your innocence such as receipts, alibi witnesses, or surveillance footage from other stores.

Peer Pressure and Group Shoplifting

Young people sometimes face shoplifting charges because they were with friends who shoplifted, even if they didn’t personally take anything. Prosecutors may try to charge all members of a group under accomplice liability theories.

Defense strategy: We establish that you didn’t personally take merchandise, weren’t aware your companions were shoplifting, didn’t aid or encourage the theft, and weren’t part of any agreement or plan to steal.

Building Your Defense: Our Comprehensive Approach

At Tu Defensor Criminalista, we leave no stone unturned in defending you against shoplifting charges. Our comprehensive approach includes:

Immediate Case Investigation

Time is critical in shoplifting cases. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and surveillance footage is often deleted within 30-90 days. When you hire us, we immediately begin:

• Obtaining surveillance footage: We send preservation letters to retailers demanding they preserve all video evidence, then review footage to identify defenses, inconsistencies, or evidence supporting your innocence.
• Interviewing witnesses: We identify and interview potential witnesses, including other shoppers who may have observed the incident, store employees who can provide context, and anyone who can speak to your character and credibility.
• Documenting the scene: We visit the store to photograph layouts, assess sight lines for security personnel, identify surveillance camera positions, and understand traffic flow and potential explanations for the alleged conduct.
• Reviewing store policies: We examine the retailer’s loss prevention policies, training materials for security personnel, and procedures to identify violations that may support suppression of evidence or dismissal of charges.

Challenging the Evidence

The prosecution’s case often relies on evidence that can be challenged:

• Surveillance video: We scrutinize video quality, camera angles and blind spots, time stamps and continuity, and whether the footage actually shows what prosecutors claim.
• Witness testimony: We examine witness credibility, consistency of statements, bias or motivations to lie, and compliance with proper identification procedures.
• Physical evidence: We challenge chain of custody for merchandise, accuracy of value assessments, and proper documentation of evidence.
• Police reports: We identify inconsistencies, missing information, violations of proper procedures, and factual errors that undermine the prosecution’s case.

Exploring All Possible Defenses

Every case is unique, and we explore every applicable defense:

• Lack of intent: You didn’t intend to permanently deprive the store of merchandise.
• Mistake of fact: You genuinely believed you had paid for the item or had permission to take it.
• Claim of right: You honestly believed the merchandise was yours or you had a right to it.
• Insufficient evidence: The prosecution cannot prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt.
• Violation of rights: Law enforcement violated your constitutional rights through illegal stops, searches, or interrogations.
• False accusations: You were wrongly identified or falsely accused.
• Entrapment: Security personnel or undercover officers induced you to commit a crime you otherwise wouldn’t have committed.

Negotiating Favorable Resolutions

Many shoplifting cases in Pasadena resolve through negotiation rather than trial. Our experience with local prosecutors allows us to:

• Identify diversion opportunities: First-time offenders may qualify for pretrial diversion programs where charges are dismissed upon successful completion of requirements like classes or community service.
• Negotiate reduced charges: Sometimes we can negotiate reduction from shoplifting to an infraction or dismissal of charges entirely.
• Structure favorable plea agreements: When conviction is likely, we negotiate for minimal sentences, alternative sentencing like community service instead of jail, probation terms that minimize impact on your life, and resolutions that protect immigration status or professional licenses.
• Present mitigating factors: We compile evidence of your good character, lack of criminal history, circumstances explaining the conduct, acceptance of responsibility and remorse, and steps you’ve taken toward rehabilitation.

Trial Preparation and Advocacy

If a fair resolution cannot be reached through negotiation, we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial. Our trial preparation includes:

• Developing trial strategy: We craft compelling narratives explaining the evidence, identify the strongest defenses, anticipate prosecution arguments, and prepare responses.
• Preparing witnesses: We prepare you and defense witnesses to testify effectively, clearly, and credibly.
• Challenging prosecution witnesses: We develop cross-examination strategies exposing weaknesses, inconsistencies, or bias in prosecution testimony.
• Presenting evidence: We gather and present evidence supporting your defense through documents, photographs, video, physical evidence, and expert testimony when appropriate.
• Jury selection: We carefully select jurors likely to be fair and sympathetic to your case.
• Delivering persuasive arguments: We present opening statements and closing arguments that resonate with jurors and create reasonable doubt.

The Criminal Justice Process for Shoplifting Cases in Pasadena

Understanding what to expect in the criminal justice process reduces anxiety and helps you make informed decisions. Here’s how shoplifting cases typically proceed in Pasadena:

Detention and Arrest

Shoplifting cases usually begin with detention by store security. In Pasadena, loss prevention officers are trained to observe suspected shoplifters, confirm that merchandise was concealed or taken, and ensure the suspect maintained control of the merchandise and passed the last point of sale before making an apprehension.

Once detained, security will typically escort you to a security office, call the Pasadena Police Department, and detain you until officers arrive. When police arrive, they investigate the allegations, review evidence, interview you and witnesses, and decide whether to arrest you.

Critical advice: If detained by store security or arrested by police, exercise your right to remain silent. Politely decline to answer questions and request an attorney. Anything you say can be used against you, and statements made in the stress of detention are often misunderstood or misrepresented.

Citation or Booking

For shoplifting cases, Pasadena police often issue a citation rather than arresting and booking you. A citation includes your personal information, the charges against you, and a date to appear in court. You sign the citation promising to appear and are released.

In some cases—particularly if you have outstanding warrants, no identification, or the officer has concerns you won’t appear—you may be arrested and booked at the Pasadena Police Department. This involves photographing, fingerprinting, and processing before release on your own recognizance or posting bail.

Arraignment at Pasadena Courthouse

Your first court appearance is the arraignment, held at the Pasadena Courthouse. The courthouse is located in the Criminal Courts Building and serves Pasadena and surrounding communities.

At arraignment, the judge informs you of the charges, advises you of your constitutional rights, asks you to enter a plea, and sets bail conditions or releases you on your own recognizance.

Most defendants plead “not guilty” at arraignment, preserving all options for the future. Even if you intend to accept responsibility eventually, pleading not guilty initially allows time to investigate the case, explore defenses, and negotiate with prosecutors.

Why having an attorney at arraignment matters: Although arraignment seems straightforward, having counsel provides significant advantages. Your attorney can begin negotiating with prosecutors, identify early diversion opportunities, ensure proper bail conditions, spot potential defenses, and start building your defense immediately.

Pretrial Proceedings

After arraignment, your case enters pretrial proceedings that typically last several weeks to several months. During this phase:

• Discovery: Your attorney receives all evidence the prosecution has, including police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and physical evidence.
• Investigation: We conduct our own investigation, interviewing witnesses, gathering evidence, and identifying defenses.
• Pretrial motions: We file motions to suppress evidence obtained through illegal searches or interrogations, dismiss charges if legal grounds exist, or obtain additional discovery.
• Plea negotiations: We negotiate with prosecutors for favorable resolutions, including diversion programs, reduced charges, or dismissed cases.

Diversion Programs

According to the Los Angeles Cou^[5]n^[5]ty District Attorney’s Office^[5], various diversion programs exist for eligible defendants. These programs allow you to complete requirements—such as theft prevention classes, community service, or counseling—in exchange for dismissal of charges.

Successful completion of diversion means the charges are dismissed and you avoid a conviction on your record. This is often the best possible outcome in shoplifting cases.

Plea Agreements or Trial

If diversion isn’t available or appropriate, your case will resolve through either a plea agreement or trial. Most cases resolve through plea agreements where you plead guilty or no contest in exchange for specific sentencing terms.

If a fair plea agreement cannot be reached, we proceed to trial where the prosecution must prove every element of shoplifting beyond a reasonable doubt. We present your defense, cross-examine witnesses, and advocate for your acquittal.

Sentencing

If you’re convicted through plea or trial, the judge imposes sentence. We advocate for the most lenient sentence possible by presenting mitigating factors, character references, evidence of rehabilitation, employment or educational commitments, family responsibilities, and community ties.

Post-Conviction Relief

Even after conviction, options may exist for relief:

• Expungement: After successfully completing probation, you may petition for expungement under California Penal Code Section 1203.4^[1], which dismisses the conviction and releases you from many penalties.
• Early termination of probation: We can petition to terminate probation early if you’ve complied with all terms, allowing you to petition for expungement sooner.
• Certificate of rehabilitation: For more serious cases, we can help you obtain a certificate of rehabilitation that demonstrates your rehabilitation and good character.

Special Considerations for Different Populations

Shoplifting charges affect different populations in unique ways:

College Students and Young Adults

Pasadena’s proximity to educational institutions including Pasadena City College and nearby universities means many students face shoplifting charges. For students, a conviction can result in:

• Disciplinary action by your school, including suspension or expulsion
• Loss of scholarships or financial aid
• Ineligibility for certain academic programs or internships
• Damage to graduate school or professional school applications
• Difficulty finding employment after graduation

We work to resolve student cases through diversion or other alternatives that avoid convictions and protect educational opportunities.

Professionals and Licensed Individuals

Pasadena’s economy includes significant professional sectors. If you hold or are seeking a professional license, a shoplifting conviction can:

• Trigger mandatory reporting to licensing boards
• Result in license suspension, revocation, or denial
• Require disclosure on license renewal applications
• Damage professional reputation and client relationships
• Limit advancement opportunities

We coordinate with licensing attorneys when necessary and pursue resolutions that minimize impact on professional licenses.

Immigrants and Non-Citizens

For non-citizens living in Pasadena, shoplifting convictions carry potentially devastating immigration consequences. Theft offenses can constitute crimes involving moral turpitude under immigration law, potentially leading to:

• Deportation or removal proceedings
• Denial of naturalization applications
• Inadmissibility for visa renewals or adjustments of status
• Separation from family members
• Ineligibility for certain immigration benefits

We work with immigration attorneys to ensure that any resolution protects your immigration status to the maximum extent possible. Sometimes this means going to trial even when a plea agreement seems attractive, if the conviction would trigger immigration consequences.

First-Time Offenders

If you have no prior criminal record, you may qualify for more lenient treatment. First-time offenders often benefit from:

• Diversion programs resulting in case dismissal
• Alternative sentencing avoiding jail time
• Reduced charges
• Probation instead of incarceration
• Greater negotiating leverage with prosecutors

We emphasize your lack of criminal history and positive community contributions when negotiating with prosecutors.

Individuals With Prior Records

If you have prior convictions, you face enhanced penalties and less prosecutorial leniency. However, experienced counsel can still achieve favorable outcomes by:

• Identifying defenses to the current charges
• Demonstrating rehabilitation since prior offenses
• Presenting mitigating circumstances
• Challenging the prosecution’s evidence
• Negotiating for sentences less than the maximum

Understanding Retail Theft Statistics

Context matters when evaluating shoplifting charges. According to data from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program^[6], larceny-theft is consistently among the most commonly reported property crimes nationwide.

The National Association for Shoplifting Prevention^[7] reports that shoplifting affects retailers of all sizes, from small businesses to major chains. Understanding these statistics helps contextualize your case—you’re not alone in facing these charges, and many people successfully resolve shoplifting cases and move forward with their lives.

In California, the California Department of Justice^[8] publishes annual crime statistics showing theft offenses remain among the most frequently reported crimes. However, arrests and charges don’t equal guilt, and every accused person deserves vigorous legal defense.

Why Choose Tu Defensor Criminalista for Your Pasadena Shoplifting Case

When you’re facing shoplifting charges in Pasadena, choosing the right attorney can make the difference between conviction and dismissal, jail time and probation, a criminal record and a clean slate. Here’s what sets Tu Defensor Criminalista apart:

Experience With Pasadena Cases

We have extensive experience defending shoplifting cases at the Pasadena Courthouse. We know the local judges, understand how Pasadena prosecutors evaluate cases, are familiar with local court procedures and expectations, and have relationships with court personnel that facilitate case resolution.

This local knowledge provides significant advantages in negotiating favorable outcomes and presenting effective defenses.

Comprehensive Investigation

We don’t just review the prosecution’s evidence—we conduct our own thorough investigation. We obtain and analyze surveillance footage, interview witnesses, visit the scene, consult with experts when needed, and identify every possible defense.

Personalized Defense Strategy

Every case is unique, and we craft defense strategies tailored to your specific circumstances. We consider the facts of your case, your background and criminal history, your personal goals and priorities, potential consequences to your employment, immigration status, or professional licenses, and the strongest available defenses.

Results-Oriented Advocacy

Our goal is always the best possible outcome for your case. We’ve achieved:

• Complete dismissals of charges
• Diversion resulting in case dismissal
• Reduced charges to infractions or lesser offenses
• Alternative sentencing avoiding jail time
• Acquittals at trial
• Expungements clearing criminal records

Clear Communication

Facing criminal charges is stressful, and you deserve to understand what’s happening. We provide regular updates on your case, explain legal concepts in plain language, respond promptly to your questions and concerns, and ensure you understand all options before making decisions.

Compassionate Representation

We understand that good people sometimes make mistakes or find themselves wrongly accused. We treat every client with respect and dignity, fighting tirelessly for your rights while providing the support and guidance you need during this difficult time.

Protecting Your Rights From the Beginning

Your constitutional rights are precious, and protecting them starts the moment you’re accused or arrested:

Right to Remain Silent

You have the absolute right to refuse to answer questions from store security, law enforcement, or anyone else. Anything you say can be used against you. We strongly advise exercising this right and politely declining to make statements until you’ve consulted with an attorney.

Common mistakes people make include:

• Trying to explain or talk their way out of the situation
• Admitting to things they didn’t do to appease security or police
• Providing inconsistent stories that prosecutors later use against them
• Not understanding that “off the record” conversations with police don’t exist

Right to an Attorney

You have the right to have an attorney present during any questioning. Once you invoke this right, law enforcement must stop questioning you until your attorney is present.

Right Against Unreasonable Searches

The Fourth Amendment protects you against unreasonable searches and seizures. Store security and police must have legal justification to stop, detain, and search you. If your rights were violated, we file motions to suppress evidence obtained through illegal searches.

Right to Due Process

You’re entitled to fair legal proceedings, including the right to confront and cross-examine witnesses, present evidence in your defense, have your case heard by an impartial judge, and receive a jury trial if you choose.

Presumption of Innocence

You are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The prosecution bears the entire burden of proof. You have no obligation to prove your innocence.

Taking Action: What to Do If You’re Accused of Shoplifting

If you’ve been accused of shoplifting in Pasadena, taking the right steps immediately can significantly impact your case outcome:

Do Not Resist or Argue

If store security attempts to detain you, comply peacefully. Do not resist, argue, or become confrontational. This only makes the situation worse and can result in additional charges.

Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent

Politely decline to answer questions. You can say, “I’m invoking my right to remain silent and would like to speak with an attorney.” Then stop talking.

Do Not Sign Anything

Store security may ask you to sign documents admitting guilt or agreeing to pay civil penalties. Do not sign anything without consulting an attorney first.

Contact Tu Defensor Criminalista Immediately

The sooner you contact us, the better we can protect your rights and build your defense. Time is critical for preserving evidence and identifying defense strategies.

Preserve Evidence

If you have receipts, witness contact information, or any other evidence supporting your innocence, preserve it and provide it to your attorney.

Do Not Discuss the Case

Don’t discuss your case with friends, family, or anyone else except your attorney. Don’t post about it on social media. These communications aren’t privileged and can be used against you.

Follow All Release Conditions

If you’re released on citation or bail, comply strictly with all conditions. Violations can result in arrest and make your case harder to resolve favorably.

The Importance of Acting Quickly

Time is critical in shoplifting cases. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and opportunities for favorable resolutions can slip away if you delay. Here’s why you should contact Tu Defensor Criminalista immediately:

• Preserve evidence: Surveillance footage is typically deleted within 30-90 days. The sooner we act, the better we can preserve critical evidence.
• Negotiate early resolutions: Sometimes we can prevent charges from being filed or negotiate favorable deals early in the process.
• Protect your rights: Having an attorney prevents you from making statements or decisions that could harm your case.
• Reduce stress: Facing criminal charges is overwhelming. Having experienced counsel provides peace of mind and guidance through the process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shoplifting in Pasadena

Contact Tu Defensor Criminalista for Pasadena Shoplifting Defense

If you’ve been served with a Temporary Restraining Order in Pasadena, time is running out. Don’t face this crisis alone. Contact Tu Defensor Criminalista immediately for a free, confidential consultation about your case.

Remember:

• Free consultation – call now
• Request DMV hearing within 10 days of arrest
• Don’t talk to police without attorney
• Don’t plead guilty without exploring defenses

Areas We Serve

We proudly serve clients throughout Pasadena and surrounding Los Angeles County communities including:

• Pasadena (all neighborhoods including Old Pasadena, Bungalow Heaven, Madison Heights, Chapman Woods, Linda Vista, Oak Knoll, San Rafael)
• Altadena
• Sierra Madre
• San Marino
• South Pasadena
• Arcadia
• Monrovia
• Temple City
• East Pasadena
• San Gabriel
• La Cañada Flintridge
• Eagle Rock
• Glendale

We handle cases at Pasadena Superior Courthouse and throughout Los Angeles County’s court system.