Theft is a very common crime. According to the California Law Enforcement Agency Uniform Crime Reports, in 2006 statewide, there were more than 240,000 vehicle thefts, nearly 667,000 instances of larceny, 246,000+ burglaries, and almost 71,000 robberies. However, the frequency of theft does not make it any less severe a crime, and county prosecutors are aggressive in their handling of theft cases. If you've been charged with theft in San Diego County, you'll need an experienced criminal defense lawyer to protect your legal rights and work on your behalf.
Many Types of Theft
Theft crimes outlawed by the State of California include:
- petty theft (also known as larceny)
- petty theft with a prior
- grand theft
- shoplifting
- robbery
- burglary
- forgery
- extortion
- false pretenses
- fraudulent conversion
- embezzlement
- identity theft
- insurance fraud
Penalties for Theft
The penalties for a conviction for theft vary widely, depending on a number of factors that include (but are not limited to):
- the nature of the theft (e.g., a dangerous armed robbery vs. a less-dangerous embezzlement scheme)
- the value of the property taken (e.g., a pack of cigarettes vs. an identity theft garnering hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of goods)
- whether it was the defendant's first conviction
- accompanying crimes (e.g., the involvement of weapons and/or violence, destruction of property, use of children in a scheme, interstate thefts)
A person who is convicted of a theft crime may be ordered to provide restitution; that is, to return the stolen property or its value to the person or entity from whom it was stolen. He or she may also face a stiff fine, probation, community service, and/or jail or prison time. Having a theft conviction on one's record can also make it difficult to secure employment and housing.
Contact an Experienced Defense Criminal Lawyer
Contact the Law Offices of Anna R. Yum to schedule a no-cost consultation about your theft charge today. She can help you minimize the negative consequences of your criminal case.