San Diego Petty Theft Lawyer
Everyone makes mistakes, and petty theft is a relatively minor offense. However, a conviction for petty theft may still involve serious criminal penalties. Anyone facing such charges in San Diego needs a petty theft attorney.
If you or a loved one face petty theft charges in southern California, contact George H. Ramos, Jr. today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced San Diego petty theft lawyer.
Why Hire Our Firm?
- George H. Ramos, Jr. is a former prosecutor. After 8 years in the San Diego City Attorney’s Office, he opened his own defense firm in 2002. Attorney Ramos more than 20 years of experience with criminal cases.
- The Law Office of George H. Ramos, Jr. has built a strong network of contacts in the California court system and understands how San Diego County prosecutors approach petty theft cases.
- Our firm believes in an aggressive defense of our clients’ legal rights and works toward having charges dropped or reduced whenever possible.
- We offer potential clients free initial case evaluations at our law office in San Diego County. During these meetings, they can better understand the finer points of their charges without needing to make any financial commitment.
Is an Attorney Necessary for a Petty Theft Charge?
California lawmakers have enacted many recent changes to the California Penal Code, and some of those changes pertain to theft charges. Depending on the value of the stolen property involved in a theft case, the offender faces several possible consequences.
If the value of the stolen property in a theft case is low enough, a petty theft attorney may be able to argue on the offender’s behalf and have the charge reduced to an infraction with a small fine instead of potentially heftier fines and even jail time.
If you or a loved one has prior convictions, an attorney experienced in petty theft cases can help determine your best legal defense.
What are the Petty Theft Laws and Penalties in California?
Petty theft is the designation for theft of property valued under $950 and in most cases is a misdemeanor charge.
California Penal Code Section 484a
California Penal Code Section 484a includes the state’s definition of theft as a criminal offense and outlines the conditions for a positive theft conviction. Theft is the act of intentionally depriving another party of legally owned personal property.
Some examples of theft:
- Stealing another person’s car (if the value is under $950)
- Stealing something from the store
- Taking money out of a cash register or deposit box at work
- Unlawful taking of another person’s wallet or personal items
- Borrowing your neighbor’s lawnmower and refusing to return it
Ultimately, the value of the stolen property in question and the way the offender stole it are the most important factors in any theft crime case.
California Penal Code Section 490
Section 490 of the California Penal Code lists the possible punishments for petty theft as fines up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, or both.
California Penal Code Section 459.5
When petty theft occurs in a retail store or business, the designation may shift to shoplifting charges, covered in California Penal Code Section 459.5.
A San Diego petty theft attorney may be able to argue such a charge down to an infraction under certain circumstances. This is only an option if the offender stole $50 or less worth of property and it was his or her first offense for any type of theft crime.
What are Legal Defenses Against Theft Charges?
Theft is the act of knowingly taking another party’s property. If you engaged in any theft, proving your innocence is often not an option. You must instead rely on your San Diego defense attorney to help you plead to minimal charges or secure lenient sentences, like community service.
However, there are rare occasions in which a theft defense may be available. Mistaken ownership could be one such defense. If the accused thief honestly believed the stolen property in question was his or her rightful property or mistook another person’s property for his or her own, these issues typically arise during or shortly after an arrest before any formal legal proceedings can begin.
Unless your theft case was a simple misunderstanding you can clear up on your own with the other party, you need a theft defense attorney on your side to avoid potential time in county jail, a criminal record, or expensive fines.
Contact a Petty Theft Lawyer in San Diego Today
Whether you are facing a misdemeanor petty theft charge or multiple theft charges, contact George H. Ramos, Jr. today to schedule a free consultation with a San Diego petty theft attorney. We can let you know how our firm can assist you during a free consultation. Our theft lawyers serve all of San Diego County, including Chula Vista, Spring Valley, Imperial Beach, National City, and San Marcos.