Santa Barbara Theft Attorneys

Types of Theft Crimes We Handle

There are two primary types of theft crimes:

• Petty theft
• Grand theft

Petty crimes are usually misdemeanors, and grand theft is either a felony or a misdemeanor.

At our firm, lawyers have over 50 years of combined experience in criminal defense and have represented clients in varied types of petty and grand theft crimes, such as:

• Petty theft with a prior
• Automobile theft offenses
• Commercial and residential burglary
• Robbery
• Receiving stolen property
• Extortion
• Fraud
• Identity theft
• Forgery

Petty Theft in California

Under California’s Penal Code 484 and 488, petty theft is defined as the unlawful taking of property valued at under $400. Although the offense is classified as a misdemeanor, a second offense can be charged as a felony under the law.

Petty theft is most often based on a shoplifting offense that can be committed in one of several ways, including:

• Larceny (usually shoplifting)
• Trickery, e.g., changing price tags
• Embezzlement
• False pretenses

Grand Theft in California

Grand theft, according to California Penal Code 487, is the stealing of property valued at more than $400, although the theft of a firearm or of something carried on the body of a person is considered grand theft, no matter what the value of the items taken. A grand theft crime, unlike a petty theft crime, will most often meet the criteria for a felony offense, but is termed a “wobbler” due to the prosecution’s ability to charge as either a misdemeanor or a felony.

How Our Firm Can Help

We have represented countless clients in the Santa Barbara area and are well-acquainted with the prosecution and their tactics. In your defense, we will analyze the facts to determine if the prosecution truly has enough evidence to prove their case, and if not, we can challenge them and work to get the case dropped or win an acquittal. Even if they have a strong case against you, we can often bargain with the other side to get charges reduced or dismissed, especially in first offenses.

We are well-known for our professionalism, integrity, and knowledge of the law, as well as for the positive results we get for our clients. We are Martindale-Hubbell AV Rated Preeminent (the highest rating possible), AVVO 10/10 (the highest achievable rating), and enjoy a Better Business Bureau A+ rating. With our strong background in successful criminal defense and the credentials of a winning law firm, you won’t go wrong by hiring us to defend the charges you are facing.

Contact a Santa Barbara theft crime attorney at our firm to receive full legal representation and strong protection of your rights.