Petty Theft | PC 484(a)

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Los Angeles Petty Theft Attorneys | LA Theft Defense Lawyers Since 1987

Petty theft is a crime that involves taking another’s property (valued at $950 or less) without the owner’s permission nor consent and with intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property. It is most often associated with PC 459.5 shoplifting, which is described as committing theft with prior intent in a retail store during normal business hours. The great majority of petty theft cases in Los Angeles are charged as misdemeanor theft crimes and rarely involve jail time for first offenders, but in certain circumstances, it can be elevated to a felony theft offense . If you have multiple prior theft-related convictions combined with prior serious felony convictions, you could be charged with California Penal Code §666 – “Petty Theft with a Prior.” As a “wobbler” offense, petty theft with prior can be prosecuted as a felony or misdemeanor with the felony iteration carrying up to 3 years in state prison

Our Petty Theft Defense Experience In Los Angeles

Due to the fact that any criminal conviction becomes a part of your criminal record and can affect future career opportunities, professional licenses, as well as citizenship, you should not take petty theft charges lightly even though it very rarely results in jail time as a first offense. While a conviction can result in punishment – jail time, fines, probation and restitution, the more damaging consequences are the effects a petty theft conviction can have on future background checks.

We know how challenging it can be to be arrested for petty theft as this may be your first criminal offense, as well as the first time you’ve ever needed a criminal defense lawyer. With a combined 70 plus years of successful Los Angeles petty theft defense experience, our defense attorneys have skill, reputation, and resources to improve your chances of avoiding harsh punishments, as well as a petty theft conviction on your record. Depending on the circumstances of your case such as your prior criminal history, the amount of the theft, and the level of sophistication employed in the theft, the following positive results can be achieved through our dynamic defense strategies:

  • Dismissal of your petty theft charges through diversion programs.
  • Reduction of your petty theft charges in exchange for a plea to a non-theft offense such as disturbing the peace or trespassing.
  • Reduction of your misdemeanor petty theft charges to a petty theft infraction.

Our Petty Theft Attorneys’ Background & Accolades

Los Angeles petty theft attorneys, Paul Takakjian and Stephen Sitkoff are former Los Angeles County senior prosecutors who have each practiced criminal law for over 35 years. Mr. Takakjian holds a Distinguished rating from Martindale-Hubbell and is Board Certified by the California Board of Legal Specialization as a Certified Criminal Law Specialist. Mr. Sitkoff is recognized by Super Lawyers and maintains a Preeminent rating awarded by Martindale-Hubbell.

Avoid A California Petty Theft Conviction On Your Record

If you have been recently cited or arrested for petty theft in Los Angeles County or anywhere in Southern California, call our Los Angeles office today for a FREE case evaluation. Since 1987, we have specialized in helping clients avoid the consequences petty theft convictions, as well the enhanced penalties for petty theft warrants and probation violations. Call us today at no-obligation for a FREE consultation at (888) 579-4844.