Theft Crime Attorney in Los Angeles

Penalties for Embezzlement, Theft and Shoplifting

Felony or misdemeanor conviction penalties can vary widely for theft crimes such as embezzlement, grand theft, petty theft and shoplifting. As former deputy district attorneys and as criminal defense lawyers, we have a great deal of experience with how the courts handle sentencing and punishment for theft crimes.

When there are mitigating circumstances or when there are options more suited to your particular case, your Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer from Takakjian & Sitkoff will aggressively push for a substantially reduced sentence or punishment.

Helpful Tips & Information

Contact a theft defense attorney at our Los Angeles law firm and tell us about the circumstances that led to your arrest.

• The value of the item taken is a determination of the punishment and how serious the crime will be seen by the prosecutor and the court. Items valued at under $950 are prosecuted as misdemeanor petty theft. Items over $950 are usually prosecuted as felony grand theft.
• If you have prior theft convictions, especially a felony conviction, the court will consider increasing the punishment in your sentencing.
• Sentencing for a misdemeanor conviction for petty theft (under $950) can be up to six months in jail and by a fine of up to $1,000.
• Sentencing for a felony conviction for grand theft can mean serving time in a county jail or a state prison plus fines up to $10,000.
• Restitution to the victim for any theft is almost always ordered as a condition for probation.

Answers to Your Theft Crime Questions

• How long do you have to live with a criminal conviction on your record? If you have fulfilled all the requirements of your sentence or probation, talk to an expungements lawyer about clearing your felony record or misdemeanor public record. For a misdemeanor, you can ask for an expungement as early as one year after the date of sentence or completion of probation. Certain felonies can be expunged if they can be reduced to a misdemeanor.
• What are your expungement rights? Contact a theft defense lawyer at our firm and we can explain the felony record or misdemeanor record law and how it affects your specific situation. If you have been convicted of a crime and feel you did not get a fair trial, talk to a criminal appeals lawyer about your options. If you have served your sentence or probation and want an expungement, talk to an expungement lawyer at our firm.

We are all former deputy district attorneys and we are all on your side. Our criminal defense lawyers are ready to protect your rights and develop your defense strategy.

Contact a Los Angeles theft crime lawyer at our offices today.