Words cannot express how grateful I am to you... - Wendy C.

Los Angeles Theft Attorneys

Theft Crimes

If you have been arrested for a theft crime, we are ready to help you get fair treatment under the law. No matter the exact circumstances of your case, if you have recently been criminally charged with theft, it is in your best interests to get the involvement of an aggressive lawyer that you can trust. At our firm, we know what is on the line. From felonies to misdemeanors, we have the experience necessary to provide you with the assistance that you deserve. To learn more, please click through the different pages on our website. Here, you will find about the different charges we can defend you against, as well as the different helpful resources we have provided to better help.

Just some of the theft-related issues that we explain our website include:

Automobile Theft

The theft of a motor vehicle is seen as one of the most severe forms of theft. Also referred to as grand theft auto, this could include the permanent stealing of a car, as well as the temporary theft (also known as "joyriding"). Both, however, are punishable with long-lasting consequences.

Burglary / Robbery

These are actually two separate offenses in the state of California. Burglary is also known as "breaking and entering" and refers to the entering of a building with the intention to commit theft or a felony offense. Robbery is the taking of an item off the owner's person or from their presence.

Employee Theft

All throughout the U.S., there are criminal charges of employees stealing items or money from work. This can also be referred to as embezzlement and boils simply down to theft from your employer. Penalties will depend on the value of the item stolen, as well as other circumstances.

Petty Theft

California defines petty theft as the taking of an item that is valued at less than $950. This is also commonly referred to as shoplifting when the item being taken is from a retail store. Usually, this is a misdemeanor, however, there are circumstances which can cause it to be a felony, such as priors.

Shoplifting

Shoplifting is the criminal act of taking items from a retail store. This is a common offense, but it is important to recognize that there are defenses that can be utilized. For example, if you accidently took an item through a moment of absentmindedness, our firm can step up to protect you.

Theft FAQ

If you have been criminally charged, it is likely you have considerable questions about what exactly you're facing. What will be the penalties be? Are there defenses that can be used? At our firm, we want you to feel supported and have both asked and answered some common questions.

Theft: Not Guilty?

Unfortunately, there are people every day who struggle with the consequences of being criminally charged with a criminal act of theft that they did not commit. No matter whether this is a case of mistaken identity, miscommunication or other, you can trust our firm will fight for you.

Theft Crimes: Penalties & Consequences

Felony or misdemeanor conviction penalties can vary widely for theft crimes. 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.

Takakjian & Sitkoff - Our Approach

If you are facing misdemeanor charges such as shoplifting, a major concern may be the embarrassment. On your behalf, we use our experience as former deputy district attorneys to communicate with prosecutors to seek a discreet handling of your charge. Our purpose will be to help you put this matter behind you smoothly and with no criminal record.

Where you have been arrested for felony offenses such as burglary or robbery, we recognize that much is at stake. We vigorously defend your rights no matter what the cause. If the police have violated your constitutional rights with an unlawful search or confession solicited under duress, we move to exclude the evidence. At trial we challenge improper state evidence and cross-examine witnesses to expose half-truths and lies.

Experienced Lawyers Defending You

We have the experience and trial experience to defend you. At our firm, we can not only help defend against theft crimes, we can help explain theft counseling programs, help you understand the penalties that you are facing, answer any questions that you might have and even help explain the psychology of stealing. You can trust that no matter the exact circumstances of your case that you will have a heavyweight in your corner should you work with our firm.

At Takakjian & Sitkoff, we have over six decades of experience that we put to work for our clients every day. We encourage you to pick up the phone and call us toll-free at (888) 579-4844 to schedule your initial case evaluation. You can also use our online form to take advantage of our free online case evaluation. You don't have a moment to lose, so don't wait! Contact our firm today.