Orange County Grand Theft Defense Lawyers

WHAT IS GRAND THEFT?

California Penal Code Section 487 states that grand theft has been committed "when the money, labor or real or personal property taken is of a value exceeding $400." Much like petty theft, grand theft may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. It depends on the prior criminal record of the person who has been charged. Grand theft can include a variety of crimes:

• Shoplifting
• Auto theft
• Purchasing or receiving stolen property
• Embezzlement
• Burglary
• Robbery

The severity of the charges and penalties, if convicted, depends on the nature and seriousness of the crime itself and of course, the value of the items that have been lost. Remember that sometimes the value of the property will come from the person who lost that piece of property. For example, if a person had a car stolen that's old and ready to go to the junkyard, he or she may overstate the value an item although it may not be worth $400. But it affects you as the one who has been charge. It could make the difference between a grand theft and a petty theft - a felony and a misdemeanor.

BURDEN OF PROOF

It is always the prosecution's responsibility to prove a theft occurred, how it occurred and who committed that act of theft. That essentially means that if you have been charged with grand theft, the prosecutor must have sufficient evidence to prove your connection to the alleged crime and the stolen property in question. In shoplifting cases, for example, store surveillance cameras play a significant role.

PETTY THEFT V. GRAND THEFT

We already saw that California law states that a theft is a "grand" theft when the value of the property taken is more than $400. But there are circumstances when petty theft can become grand theft. For example, a prior conviction of petty theft can elevate a second petty theft charge from a misdemeanor to a felony grand theft. Also theft of a vehicle or certain types of animals if always charged as grand theft irrespective of their market value.

Whether the charge is petty theft or grand theft, these are charges considered crimes of "moral turpitude." This means that they tarnish your reputation, question your credibility, affect your chances of attaining good employment and may even prevent you from obtaining professional licenses.

At Wallin & Klarich, our Orange County grand theft defense attorneys understand the mental and emotional stress such a charge can put you under. A grand theft conviction could result in steep fines, restitution and even jail or prison time. Don't go through it alone. Call us immediately for a free and completely confidential consultation. We will not only help ease your concerns, but keep you updated on all developments in your case and fight to win you an acquittal or reduce your charges and fines. We will also work to secure alternative sentencing such as community service and keep you out of jail.

At Wallin & Klarich, we approach every case with the belief that the person we're defending could easily be one of our own family members. We've seen firsthand how stressful legal matters can be for our clients and their loved ones. We are committed to being available to our clients at all times -- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. If you or someone you love is facing theft charges in Southern California, you should call Wallin & Klarich today for a free evaluation of your case. Call 1-888-228-6315 or fill out our online consultation form to get in contact with a legal professional today. We will be there when you call.