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Los Angeles Theft & Property Crimes Attorneys
Trusted Theft & Property Crime Defense Lawyers Advocating for Clients in Los Angeles, California
If you have been charged with a property crime or theft anywhere in California, Zarabi Law is ready to defend your rights and freedom. Our team of client-focused attorneys has more than 60 years of combined legal experience and a strong track record of success in and out of the courtroom. In fact, we have earned a 90% case success rate across all criminal defense practice areas.
At our firm, you will be more than just a number. Your case will be our team's cause. We work directly with everyone who partners with us, devising and implementing strategies to obtain favorable results. Our genuine care for the well-being of our clientele is evident in our tireless efforts and steadfast support.
Discuss your case and what we can offer in a free consultation. To schedule yours, call 213-786-4055 or contact us online. Our Los Angeles theft and property crime lawyers defend clients across California.
How California Law Defines Property Crimes & Theft
In California, property crimes refer to a broad range of offenses that involve the unlawful damaging or taking of someone else's property. These can include personal and real property. Personal property may be jewelry, cars, or electronics. Real property refers to land and buildings.
Our state's laws, such as Penal Code section 484a, detail several types of property crimes and theft:
- Robbery: Using force or intimidation to take another's property
- Burglary: Entering a home or another building intending to commit theft or another felony
- Embezzlement: Stealing property that was entrusted to you by its owner
- Grand Theft: Taking property worth more than $950 (or stealing a car, firearm, or fish from a commercial fishery)
- Shoplifting and Other Kinds of Petty Theft: Taking property valued at less than $950
- Arson: Deliberately setting fire to buildings or land
- Vandalism: Intentionally damaging or destroying another person's property
Understanding the nuances between these offenses can have a significant impact on the legal strategy. For instance, the distinction between burglary and robbery can influence potential defenses and outcomes. Furthermore, defendants facing multiple charges may encounter intricate legal challenges, making it crucial to work with an experienced theft lawyer in Los Angeles to navigate these complexities effectively.
The Penalties for Property Crimes & Theft in Los Angeles
The penalties for a property crime or theft conviction are as varied as the offenses themselves. Factors that can influence sentencing include the value of stolen or damaged property, a defendant's criminal history, whether violence was involved, and the type of crime committed.
A misdemeanor conviction for shoplifting, for example, can come with penalties of up to six months in jail and/or a fine of as much as $1,000. As another example, a conviction for grand theft may result in up to one year of imprisonment. Regardless of the offense, courts can order restitution to the victims of property crimes and thefts.
In addition to criminal penalties, a conviction for property and theft crimes can have long-lasting consequences on your personal and professional life. It can affect your ability to obtain employment, secure housing, and even hold certain licenses or certifications.
Long-Term Consequences of a Theft Conviction
A theft conviction can have lasting effects beyond immediate penalties.
- Employment Difficulties: Many employers conduct background checks, and theft convictions—especially felonies—can reduce job prospects, particularly for positions involving cash handling or customer trust.
- Immigration Consequences: Non-citizens convicted of theft may face immigration consequences, including deportation or denial of naturalization. Our Los Angeles theft lawyers can explore post-conviction relief options, such as expungements or vacating convictions.
- Professional Licensing Issues: Professionals in fields such as healthcare, law, or finance may lose their licenses after a theft conviction, affecting their ability to work in their chosen careers.
- Increased Penalties for Future Offenses: Repeat theft offenses can lead to harsher sentences under California's three-strikes law, making legal representation essential for first-time charges.
Theft cases require a strong legal strategy to minimize penalties and protect future opportunities. Legal guidance can be the key to securing the best possible outcome in any theft-related case.
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Defending Against Theft & Property Crimes Charges
Our experienced Los Angeles theft attorneys can build a strong defense by challenging the prosecution's evidence and legal procedures.
One common defense is the lack of intent, as theft requires proof that the accused intended to permanently deprive the owner of the property. If the defendant believed they had a right to the item, this defense may apply. False accusations also frequently occur due to misunderstandings, mistaken identity, or personal disputes, and our lawyers can use witness statements or surveillance footage to contest the charges.
Additionally, if the prosecution lacks substantial evidence, such as video proof, credible witnesses, or physical possession of stolen goods, the case may be dismissed due to reasonable doubt. Furthermore, if law enforcement conducted an unlawful search and seizure, any improperly obtained evidence may be ruled inadmissible, potentially leading to a case dismissal.
Contact Our Los Angeles, CA Property Crime Lawyers
Whether you were charged with vandalism, theft, or another related crime, you have defense options, and our attorneys at Zarabi Law want to help you understand and pursue them. Our work begins when you contact our Los Angeles office to schedule a free initial consultation.
Consultations are designed to provide you with a comprehensive overview of what to expect throughout the legal process. During this time, we will discuss your objectives and any concerns you may have, allowing us to tailor our approach to your specific needs. By the end of your consultation, our goal is to leave you with a firm understanding of your case options and the potential pathways forward.
Simply call 213-786-4055 or contact our Los Angeles property crime defense attorneys online to start with us. Se habla español.
Commonly Asked Questions
Vandalism involves defacing, destroying, or otherwise damaging public/private property. Examples of it include:
- Keying a car or slashing tires
- Leaving graffiti on walls, signs, etc.
- Smashing the mailboxes in a neighborhood
- Destroying or damaging someone else's personal property during an argument or as an act of revenge
Although vandalism is often considered a "petty" crime, the penalties for a conviction can be serious. They might include thousands of dollars in fines and restitution, probation or jail time, and the mandatory restoration or cleanup of the property (if possible).
At Zarabi Law, we take vandalism cases very seriously. If you have been accused of this crime, we can aggressively pursue numerous defenses. Our team can argue that someone else defaced the property, you destroyed the property accidentally, you had permission from the property owner to act as you did, or you actually were the property owner. The right approach will depend on the circumstances of your case and our detailed assessment of the evidence.
The penalties for theft vary depending on the type and severity of the crime. Petty theft (property under $950) is typically charged as a misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Grand theft (property over $950) may be charged as a felony or misdemeanor, with penalties ranging from one year in county jail to three years in state prison. Shoplifting is usually a misdemeanor, while robbery and burglary carry harsher sentences, especially if a weapon is involved. Repeat offenses and theft from elderly or disabled victims can lead to enhanced penalties.
Yes, theft charges can be dropped under certain conditions. Prosecutors may dismiss charges if there is insufficient evidence, if the accused was mistakenly identified, or if police violated legal procedures, such as an unlawful search. Pretrial diversion programs or deferred entry of judgment (DEJ) may also allow first-time offenders to have their charges dropped after completing community service, restitution, or rehabilitation programs. An experienced criminal defense attorney can negotiate with prosecutors to have charges reduced or dismissed based on the specifics of the case.
Several defenses can be used in theft cases, depending on the circumstances. A common defense is lack of intent, where the accused may have taken an item by mistake without intending to steal it. Mistaken identity or false accusations can also play a role, especially in cases relying on surveillance footage or witness testimony. Consent is another defense—if the owner of the property allowed the accused to take it, it is not considered theft. In some cases, a violation of constitutional rights (such as an illegal search and seizure) may result in evidence being thrown out, weakening the prosecution's case.
A theft conviction in Los Angeles can have long-term consequences, including a criminal record that affects employment, housing, and professional licenses. However, certain theft offenses may qualify for expungement under California law. If an individual successfully completes probation or serves their sentence, they may petition the court to remove the conviction from their record. While an expunged record won't erase all traces of the charge, it can improve job prospects and background checks. Juvenile theft offenses may also be sealed under California's juvenile record laws.
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