Federal and State Criminal Defense Representation
Theft Crime Defense Attorney
As a non-violent crime, theft is often downplayed in the public conversation, but the truth of the matter is that larceny and property crimes are aggressively prosecuted. When someone is caught with stolen property or funds, or with the proceeds of the theft, these cases are quick and easy to prosecute, and district attorneys love them because they add to the office’s conviction record which in turn increases the agency’s resources.
Don’t take chances with your freedom. After more than 18 years litigating in Southern California courts, attorney Karine Basmadjian knows the criminal justice system inside and out. Providing effective criminal defense in Los Angeles since 2005 Basmadjian Law Group is the criminal defense law firm to turn to when you need the best legal assistance available.
As criminal defense attorneys, we represent clients in theft-related cases including:
â–ª Shoplifting
â–ª Burglary
â–ª Robbery
â–ª Grand Theft Auto
â–ª Credit Card Fraud
â–ª Identify Theft
â–ª Juvenile Theft Offenses
To fight theft charges in Los Angeles and Orange county, call Basmadjian Law Group for a free initial consultation at 818-500-3921 or contact us online.
Types of Theft Offenses
Theft, also called “larceny” under some state laws, is regulated and handled by individual states except in cases in which a theft crime occurs in multiple states, directly affects federal government agencies, can be classed as espionage, or obstructs interstate commerce.
Under California law, the authorities distinguish between two kinds of theft: petty theft and grand theft. Grand theft is most often defined as the theft of money or property with value equal to or greater than $950. Generally, a charge of petty theft applies if the stolen property is worth less than this amount, but some exceptions apply. Theft of property valued below $950 is still considered grand theft in California if the property was taken directly from the victim’s person; the property stolen is an automobile, farm animal, or firearm; or the property stolen includes more than $250 worth of crops or marine life.
Within these categories, offenses are further classed as either misdemeanors or felonies. Petty thefts are generally classed as misdemeanors and are punishable by fines, jail time up to six months, or both. Grand thefts, depending on other factors of the law and the specific criminal act in question, may be charged as misdemeanors or felonies and are punishable by up to a year in prison, fines, or both.
