Theft Related Offenses

There are a wide variety of theft-related offenses that can be charged under California law. The most common is petty theft, which is commonly charged as a misdemeanor.

Petty Theft

Petty theft, the most common theft offense, is charged under California Penal Code section 484(a).

Although petty theft is a relatively minor criminal offense, it is taken seriously by the courts, and should be treated equally seriously by anyone charged with it. A conviction for a dishonest crime such as theft or shoplifting will appear on your criminal record. This record is readily available to anyone who runs a background check on you, including potential landlords or potential employers. What employer is likely to hire someone who is already known to steal?

If you have been arrested for a petty theft, you are probably suffering from embarrassment, confusion, and fear. You need to speak to an experienced attorney who understands the laws and courts of California. At the Law Offices of McGregor & Ernenwein, our attorneys have been defending our clients from charges of petty theft and shoplifting for over eighteen years. We have a fantastic track record of obtaining acquittals, reductions, and dismissals for our clients in petty theft cases.

Our attorneys will carefully examine the event in question, including the scene of the incident. We will investigate the statements of security personnel and other witnesses, and look for any inconsistencies in those statements. Our attorneys will prepare a powerful defense to attack the prosecution's case against you. At McGregor & Ernenwein, your case will be entirely handled by a licensed attorney who specializes in criminal defense.

Misdemeanors vs. Infractions

Although petty theft is ordinarily charged as a misdemeanor criminal offense, it can also be charged as an infraction. An infraction is a non-criminal offense, and will not appear on your criminal record. In certain cases, particularly those involving a loss of $50 or less, a skilled defense attorney can negotiate a reduction in a petty theft charge from a misdemeanor to an infraction.

Civil Compromise

Many times, a petty theft case can be resolved by what is called a "civil compromise." In a civil compromise, a defendant will agree to pay a negotiated settlement amount to a store, shop owner, or other victim. In return, the victim of the theft will sign a legal document stating that they have received restitution for their losses, and that they agree to cease the prosecution. This technique is especially useful in cases involving thefts from private individuals or smaller stores, although it can also be done with large department stores or chain stores in certain circumstances.

Reductions to Lesser Charges

Often, if an attorney cannot get a charge of petty theft dismissed altogether, it is still possible to reduce the petty theft charge to a lesser misdemeanor charge. Petty theft is commonly referred to by attorneys as a "crime of moral turpitude." Basically, this means that theft is a dishonest crime. Having a conviction for a dishonest crime on your criminal record can have a devastating impact on your reputation and your career.

An experienced defense attorney can often negotiate a reduction in a petty theft case to a lesser misdemeanor charge that does not carry that stamp of dishonesty. Attorneys at McGregor & Ernenwein are frequently able to negotiate reductions from a petty theft charge to a trespassing charge (under Penal Code section 602(k)), disturbing the peace (under Penal Code section 415), or a public nuisance charge (under Penal Code section 872).

Jury Trial

Petty theft cases can usually be resolved through negotiation and plea bargains. In some cases, of course, clients are factually innocent of the charge of petty theft, and no acceptable settlement can be reached. Attorneys at McGregor & Ernenwein have extensive trial experience, and can try your petty theft case to jury trial. Bruce McGregor and Robert Ernenwein are former Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorneys, and are well respected throughout the Los Angeles County area for their trial skills and experience.

Attorneys at McGregor & Ernenwein have been defending our clients in petty theft cases throughout Southern California for eighteen years. We have the knowledge, experience, and dedication to successfully defend your case. If you or a loved one has been charged with a petty theft, call an experienced defense attorney at McGregor & Ernenwein for a free consultation.

Other Theft Charges

Some cases of alleged theft involve more serious circumstances, and can be charged as felonies. In these cases, a defendant may be facing a serious jail sentence, or even incarceration in state prison.

Some examples of more serious theft charges include grand theft, forgery, and embezzlement. These cases often stem from business transactions, employer/employee relations, or a variety of other circumstances. If you have been charged with a serious felony theft, you need the services of a skilled defense attorney.

Attorneys at McGregor & Ernenwein are highly experienced in defending theft cases throughout Southern California. We will carefully investigate the cause and circumstances of the alleged offense, and prepare a powerful defense to attack the prosecution's case.

The Law Offices of McGregor & Ernenwein have been defending the rights of the accused since 1987. Call McGregor & Ernenwein today for a free consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney.