Santa Rosa Theft Crime Defense Lawyers

Accused of Theft in Sonoma, Napa, or Mendocino Counties

If you have been charged with any kind of theft, it is essential to obtain the services of an aggressive and skilled criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Your reputation, job or career, freedom, and future may be at stake. A theft conviction on your criminal record can seriously impact your future ability to gain employment, housing, professional licenses, and advanced educational opportunities. It can also harm your immigration status if you are a noncitizen. 

At Wilber Law Offices, P.C., you can work with a team of highly-skilled trial lawyers who will work tirelessly to help you achieve the best possible results for your case. Our Santa Rosa theft crime defense attorneys can work together to help develop a defense strategy appropriate for the specifics of your charges; we will explore every legal avenue to help you at this critical time. 

Your choice of a defense lawyer is crucial. Call Wilber Law Offices at (707) 986-4482 or contact us online to learn more about how we can help in a free initial consultation.

Theft Crimes in California

Theft crimes can range from relatively minor to serious felonies with grave repercussions. A theft crime is defined as the unlawful taking of personal property from another without that person’s consent. It can be accomplished in a variety of ways and numerous crimes fall into this category.

These crimes can include:

• Petty theft. This is the taking of personal property without permission valued at $950 or less.
• Shoplifting. This occurs by entering a store with the intent to steal goods that do not exceed $950.
• Grand theft. This involves stealing property valued at more than $950.
• Auto theft.
• Robbery.
• Burglary. This includes both commercial and residential.
• Embezzlement.
• Extortion.
• Receiving stolen property.
• Identity theft.
• Check or credit card fraud.

Penalties for Theft Crimes

You can be charged with a theft crime even if you have already returned the property. The key element is what your intent was at the time of the taking. Theft crimes are complex and nuanced and require a dedicated, experienced attorney on your side to look at all the facts and possible defenses. The penalties for misdemeanor theft crimes can range from simple probation to a year in jail, including fines and paying restitution for the stolen items. 

If you are a first-time offender, you may be eligible for diversion on the charges, which would earn a dismissal of your case. More serious charges, like embezzlement or grand theft, can result in prison sentences, repayment of restitution, fines, counseling, formal probation and/or community service. Theft crimes are “priorable,” meaning they become more serious with each new charge.