Theft Attorney In Oakland, California

According to statistics from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program, there were 20,228 larceny-theft incidents reported in Oakland, California in 2019. Theft crimes in California include petty theft, shoplifting, embezzlement, and grand theft, among others. Depending on the value of the property stolen, an offender convicted of theft crime charges may face massive fines, lengthy imprisonment, and other serious consequences.

If you have been arrested and charged with theft, hiring a skilled California criminal defense attorney is important to outline your defense strategy. I am dedicated to providing comprehensive legal guidance and strong representation to individuals facing theft charges. Attorney I can review and investigate all the facts of your case and strategize an effective defense to maximize your chances of obtaining the best available outcome in your case.

My firm — Darryl A. Stallworth Law Office — proudly serves clients across Oakland, California, and surrounding areas of San Francisco, Alameda County, Northern California, and the Bay Area.

Theft Under California Law

Under California law, theft involves stealing another person's property by false pretense, larceny, or embezzlement with an intent to permanently deprive the owner of the item or property. Some common examples of theft and theft-related offenses in California include:

• Taking another person's property
• Obtaining someone else's property by deception or false pretense
• Embezzlement
• Shoplifting
• Looting
• Failure to return rented or leased property
• Illegally diverting funds for labor, services, or materials
• Illegally using a debit or credit card
• Defrauding a public housing program
• Falsifying information in order to sell items
• Taking lost property without making any reasonable effort to find the rightful owner

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Classification Of Theft Offenses In California & Possible Penalties

In the state of California, theft offenses are classified according to the value of the property or service stolen. These classifications include:

Petty Theft

Under California Penal Code 484 PC, petty theft is defined as stealing or wrongfully taking another person's property with a value of $950.00 or less.

Penalties: Petty theft is charged as a misdemeanor and is punishable by up to six months in county jail, a maximum fine of $1,000, or both.

Theft of any property with a value of $50 or less may be charged as an infraction provided that the defendant has no prior theft conviction. This infraction is punishable by a maximum fine of $250 with no jail time.

Grand Theft

According to California Penal Code 487 PC, a person commits grand theft if they steal or unlawfully take another person's money, property, or labor with a value of $950.00 or more. Grand theft also includes looting (theft during an emergency situation) or stealing a firearm.

Penalties: Grand theft is a “wobbler” and may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. Misdemeanor grand theft is punishable by up to one year in county jail. Felony grand theft is punishable by 16 months to three years in prison.

Work With A Skilled Attorney

The outcome of your criminal case can have devastating effects on your freedom, reputation, quality of life, and professional opportunities. Defending your theft crime accusations without proper guidance or experienced representation can increase your risks of facing the maximum punishment. When facing theft charges, it is imperative that you hire a skilled California criminal defense attorney to protect your rights and help build your defense.

At Darryl A. Stallworth Law Office, I have the resources and experience to handle theft cases and defend individuals wrongly accused of theft. As your attorney, I can investigate all the surrounding details of your situation, outline an effective defense strategy for your case, and refute the charges against you with all available evidence. Using my extensive knowledge and legal understanding, I can help you navigate the California criminal justice system, advocate for your legal rights, and attempt to keep you out of jail.

Theft Attorney Serving Oakland, California

If you're facing theft charges, don't go through it alone. Contact my firm — Darryl A. Stallworth Law Office — to schedule a case assessment. I can offer you the experienced legal guidance and aggressive representation you need. My firm proudly represents a diverse range of clients in Oakland, San Francisco, Alameda County, Northern California, and the Bay Area.