Fight your charges with our Santa Ana criminal attorney!
Whether you have been wrongly accused of petty theft or suffered a momentary lapse in judgement, you can always turn to the compassionate Santa Ana criminal defense lawyer from Darwish Law. Our firm is dedicated to advocating for individuals in situations just like yours. We are focused on minimizing or eliminating the charges our clients face. When you come to our firm, you will receive personalized counsel and guidance that is hard to find at larger law offices. As a former public defender, Attorney Sabrina Darwish has a unique level of experience and insight into the criminal justice system. Over the course of her career, she has handled both felony and misdemeanor cases and is equipped tackle petty theft charges.
Don’t take your offense lightly! You could be facing serious penalties. Contact Darwish Law today for reliable counsel and representation.
What is considered petty theft in California?
Under state law, theft crimes are defined by one main factors: the amount of property stolen. Other factors that can impact charges include whether or not the accused had committed any previous theft offenses, if there was any violence involved, and if it was a certain type of property, such as a firearm. To be a petty theft crime, the property must have been valued at $950 or less. Petty theft is often associated with shoplifting, since individuals may be accused of trying to deprive storeowners of their property in smaller amounts.
If charged, you could face the following penalties:
- Up to $1,000 in fines
- A maximum of three years’ probation
- Loss of certain professional licenses
- Up to six months in jail
In cases where aggravating factors are involved, such as the use of violence, previous offenses, or the theft of a dangerous weapon, the penalties may be significantly increased.
Reducing & Dismissing Your Charges
If it is a first theft offense a person has faced and the property is valued under $50, the criminal charge may be able to be reduced to an infraction with the help of an experienced theft crime attorney. When the property value is more than $50, but it is still a first offense, you may be able to get your case dismissed by participating in an informal diversion program and paying pack the value of the stolen property. This course may also involve attending an anti-theft class and completing community service as well.
However, none of these options are guaranteed unless you have a strong advocate on your side. That is why you need to call on Darwish Law right away. We can carefully review your case and craft a compelling and strategic defense. We are always prepared to negotiate with prosecutor’s to secure the best possible results for our clients.
Now is the time to reach out for help from our Santa Ana firm- fill out a free case evaluation today.