Orange County Theft Defense Lawyers
California Fraud Attorneys
Theft is a crime with a very broad definition in California. Deliberately stealing something from a business or an individual is theft; but so are unintentionally leaving a store with something you didn't pay for and various types of fraud. Other theft crimes include:
- Writing a bad check
- Identity theft
- Shoplifting
- Embezzlement
- Internet or mail fraud
- Mugging (theft of something carried on a victim's person)
- Failing to return something leased, rented, borrowed or entrusted to you
Generally, theft of something worth less than $950 is petty theft, a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Theft of property with a greater value is grand theft, usually charged as a felony that could land you in state prison. There are some exceptions; theft of something worth under $50 can be charged as an infraction. And theft of a firearm or property carried on the victim's person can be charged as grand theft, regardless of the dollar amount involved.
A burglary is breaking into a home, business or other structure with the intention to steal something. First-degree burglary is always a burglary of a private residence, and is always a felony. A first-degree burglary conviction could land you in prison for up to six years. Second-degree burglary is any other type of burglary and can be charged as a felony or misdemeanor, depending on the circumstances and the prosecutor's preference. A felony second-degree burglary charge carries up to three years in prison.
Fortunately, the Orange County felony theft attorneys at Takakjian & Sitkoff can frequently negotiate reduced charges for theft crimes, even in cases where the client intends to plead guilty. As former district attorneys, we know how much flexibility prosecutors often have in theft cases. Thanks to our experience as prosecutors ourselves, we understand how law enforcement officers build their cases -- and where to look for weaknesses or errors in those cases that could set you free. We will always work to find those mistakes and negotiate with prosecutors to get probation, work-release and other reduced penalties.
Takakjian & Sitkoff is a Orange County theft defense law firm with a unique edge: Every one of our partners is a former Los Angeles County deputy district attorney, and each one has additional qualifications that puts us head and shoulders above other defense firms. Attorney Paul Takakjian is a State Bar-certified criminal law specialist and attorney Steve Sitkoff is a former Superior Court Commissioner. Our experience on the other side of the table gives us an intimate knowledge of how law enforcement and prosecutors build cases -- knowledge that gives your defense a winning edge. We know the judges and prosecutors in Los Angeles, and we know where to look for errors and omissions in your case that can set you free. That knowledge is reflected in our record of successes, which includes cases where we were able to reduce or dismiss theft, fraud and burglary charges.
If you're facing a theft charge, you could face time in jail or prison, steep fines and restitution, and severe restrictions on your ability to work later on. With the stakes so high, you need an experienced, knowledgeable, dedicated California theft crime defense lawyer -- like the ones at Takakjian & Sitkoff. Call us today for a free evaluation of your case.
Takakjian & Sitkoff has an outstanding reputation for getting our clients superior results using the expertise, experience and knowledge of our theft crime attorneys and staff. We offer reasonable fees and have offices conveniently located throughout California.
