Crimes Against Property

Theft & Property Crimes in California

Facing theft or property crime charges in California can be overwhelming. Crimes such as petty theft, grand theft auto, burglary, and larceny carry serious legal consequences that can impact your future. If you or a loved one has been charged with a property crime, securing strong legal representation from a skilled Sacramento criminal defense attorney is crucial.

Petty Theft in California

Petty theft involves the unlawful taking of property valued at $950 or less. Most petty theft cases involve physically taking someone else’s property, which falls under larceny.

Legal Penalties for Petty Theft

Petty theft is classified as a misdemeanor and may result in:

• Fines of up to $1,000
• Up to 6 months in jail
• Informal probation

Legal Definition of Larceny

A larceny charge must meet the following criteria:

• The property belonged to someone else.
• The accused took the property without permission.
• The intent was to permanently deprive the owner or keep the property long enough to significantly impact its value or enjoyment.
• The property was physically moved and kept for any length of time.

Defenses Against Petty Theft Charges

If you’re facing a petty theft charge, possible defenses include:

• Mistaken identity – You did not take the item.
• Rightful ownership – The property belonged to you.
• Owner’s consent – You had permission to use or take the item.
• False accusation – Someone falsely accused you.
• Lack of intent – You accidentally took the item, such as mistakenly leaving a store with unpaid merchandise.

An experienced Sacramento criminal defense lawyer can help fight to have charges reduced or dismissed.

Petty Theft vs. Grand Theft

The primary difference between petty theft and grand theft is the value of the stolen property:

• Petty theft applies to property worth $950 or less.
• Grand theft involves property worth more than $950.

Exceptions That Automatically Qualify as Grand Theft

Regardless of value, certain types of theft are always considered grand theft:

• Auto theft
• Firearm theft
• Direct theft from a person (e.g., pickpocketing)

Additionally, individuals with prior convictions for serious felonies—such as murder, attempted murder, or certain sex crimes—can face automatic grand theft charges.

How Is Property Value Determined?

Courts use the fair market value of an item at the time of the theft. While determining the value of retail goods is straightforward, older or used items can complicate the valuation process.

Grand Theft Penalties in California

Grand theft is classified as a “wobbler”—meaning it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the case details and criminal history.

Penalties for Grand Theft

• Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail
• Felony: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in county jail
• Felony with firearm involvement: Time served in state prison

Grand Theft Auto (GTA)

Theft of a vehicle is considered grand theft auto. This charge can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances.

Definition of Grand Theft Auto

Grand theft auto occurs when a person:

• Takes a vehicle without the owner’s permission
• Intends to permanently deprive the owner of the car

Penalties for Grand Theft Auto

• Felony GTA: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in county jail
• Misdemeanor GTA: Up to 1 year in county jail and fines up to $5,000

Note: If the vehicle is returned without intent to permanently steal it, the charge may be unlawful taking of a vehicle, which is typically a misdemeanor for first-time offenders.

Burglary in California

Burglary occurs when someone enters a building, home, or other enclosed structure with the intent to commit a crime, such as theft.

Burglary Charges and Penalties

Burglary can be charged as a felony and may result in:

• Up to 3 years in county jail
• Up to 6 years in state prison (if the property was inhabited)

Why You Need a Defense Attorney for Burglary Charges

Burglary is a serious crime that can lead to life-altering consequences, including a felony record, loss of employment opportunities, and difficulty securing housing. A Sacramento criminal defense attorney can help challenge the prosecution’s case and protect your rights.

Contact a Sacramento Criminal Attorney Today

If you are facing theft, burglary, or grand theft auto charges, you need strong legal representation. At the Law Office of Wing & Parisi, we provide aggressive and strategic defense for clients throughout Sacramento, Davis, Placer County, and San Joaquin County.

Call us today at (916) 441-4888 for a FREE and confidential case consultation. Se habla español.

Sacramento Criminal Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with theft, burglary, or grand theft auto in California, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney in Sacramento to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome. The Law Office of Wing & Parisi is dedicated to providing aggressive legal defense for individuals facing <strong”>petty theft, grand theft, burglary, and auto theft charges.

A criminal charge does not have to define your future. Whether you’re facing misdemeanor or felony charges, we are here to challenge the prosecution’s case, explore possible defenses, and work to reduce or dismiss your charges.

<pCall us today at (916) 441-4888 or contact us online for a FREE and confidential consultation, available in Spanish. We represent clients in Sacramento, Placer, San Joaquin, and Yolo counties in both state and federal courts.