Los Angeles Shoplifting Defense Lawyer
Theft, Robbery, and Shoplifting Defense in California
In California, theft and shoplifting convictions can carry serious penalties, including fines, probation, and jail time. At the Law Offices of Paul E. Antill, we have an extensive background defending clients in and around San Dimas charged with robbery, theft, and shoplifting.
Our law firm offers an aggressive strategy tempered with sound judgment to preserve your civil rights. Ultimately, our goal is to help you avoid a conviction or minimize any potential penalties. Contact us online or call 888.529.5255 today to schedule a free initial consultation at our law office in San Dimas.
Theft Crimes
Criminal defense attorney Paul Antill has an extensive background representing clients facing misdemeanor or felony theft charges, including:
- Petty theft
- Grand theft
- Burglary
- Commercial burglary
- Robbery
- Shoplifting
- Receipt of stolen property
- Embezzlement
Petty Theft: Before You Decide to Represent Yourself
Petty theft or shoplifting involves any theft where the value of the stolen items is $400 or less. Petty theft may be charged as a misdemeanor, felony, or infraction. Many people choose to represent themselves in these cases. Judges then encourage people to plead guilty with the promise that they will only have to pay a small fine, and avoid jail time and probation.
If an individual pleads guilty to misdemeanor or greater petty theft one time and gets convicted again for petty theft, he or she faces a minimum of two years in state prison. Unfortunately, most people who plead guilty to petty theft are never told about this technicality. This is why it is important to work with an experienced attorney even regarding "minor" theft cases.
Commercial Burglary
Some of the most common commercial burglary charges involve:
- Stealing from an employer
- "Sweethearting"— such as when a retail checkout worker intentionally avoids scanning an item for a friend who is in his or her checkout line
- Credit card theft — such as refunding an account for items that were not purchased
These crimes can be classified as either misdemeanors or felonies. Our law firm works to reduce felony charges to misdemeanors, or dismiss charges altogether. Most importantly, we understand the potential consequences of a conviction and will explore every possibility to protect your rights.
Contact Us Today
Don't risk representing yourself, on a seemingly minor drug charge. Contact our law office today online or call 888.529.5255 to discuss your case. We offer free initial consultations and accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.