Los Angeles Theft Defense Lawyers
Theft, Shoplifting & Burglary
Theft related offenses in California are called by many names, theft, burglary, shoplifting, petty theft, grand theft, auto theft, joyriding, embezzlement, extortion, identity theft, fraud etc. However, each of these offenses relates to conduct involving the taking property of another without their consent. Some of the offenses are charged depending upon the value of the items taken: (petty theft or grand theft over $400.00), their location: (burglary, shoplifting, even defrauding an Inn Keeper or "Dine & Dash"), how the theft is accomplished: (extortion or fraud), the proximity to the victim: (robbery, car jacking & grand theft person) by relationship to the victim (embezzlement) or to the type of item stolen: (auto theft, joyriding, computer access theft or identity theft for credit cards etc.).
At times an arrest will be made for theft when there was never any intent to steal. It may be that someone has their hands full and simply places an item in a pocket with every intention of paying for it. But, unfortunately, they simply forget to pay for the item and are arrested for shoplifting. Theft is a crime of "moral turpitude" which can have far reaching ramifications, including denial of both employment and professional licenses.
At Takakjian, Sowers & Sitkoff LLP, our Orange County theft defense lawyers have handled many cases related to theft. We understand your feelings and the need for confidentiality. We are quite successful in resolving these matters. In the appropriate circumstances, a "Civil Compromise" can be reached whereby the merchant can agree to drop all charges! Please call us, we can help you.
If you have been arrested for a theft offense then please call our Los Angeles theft defense attorneys immediately for a FREE CONSULTATION at (888) 579-4844
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is shoplifting?
- Why was I charged with commercial burglary when I thought I was arrested for shoplifting?
- I've heard of "kleptomania" what is it?
- Are there counselors that I can see about my desire to steal?
- Will I be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony? And what is the punishment?
Links:
Alternative Life Counseling Group for Theft Offenders - A non-profit organization which provides theft prevention counseling which may be accepted by the courts as an alternative to conviction or jail.
Federal Trade Commission - Identity Theft - This site is maintained by the Federal Trade Commission. More information has been to the site regularly, including government reports and Congressional testimony, law enforcement updates, and links to other sites with helpful information about identity theft.
The Psychology of Stealing - A manual for professional counselors, psychologists, therapists, social workers, practitioners, school counselors/psychologists, judges, probation and corrections officers. Authored by Steven Houseworth, MA, a practicing juvenile justice counselor for the past 25 years. He is a co-founder of "THEFT TALK" Counseling Service Inc., a Masters level Counseling Psychology graduate of Lewis & Clark College, an American Psychological Association affiliate member and college instructor. Mr. Houseworth has specialized in theft offender counseling for the past 21 years.
The Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation (OCF) - The Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation with more than 10,000 members, is an international not-for-profit organization composed of people with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and related disorders, their families, friends, professionals and other concerned individuals. Founded by a group of individuals with OCD in 1986, the mission of the OCF is to educate the public and professional communities about OCD and related disorders; to provide assistance to individuals with OCD and related disorders, their family and friends; and to support research into the causes and effective treatments of OCD and related disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Shoplifting is the taking of items without consent from a commercial establishment, such as a department store or market.
Why was I charged with commercial burglary when I thought I was arrested for shoplifting?
When someone enters a building with the intent to steal or commit any other felony it is burglary. This is usually charged when someone is found with bags or devices brought in to the store to assist in concealing the stolen merchandise. Using these bags or devices arguably shows intent to steal was in the person's mind before entering the store.
I've heard of "kleptomania" what is it?
Kleptomania is a mental disorder associated with a compulsive need to steal. "Kleptomania is associated with a recurrent failure to resist impulses to steal objects that are not needed for personal use or for their monetary value; increasing sense of tension immediately before committing the theft and pleasure, gratification, or relief at the time of committing the theft. The stealing is not committed to express anger or vengeance and is not in response to a delusion or a hallucination."
Are there counselors that I can see about my desire to steal?
We frequently refer our clients to BMG - Behavioral Management Group http://www.bmgprograms.com for theft profile screening and counseling. Successful completion of this course will frequently lessen the seriousness of the offense or sentence. Please call 818-366-0179 or email Denise Parillo at denise@bmgprograms.com
Will I be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony? And what is the punishment?
Theft can be prosecuted either as a misdemeanor or a felony. The value of the item taken or any prior convictions often determines the seriousness of the crime. Items valued at under $400.00 are prosecuted as misdemeanor petty theft. Items in excess of $400.00 can be prosecuted as felony grand theft. The punishment for petty theft is up to six months in the county jail and by a fine of up to $1,000 and the punishment for grand theft could either be county jail or state prison plus fines up to $10,000.00. If convicted, a mandatory jail sentence and restitution to the victim is almost always ordered as a condition of probation.
If you have been arrested for a theft offense then please call us immediately for a FREE CONSULTATION at (888) 579-4844
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