Theft Crimes

Any taking of property of another person without their consent is characterized as theft. Usually, an individual is charged with specific crimes like credit card theft, burglary, embezzlement, forgery, fraud, identity theft, receiving stolen property, or shoplifting while also being charged with more general crimes like petty theft and grand theft.

Petty theft is defined in California as the unlawful taking of property of another valued at less than $400. If you have been charged with petty theft or shoplifting, an experienced and aggressive criminal defense attorney like Ms. Sena may be able to get the charges dismissed.

Grand theft is defined in California as the unlawful taking of property of another valued at more than $400. Unfortunately, some cases are wrongly charged as grand thefts instead of petty thefts. It is important to hire an experienced and aggressive criminal defense attorney like Ms. Sena to look into whether your case has been wrongfully charged because the consequences for a grand theft conviction are more serious than for a petty theft conviction.

Petty thefts are misdemeanors. However, grand thefts can be charged as felonies. If the incident involved the use of a weapon, it will always be charged as a felony.

White Collar Crimes

White collar crimes are commonly thefts that occur in a business or corporate environment. Wire fraud or mail fraud are usually crimes filed in federal court but embezzlement or theft from an employer is the most common white collar crime charged in state court.

White collar crimes like embezzlement and fraud can have stiff penalties. If you are accused of or being charged with any white collar offense, you need to contact an experienced and aggressive criminal defense attorney who will defend your rights and reputation.

Commonly Charged Theft & White Collar Crimes:

Frequently Asked Questions About Theft Crimes

• If I am accused of a theft crime, should I voluntarily talk with security or police?
• Will it help my case if I repay the money I took?
• Can I go to jail for these types of offenses?

Q: If I am accused of a theft crime, should I voluntarily talk with security or police?

A: DO NOT talk to security personnel or the police. If you are suspected of committing a theft crime, you should refuse to talk with security or police. Both the Federal and California Constitutions give you the right to remain silent and you should invoke that right. Do not fall for the line given by security personnel that the police will not be called if you choose to cooperate with them. Talking or confessing to security personnel carries the same weight as talking or confessing to the police. Prior to speaking to anyone about the theft accusation, call Orange County Criminal Defense Attorney Staycie R. Sena.

Q: Will it help my case if I repay the money I took?

A: In some cases, repaying the money that was stolen can lead to a dismissal of charges or cause the DA not to file charges at all. It can also drastically reduce a potential sentence. Prior to repaying the amount stolen, you should call Orange County Criminal Defense Attorney Staycie R. Sena to discuss your case.

Q: Can I go to jail for these types of offenses?

A: There is a wide range of penalties for theft crimes, relevant factors are the amount alleged, the courthouse that your case is in, the victim’s wishes, and the District Attorney that is prosecuting the case. Some defendants convicted of theft crimes were sentenced to jail time, but Orange County Criminal Defense Attorney Staycie R. Sena has negotiated numerous deals resulting in no jail time or outright dismissals for her clients.

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