Los Angeles Theft Defense Experts

LA Theft attorneys, Paul Takakjian and Stephen Sitkoff, are former senior Los Angeles County DAs with over 70 years combined experience defending Theft related charges in Southern California.

Shoplifting and other theft crimes are among the most prevalent criminal charges prosecuted in Los Angeles County criminal courts. In addition, theft crimes are often most persons' first criminal offenses. If you have been arrested or ticketed for a shoplifting or theft charge, the punishments you face can vary. Depending on your prior criminal history, the amount of the theft, and other aggravating factors, your criminal consequences can even involve jail time. Although most first offense shoplifting and petty theft charges rarely result in jail time, the most damaging punishment is the theft related criminal record and its negative impact on your career, immigration, or educational prospects.

Los Angeles Theft Defense Since 1987

LA criminal defense attorneys Paul Takakjian and Stephen Sitkoff have successfully defended theft charges in Los Angeles for 3 decades. Whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or felony theft crime, our Southern California criminal defense firm has the experience ensure you stand the best chance of minimizing your punishment and in many cases, avoiding a theft conviction on your record. Call us today at (866) 430-8383 for a FREE case analysis to learn what to expect next and how we can help protect your reputation and future.

Types Of Los Angeles Theft Charges

Theft charges in California are classified by the METHOD in which the theft was committed, the TYPE of item, and the AMOUNT of the item(s). We represent clients who are accused of a wide range of crimes, including Petty Theft, Petty Theft with a Prior, Grand Theft, Shoplifting, Residential Burglary (aka 1st degree), Commercial Burglary (2nd degree), Grand Theft Auto, Embezzlement, ID Theft, and Receiving Stolen Property.

The following are definitions of the various Los Angeles theft crimes:

Petty Theft

Unlawfully taking property valued at $950 or less with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property.

Shoplifting

Entering a retail store during normal business hours with prior intent to commit theft. Shoplifting is covered in California Penal Code 459.5 PC. It is a misdemeanor in itself, but can also be considered a felony under California’s Three Strikes law if the individual has certain serious prior offenses on his or her record.

Grand Theft

Under Section 487 of the California Penal Code, grand theft is defined as unlawfully taking property valued at $950 or more with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property.

Embezzlement/Employee Theft

As an employee, unlawfully taking money or property you entrusted to you. This kind of theft can also be classified as grand theft if the value of the individual items stolen adds up to more than $950.

Grand Theft Auto

Unlawfully taking a motor vehicle regardless of value with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the vehicle. (California Penal Code 487(d)(1))

Grand Theft Firearm

Unlawfully taking a firearm or gun regardless of value with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the weapon. This offense is always a felony, with no misdemeanor option. Under California Penal Code Section 1192.7(c) and 1192.8(a), it is also a “serious felony” for the purposes of the “three strikes” law in California.

Fraud

Committing theft of money, property or a legal right by false pretense or deception. Under California law, fraud can come in the form of either intentional fraud or negligent misrepresentations of facts.

Robbery

Committing theft by way of force or threat of force. According to Penal Code 211 PC, “Robbery is the felonious taking of personal property in the possession of another, from his person or immediate presence, and against his will, accomplished by means of force or fear."

1st Degree Burglary/Residential Burglary

Under California Penal Code 459 PC, burglary is the act of entering a residential structure with the intent to commit a felony.

Receiving Stolen Property

Knowingly possessing items or property that have been stolen. (California Penal Code Section 496)

Because of the “Three Strikes” law, the severity of the charges for some of these types of theft can vary widely depending on what your criminal record looks like. That’s why it is of the utmost importance to work with an experienced theft defense lawyer who knows how to help you get the best outcome after a theft offense.

Top Rated Los Angeles Theft Crime Lawyers

Our Los Angeles theft defense attorneys are recognized as top-rated criminal defense lawyers by the California Board of Legal Specialization, Super Lawyers, AVVO, and Martindale-Hubbell. However, our track record of success is most accurately exemplified by the numerous positive reviews from our former clients. As a client of our theft defense firm, you will be defended by a former senior Los Angeles prosecutor with over 35 years of criminal law experience.

Contact Takakjian & Sitkoff, LLP | Los Angeles Theft Defense

Don’t let a theft offense charge ruin your future prospects. Call our theft defense attorneys today at (866) 430-8383 to schedule your FREE consultation at our office in West Los Angeles, or complete our online contact form. For our clients' convenience, we maintain law office locations in the following cities:

Torrance, Encino, Glendale, Long Beach, Pasadena, Woodland Hills, West Covina, Burbank, Cerritos, Whittier, Norwalk, Santa Clarita, Oxnard, Westlake Village, Rancho Cucamonga, Corona, Victorville, Orange, Newport Beach, and Huntington Beach