Los Angeles Theft Crime Defense Attorneys

California law defines theft as the unlawful taking of someone else's property with the intent of keeping it permanently. It also includes fraudulently taking property that has been entrusted to you, defrauding someone using false representations or pretense, taking property by false premises, larceny, embezzlement and larceny by trick and device (California Penal Code Section 484).

Theft crimes are serious charges. The Los Angeles theft crime attorneys at Wallin & Klarich understand the fear and anxiety that defendants face when confronting such serious and complex charges. Your freedom is at stake and we absolutely understand the consequences that a criminal conviction can have in today's society.

If you have been accused of a theft crime in Los Angeles County, you need skilled legal representation to defend the charges to avoid serious consequences including jail time, hefty fines and other penalties. A Los Angeles theft crime accusation also tarnishes your reputation and could have a negative impact on your job prospects, career and your future.

We have defended numerous clients charged with a variety of theft crimes over the last 30 years. We will provide you with skilled and aggressive criminal defense and protect your constitutional rights. We have a solid reputation and track record of aggressively defending and winning these Los Angeles theft crime cases. Over the years, we have successfully represented clients who have been charged with the following types of theft crimes and more:

• Shoplifting
• Petty theft
• Grand theft
• Embezzlement
• Identity theft
• Auto theft
• Burglary
• Bad checks
• Criminal fraud
• Larceny
• Bank fraud
• Credit card fraud.

California law classifies theft crimes into petty theft and grand theft. Petty theft is that which involves objects that are valued at $400 or less. Grand theft is theft that involves property that is valued at more than $400. Both of these offenses qualify as felony grand theft irrespective of the value of the stolen property. A misdemeanor petty theft conviction carries up to six months in jail, a fine of up to $1,000 or both. Grand theft is punishable by up to one year in jail or 16 months in state prison or two to three years in prison. Grand theft of amounts more than $50,000 carries an additional punishment of one or two additional years in prison.

The skilled Los Angeles County theft defense attorneys at Wallin & Klarich have helped first-time offenders with no prior theft charges reduce their charges or punishment. In many Los Angeles theft cases, we have also been able to successfully request alternative sentencing for our clients such as community service, house arrest or electronic monitoring, Caltrans work programs and private counseling services. If you have been accused of a Los Angeles theft crime, please call Wallin & Klarich as soon as possible to discuss how our experienced criminal defense attorneys can help build a winning strategy to fight your charges.