When one faces an accusation of theft in California, even a charge that may appear to be minor, the stakes can be tremendous. If you were charged with an offense, now is the time to engage a knowledgeable and dedicated theft crime lawyer in Palo Alto, who is ready to defend your rights, protect your reputation, and safeguard your liberty.
A conviction for theft is about far more than simply paying fines or serving time. Such a verdict can show up on background checks, restrict employment opportunities, complicate housing applications, impede professional licensing, and have lasting consequences for your life.
Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced Palo Alto criminal defense lawyer.
Understanding Theft Charges Under California Law
Under California law, the term “theft” covers a wide array of conduct, from shoplifting merchandise off a shelf to complicated schemes involving misappropriated funds or property.
The nature of your charge and the penalty you face depend on key factors such as the value of the property involved, how the alleged theft was carried out, and the specific details of the act.
Although the statutes may seem straightforward at first glance, a skilled Palo Alto theft crime attorney can use those very details to your advantage. Depending on the facts, your lawyer may be able to argue for a reduced charge, dismissal, or alternative sentencing such as probation, restitution, or a diversion program.
Our firm handles every type of theft-related offense in and around Palo Alto, from minor shoplifting to substantial white-collar and financial crimes.
Shoplifting
Shoplifting under this statute occurs when someone enters an open business with the intent to steal merchandise valued under $950. Typically, this is charged as a misdemeanor. But aggravating factors, such as prior theft convictions or higher property values, can elevate the severity of the offense.
In the Palo Alto area, our theft crime attorneys leave no stone unturned. We’ll review surveillance footage from retail locations, verifying witness statements, and checking whether law enforcement or store security followed proper procedures.
Even relatively minor procedural missteps, such as an unlawful search, unclear identification, or mishandled store records, can weaken the prosecution’s case, opening the door to a charge reduction or dismissal.
Petty Theft and Grand Theft
One of the primary distinctions between petty theft and grand theft hinges on the value of the stolen property. In California, petty theft generally involves property worth less than $950 and is often charged as a misdemeanor. Grand theft involves property worth $950 or more, and may be charged either as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on other aggravating factors.
In Palo Alto and adjacent jurisdictions, our attorneys rigorously analyze your case. Was the value of the property accurately appraised? Did you actually intend to permanently deprive the rightful owner? Was there a misunderstanding, borrowing rather than theft, or confusion as to ownership? These subtleties matter.
Frequently, our defense work uncovers significant inconsistencies that lead to reduced penalties, or in some cases, complete dismissal of the charge.
Burglary
Charges of burglary arise when someone enters a structure, vehicle, or dwelling with the intent to commit theft or another felony, even if nothing is actually taken. Under California law, the very intent to commit the crime may be sufficient.
The law makes distinctions between first-degree burglary (of a residence) and second-degree burglary (of a non-residential building or business). Both categories are felonies and carry the possibility of substantial prison time.
In the Palo Alto region, our theft-crime attorneys carefully examine police and forensic reports, review witness statements, and challenge the assertion that you intended to commit a crime.
Robbery
Robbery is among the most serious theft-related crimes because it involves taking property from a person by force or by fear. This offense is always charged as a felony and is prosecuted vigorously throughout Santa Clara County and the broader Bay Area.
For instance, first-degree robbery often occurs in victims’ homes or while they are driving or standing at an ATM, while second-degree robbery covers other settings.
Our defense team in Palo Alto carefully scrutinizes every piece of evidence, looking for inconsistencies, examining whether your constitutional rights were violated (like during a search or arrest), and building the strongest possible defense on your behalf.
Embezzlement
Embezzlement involves a person who has been entrusted with another’s money or property, using that trust for their own gain. These matters often arise within workplaces, financial institutions, or fiduciary relationships. Depending on the amount involved, the offense may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony.
Our Palo Alto theft crime attorneys have experience handling complex financial allegations. We conduct thorough reviews of financial records, correspondence, and digital evidence, looking for errors, misunderstandings, or legitimate explanations rather than intentional wrongdoing.
Fraud
Under California law, fraud covers a broad spectrum of deceptive acts designed to obtain money, property, or services through false representation.
Common examples include credit-card fraud, check fraud, mortgage fraud, or insurance fraud. Such matters frequently involve sophisticated documentation and expert testimony.
In Palo Alto, our theft-crime attorneys collaborate with forensic accountants and investigators to dissect the prosecution’s financial narrative.
Many so-called fraud cases are in fact the result of clerical mistakes, miscommunication, or civil disputes rather than deliberate deception, and our job is to draw those distinctions clearly.
Money Laundering
Money laundering typically involves concealing the origins of illegally obtained funds by routing them through legitimate channels, such as businesses or bank accounts. Because these cases often trigger multi-agency investigations (both state and federal), the stakes are very high.
Our theft crime attorneys in Palo Alto are adept at handling multi-agency investigations involving entities such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and state agencies. We understand California’s court procedures and the interplay with federal law and can help ensure your rights are protected at every stage.
Forgery and Identity Theft
Forgery and identity-theft offenses involve falsifying documents or using another person’s personal information for financial or personal gain.
With increasing digitization, these crimes are more common than ever, and innocent individuals can become wrongly accused through no fault of their own.
Our team understands the technology behind these allegations in the Palo Alto region. We analyze data trails, IP logs, and electronic evidence and work to demonstrate that you may be the victim, not the perpetrator.
For a free legal consultation with a theft crime lawyer serving Palo Alto, call (510) 995-0000
State vs. Federal Theft Charges
Most theft charges in Palo Alto and Santa Clara County are prosecuted under California state law and handled in local court systems. However, certain theft offenses may escalate to the federal level.
This is common when:
- The alleged offense occurred on federal property or involved federal funds
- The victim was a government agency or an international organization
- The conduct crossed state lines (for example, online theft or wire transfers)
- Federal agencies such as the FBI or the Secret Service become involved
Federal theft prosecutions follow different and often more severe rules than state cases, including harsher penalties and more challenging procedural issues.
If you face potential federal theft charges, you’ll need an attorney who knows both jurisdictions. Our Palo Alto-based team has the experience and strategic insight to deal with these challenging matters.
Palo Alto Theft Crime Lawyer Near Me (510) 995-0000
Building a Strong Defense: How a Theft Crime Attorney in Palo Alto Can Help
Being accused of a theft offense can be frightening, overwhelming, and life-altering. Yet a charge is exactly that, an accusation, not a conviction. You still have important constitutional rights, and with the right legal representation, you can protect your future.
Common defense strategies include:
- Lack of intent: You did not intend to steal or permanently deprive the owner.
- Consent: The owner allowed you to use or borrow the property.
- Mistaken identity: You were identified incorrectly as the perpetrator.
- Insufficient evidence: The prosecution cannot prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Records/clerical error: Especially in financial thefts, complex documentation or faulty accounting can make innocent conduct appear criminal.
Our goal is to safeguard your freedom, preserve your reputation, and protect your future.
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Contact a Theft Crime Lawyer Serving Palo Alto Today
If you’ve been accused of a theft offense in or around Palo Alto, acting quickly matters. Early involvement of a strong Palo Alto theft crime lawyer can make a dramatic difference in the outcome of your case. At our firm, we provide personalized, results-driven representation.
Whether we are negotiating with prosecutors, exploring diversion or alternative sentencing, or standing by your side in court, we are committed to protecting your rights and achieving the best possible outcome for your situation.
Reach out today for a free consultation with a skilled Palo Alto theft crime attorney. Your future may depend on the strength of your defense.
Call or text (510) 995-0000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form