An accusation isn’t evidence. In theft cases, people lie about missing property, exaggerate losses for insurance claims, or blame others for items they misplaced. The charge says one thing. The evidence says otherwise. That’s not unusual in theft cases—and it’s your defense.
Silver Law Firm represents people facing theft charges in Dublin and throughout Alameda County. We have served over 10,000 clients and understand how false accusations and mistaken identity drive many theft cases.
Our Simply Brilliant defense starts with questioning every claim the alleged victim makes. Free phone consultations let you discuss your case with a Dublin theft crime lawyer. Call us to learn about your Dublin criminal defense lawyer options.
Different Types of Theft Charges in California
California law defines several theft offenses. The charge you face depends on what was allegedly taken, its value, and how it was taken. Understanding these distinctions matters for your defense strategy.
Petty theft involves property valued under $950. It’s typically charged as a misdemeanor. Grand theft involves property valued over $950 or specific items like firearms or vehicles, regardless of value. Grand theft can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on circumstances and your criminal history.
Robbery adds force or fear to theft. Taking property directly from someone’s person or immediate presence through force or intimidation elevates theft to robbery—a serious felony. False accusations happen in robbery cases when alleged victims exaggerate confrontations or claim force that didn’t occur.
For a free legal consultation with a theft crime lawyer serving Dublin, call (510) 995-0000
Challenging Witness Credibility in Dublin Theft Cases
Alleged victims and witnesses in theft cases may have reasons to lie or exaggerate. Store employees want to justify their suspicions. Property owners inflate values for insurance purposes. People mistakenly identify strangers as thieves.
Our Dublin theft crime attorneys will investigate every witness thoroughly to see if their stories about your theft are mistaken. Here are some examples.
Store Employee and Security Guard Bias
Store employees face pressure from managers to prevent theft. Security guards want to prove their value. This pressure creates bias toward assuming guilt.
They watch someone browsing merchandise and decide that person looks suspicious. They interpret innocent behavior as evidence of criminal intent.
We examine training records and employment history. Has this employee falsely accused customers before? Do they have quotas for theft reports? Have they been disciplined for inappropriate stops? These questions help reveal whether witnesses are reliable or biased.
Alleged Victim Motivations to Fabricate
Property owners sometimes claim theft when property was never stolen. They file false police reports to collect insurance money. They blame others for items they lost, broke, or never owned. They exaggerate the value of missing property to increase insurance payouts.
We investigate ownership and value. Can the alleged victim prove they owned the property? Do they have receipts, photos, or documentation? Is their claimed value accurate? Insurance claims and police reports often contain different information—these inconsistencies help your defense.
Dublin Theft Crime Lawyer Near Me (510) 995-0000
Intent and Mistake Defenses
Theft requires intent to permanently deprive someone of property. Accidentally taking someone else’s property isn’t theft. Borrowing property with permission to return it isn’t theft. Believing property was yours or abandoned isn’t theft. Intent is the critical element prosecutors must prove.
Lack of Criminal Intent
Maybe you picked up merchandise intending to buy it but got distracted and walked out. Maybe you grabbed someone’s jacket thinking it was yours. Perhaps you took the property believing the owner had permitted you to do so. These scenarios don’t involve criminal intent to steal.
We investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged theft. What were you doing when you were accused? Did you attempt to conceal property or walk openly with it? Did you head toward the exits or continue shopping? Your behavior shows whether you intended to steal or made an innocent mistake.
Mistaken Identity and False Accusations
Witnesses make identification errors constantly. They remember faces poorly. They confuse similar-looking people. They see someone briefly and later identify the wrong person. Cross-racial identifications are particularly unreliable. People also fabricate accusations intentionally to harm others or deflect blame from themselves.
We challenge the identification evidence. How long did the witness observe the alleged thief? What was the lighting? What distance? Did they see the person clearly or just catch glimpses? We compare surveillance footage to witness descriptions to find inconsistencies.
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What Makes Our Theft Crime Attorneys in Dublin Different
Our attorneys have over 37 years of combined experience in California criminal defense. All our defense attorneys are completely dedicated to criminal defense—we don’t handle civil cases or other practice areas. This focus means we know how to challenge theft accusations effectively.
We don’t seek resolution until we’ve turned over every stone. We review all surveillance footage to see what actually happened versus what witnesses claim.
We interview employees, customers, and bystanders who might have seen events differently. We examine receipts, transaction records, and inventory logs to verify alleged losses.
Challenging Prosecution Evidence
We maintain an excellent reputation among courts and district attorneys in Dublin and throughout Alameda County. Prosecutors know we challenge evidence aggressively. Judges know we file well-researched motions attacking illegal searches and unreliable identifications.
We talk to our clients within hours—no more than a day after you contact us. We text, email, or call based on your preference. Theft charges affect your reputation immediately. You need answers quickly about what happens next and how to protect yourself. We never leave you waiting for information about your case.
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Get Help with Your Dublin Theft Case Today
Theft charges in Dublin threaten your freedom, your reputation, and your future employment. Even misdemeanor convictions create permanent criminal records that employers see during background checks. You need an experienced Dublin theft crime lawyer who knows how to challenge accusations and protect your rights.
Silver Law Firm offers free phone consultations to discuss your theft charges. Call us today to speak with an attorney about your case. We’ll explain the charges you’re facing, discuss potential defenses, and answer your questions about what happens next.
Don’t wait to get help. The earlier we start investigating your case, the better your chances of finding evidence that supports your defense. Contact Silver Law Firm now and let us put our unapologetic tenacity to work fighting your theft charges.
Call or text (510) 995-0000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form