Theft is one of the most common criminal allegations in California, and it carries serious and lasting consequences. If you’ve been charged with any kind of theft offense, you need an experienced theft crime lawyer in Livermore to protect your rights and your reputation.
A theft conviction can follow you for years, appearing on background checks and branding you as untrustworthy in the eyes of future employers, landlords, or licensing boards.
At Silver Law Firm, we’ve earned a strong reputation for strategic advocacy, persuasive negotiation, and courtroom defense. Contact us for a free consultation with a Livermore criminal defense lawyer.
Understanding Theft Charges Under California Law
California law classifies theft-related crimes into multiple categories based on the type of property involved, its value, and the circumstances of the alleged offense.
While these categories may seem rigid, an experienced defense lawyer can use these same distinctions to argue for a reduced charge, dismissal, or alternative sentencing option that avoids jail time.
Our firm handles every variety of theft allegation, from minor shoplifting incidents to complex financial crimes.
Shoplifting
Shoplifting occurs when someone enters an open business with the intent to steal property worth less than $950. In most situations, this offense is charged as a misdemeanor.
However, if the value exceeds that threshold or if other aggravating circumstances are present, such as prior theft convictions, prosecutors may pursue harsher penalties.
Our attorneys routinely challenge store surveillance evidence, question the reliability of witness statements, and identify procedural errors by loss prevention teams to ensure your side of the story is heard.
Petty Theft and Grand Theft
Petty theft applies when the alleged property value is under $950, while grand theft involves property valued at $950 or more. Grand theft can be filed as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the situation and your prior record. The distinction matters greatly, and it’s often a key point for defense.
At Silver Law Firm, we analyze valuation disputes, ownership issues, and intent evidence to fight for charge reductions or dismissals. Even a small discrepancy in the prosecution’s valuation can mean the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony record.
Burglary
Burglary is defined as entering any building, home, or structure with the intent to commit theft or another felony once inside. You can be charged with burglary even if nothing was actually stolen.
The law distinguishes between first-degree burglary (involving an inhabited residence) and second-degree burglary (involving businesses or non-residential structures).
Both are felony offenses that can result in years in state prison. Our legal team examines every aspect of the case, from the alleged entry point to police reports, to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence and challenge assumptions about intent.
Robbery
Robbery involves taking property directly from another person through the use of force or fear. Because it includes a violent element, robbery is always prosecuted as a felony in California.
First-degree robbery applies to victims in their homes, drivers, or individuals using ATMs, while second-degree robbery covers all other circumstances.
These are among the most aggressively prosecuted theft-related crimes, and a conviction can lead to lengthy prison terms. We provide an assertive and strategic defense aimed at reducing exposure and protecting your freedom.
Embezzlement
Embezzlement occurs when a person entrusted with money or property misuses it for personal benefit. This offense is often linked to workplace situations or fiduciary roles where trust is central. Depending on the amount involved, embezzlement can be prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or a felony.
Our Livermore theft crime attorneys have extensive experience with financial crime investigations. We meticulously review financial records, banking data, and accounting trails to find inconsistencies or procedural mistakes that may clear your name.
Fraud
Fraud encompasses a broad range of deceptive conduct designed to secure money, property, or benefits through false statements or misrepresentation. Common examples include check fraud, credit card fraud, and insurance fraud. Because fraud cases often involve extensive documentation, prosecutors may rely heavily on financial records and expert testimony.
We collaborate with forensic accountants and investigators to reconstruct the financial timeline and expose flaws in the prosecution’s narrative. In many cases, what appears to be criminal deception is simply a misunderstanding or a business dispute.
Money Laundering
Money laundering involves attempting to disguise the origin of funds obtained through illegal activity by funneling them through legitimate financial channels. These cases frequently overlap with federal investigations and can lead to both state and federal charges.
Our attorneys understand the challenges presented by these dual-jurisdiction prosecutions and know how to protect your rights when multiple agencies, such as the FBI or IRS, are involved.
Forgery and Identity Theft
Forgery and identity theft crimes include falsifying signatures, documents, or personal information to obtain goods, money, or services. Misusing another person’s Social Security number, credit card, or banking information can result in felony charges with severe penalties.
In our digital age, mistaken identity and data errors are increasingly common. We work to demonstrate when our clients were not the individuals responsible for the alleged activity or when evidence was obtained through unlawful searches or data breaches.
State vs. Federal Theft Prosecutions
Most theft cases in Livermore are handled in Alameda County Superior Court and prosecuted under California state law. However, some circumstances may elevate a case to the federal level.
You may face federal charges if:
- The alleged theft occurred on federal property or involved federal funds
- The victim was a government agency or foreign official
- The conduct crossed state lines, such as through online or interstate transactions
- A federal agency like the FBI, DEA, or Secret Service was part of the investigation
Federal court procedures differ significantly from California’s state system. If your case involves a federal indictment, it is essential to work with a Livermore theft crime attorney experienced in federal theft cases, as these matters require a deep understanding of federal evidence rules, sentencing guidelines, and negotiation strategies.
For a free legal consultation with a theft crime lawyer serving Livermore, call (510) 995-0000
A Knowledgeable Theft Crime Lawyer Serving Livermore Can Help You Build a Strong Defense Against Theft Allegations
Facing theft allegations, whether a shoplifting accusation or a high-value embezzlement charge, can be overwhelming. Remember: an accusation is not a conviction. Every case has defenses, and every client deserves a fair opportunity to tell their side of the story.
At our firm, we investigate every angle of the prosecution’s case. We examine how the evidence was obtained, whether your constitutional rights were violated, and whether witnesses or investigators made errors.
Common defenses to theft crimes include:
- Lack of intent: You did not intend to steal or permanently deprive the owner of their property.
- Consent: The property owner gave you permission to use or take the item.
- Mistaken identity: You were wrongly identified as the suspect.
- Insufficient evidence: The prosecution cannot prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Clerical or accounting errors: In financial cases, mistakes in bookkeeping or reporting can create the false appearance of theft.
When the evidence appears strong, we focus on mitigation. That may involve showing that the event was an isolated lapse in judgment, negotiating restitution, or seeking entry into a diversion or deferred entry of judgment program that keeps your record clean. Every decision we make is made with the goal of protecting your future.
Livermore Theft Crime Lawyer Near Me (510) 995-0000
Speak With a Theft Crime Attorney in Livermore Today
If you’re accused of theft, you may be uncertain about what comes next. However, you don’t have to face this situation alone. The sooner you involve a skilled attorney, the more options you’ll have for defending your case and avoiding the harshest penalties. At Silver Law Firm, we provide personalized, one-on-one attention to every client.
Whether we are preparing your case for trial or negotiating with prosecutors for a reduced charge, you’ll have a relentless advocate in your corner from start to finish.
Call us today or reach out through our secure online form for a free consultation with an experienced Livermore theft crime lawyer.
Call or text (510) 995-0000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form