Sacramento Theft Lawyer

Sacramento Theft Attorney

If you have found yourself in a situation where you need a theft lawyer in the Sacramento, California, area, look no further than the skilled Sacramento theft lawyer at the Law Office of Conor Bell. Conor defends individuals charged with theft-related offenses. These offenses can often result in legal consequences.

Theft is a criminal offense involving taking property that belongs to someone else without permission and intends to deprive them of that property permanently. At the Law Office of Conor Bell, our job is to provide guidance and advice, protect the rights of our clients, and offer a defense strategy with the goal of obtaining the most favorable outcome in court. We do this by obtaining dismissal or reducing the charges depending on your particular situation.

Types of Theft Charges in California

In California, the severity of theft charges is determined by the value of the stolen property and the circumstances surrounding the crime. Below are the most common theft-related offenses Conor deals with:

• Petty theft. Typically classified as a misdemeanor, petty theft involves theft with a value of less than $950.
• Grand theft. When the theft of the property is valued over $950, the offender may be charged with a misdemeanor or felony depending on past criminal history and other factors. This type of theft is referred to as grand theft.
• Burglary. When an offender enters a structure with the intent to commit theft or another crime, the offender may be charged with burglary.
• Auto theft. This type of theft refers to stealing a vehicle, which is considered a serious felony.
• Robbery. Robbery is taking property with a forceful nature or by threatening to use force, and it is a more serious crime.
• Shoplifting. Generally considered petty theft, shoplifting is when an offender steals merchandise from a retail store.

Penalties for Theft Crimes in Sacramento

The penalties for theft vary greatly in the state of California. If convicted of petty theft, an offender can receive up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. When an offender is convicted of grand theft, their penalties can include probation, imprisonment, and fines of much greater value. Robbery and burglary are much more serious crimes and, if convicted, come with potential sentences ranging from several years to life in prison. Additionally, jail for a DUI in California can range from a few days to several months, depending on the severity of the offense and whether it is a first or repeat offense.

As a skilled Sacramento theft lawyer, Conor can work to negotiate these penalties by pushing to reduce sentences, suggesting diversion programs, and seeking plea deals. Additionally, if you are facing DUI charges, Conor can also provide expert guidance as a DUI lawyer, helping you navigate the legal process and explore the best possible options.

Defense Strategies

One of the main roles of a theft lawyer is to create a defense strategy unique to the facts of the case. Conor will work with you to discuss the right course of action to take. These include:

• Insufficient evidence. By challenging the prosecution’s evidence, we can use surveillance footage, witness testimony, and physical evidence for this defense strategy.
• False accusations. By arguing that the defendant was wrongfully accused or the evidence was fabricated, Conor can try to determine if false accusations were made.
• Lack of intent. Conor can argue that there was no intention to permanently deprive the owner of their personal property.
• Mistake of fact. Conor may try and argue that the defendant honestly believes that the property was theirs and that they did not believe they were committing a crime by taking it.
• Alibi. We will work through a number of ways to try and find the defendant an alibi, arguing they were not at the scene of the crime at the time it took place.

FAQs

Why Do You Need a Sacramento Theft Lawyer?

Theft cases in Sacramento are often complex and come down to factual issues. It is essential to have an experienced lawyer to help navigate these issues and any other challenges that may arise. The Sacramento theft lawyer at the Law Office of Conor Bell can give advice on the next course of action to take after combing through the evidence against the defendant.

He can also work hard to negotiate with prosecutors to lessen the charges or seek an alternative route of punishment. Having a good theft lawyer represent you in court through the course of your trial is also extremely important, as this will help ensure an optimal outcome.

What Amount of Theft Is a Felony in California?

In California, theft is considered a felony when the value of the stolen property is greater than $950. This is considered grand theft, and the felony conviction depends on a number of factors, such as criminal history, whether a weapon was used, and how the crime was planned and committed. These charges often result in fines of up to $10,000 and jail time of up to three years.

How Long Do I Have to Report a Theft in California?

How long someone has to report a theft in California depends on the kind of theft that took place. There is a one-year statute of limitation for minor thefts. Misdemeanor crimes receive a two-year statute of limitation period, whereas felony theft crimes have a three-year statute of limitation time frame. The statute of limitation period begins at the time of the theft crime in Sacramento, California.

What Is Theft by Deception in California?

Obtaining someone else’s property through deceptive or fraudulent means is considered theft by deception in California. The penalties for this type of theft depend on the value of the stolen property and whether the defendant is a first-time offender. To be convicted of theft by deception in the state, the prosecution must be able to prove the defendant intended to persuade the victim to give up their property by knowingly deceiving them.

Contact Our Lawyer Team to Get Help with Your Theft Case

Sacramento theft lawyer Conor Bell has great experience with California’s criminal justice system. He understands the practices, procedures, and local laws of the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office.

Having local knowledge, being experienced in theft cases, and having an established history of creating a personalized defense, Conor can help you receive a positive outcome. If you or someone you know is looking for a theft lawyer in the Sacramento area, contact the Law Office of Conor Bell for a free consultation.