Alameda & Contra Costa County Theft Crimes Defense Lawyer
Defending People Charged with Theft in Pleasanton & Hayward
Theft crimes continue to be some of the most commonly committed offenses in the Bay Area. By legal definition, theft refers to the unlawful act of intentionally taking or using another person’s property without permission. Accepting property that is known to be stolen is also a form of theft. If you have been accused of theft, it’s important to retain the services of an experienced defense attorney. Charges of theft have the potential to bring out the kind of life-changing penalties that could leave you at a terrible disadvantage for the rest of your life.
Types of Theft
When a person commits an act of theft, he or she will either be charged with petty theft or grand theft. A person will face petty theft charges, a misdemeanor offense, when the total value of the stolen goods is less than $400. Grand theft, which is a much more serious felony offense, will be charged when the value of the stolen goods is more than $400.
Alameda & Contra Costa County theft crimes attorney Lynn Gorelick offers defense representation to clients facing petty or grand theft charges for the following crimes:
- Embezzlement
- Shoplifting
- Robbery/Armed Robbery
- Burglary
- Forgery
- Fraud
- Auto Theft
- Carjacking
- Larceny
- Counterfeiting
- Identity Theft
- Credit Card Theft
Penalties for Theft Crimes in Alameda County, Contra Costa County and throughout the Bay Area
If you are convicted on theft charges, your penalties will depend largely on the type of offense you committed. Petty theft convictions typically result in no more than one year in jail, no more than $1,000 in fines, community service, probation, restitution, a mark on your permanent record, and more. In cases of grand theft, you will be sentenced to an enhancement of these penalties, meaning much larger fines, no less than one year in state prison, more hours of community service, a higher amount in restitution, etc.
In many theft crimes cases, it is often possible to have your charges reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor, and there is also the possibility in some cases of participating in a theft diversion program. In exchange for the successful completion of a theft diversion program, the judge will dismiss or drop your charges.
Contact an Alameda & Contra Costa County Theft Crimes Defense Attorney
If you have been charged with a theft-related crime, please waste no time in contacting Contra Costa & Alameda County theft defense lawyer Lynn Gorelick. Having a defense attorney on your side with decades of experience will significantly increase your chances of acquiring a successful outcome. Achieving the best possible outcome is what Attorney Gorelick considers her obligation. Whether or not you have been involved in criminal theft is not the issue. Ms. Gorelick is committed to protecting your best interests by applying her knowledge, resources, and expertise to help you overcome these unfortunate circumstances, and reestablish hope for a good future.
You have options available to you. Please contact the Gorelick Law Offices to schedule a consultation with an attorney that comes with over 25 years of expertise and knowledge. You don’t have to feel alone or unprepared when facing theft charges!