Theft

A common charge with consequences that are often underestimated.

Theft is among the most frequently charged offenses in California. It covers a wide range of conduct – shoplifting, embezzlement from an employer, theft by false pretenses, and grand theft of money or property. Many theft cases are misdemeanors, but the charge can quickly become a felony depending on the value involved, the nature of the property, and the person’s prior record. California voters also recently changed the law to allow prosecutors to aggregate the value of multiple thefts and to impose stiffer penalties for repeat offenses, raising the stakes for many defendants.

Beyond the immediate penalties, theft convictions carry a stigma that other offenses do not. Because theft is considered a crime of dishonesty, a conviction can affect employment, professional licensing, and immigration status in ways that are far out of proportion to the underlying conduct. Many theft cases also involve circumstances deserving of a measured response – financial hardship, addiction, mental-health struggles, or simple misunderstanding. An effective defense takes all of this into account.

IredaleRoth has handled a wide range of theft cases, from small shoplifting matters to complex embezzlement schemes, to organized-theft crime rings. We have 

Common questions in theft cases include:

• Is the case a misdemeanor or a felony? The value of the property and the person’s history often determine the answer, and both can be contested.

• Can the case be resolved without a conviction? Diversion programs, civil compromise, and restitution agreements are often available, particularly for first-time offenders.

• What are the collateral consequences? Because theft is considered a crime of moral turpitude, non-citizens and licensed professionals should evaluate the full impact of any plea before accepting it.