Theft Crimes
When we think of theft, we may think of a person being mugged on the street or the break-in of a dwelling. And while those do qualify as theft, it is also the case that what may seem like a simple misunderstanding over property can balloon into felony theft charges in California, with the possibility of years in a state prison. Whether you are facing misdemeanor or felony theft charges in California, it is critical to have experienced defense counsel on your side who can present your best case to investigators and prosecutors, and work towards dropped charges or a not guilty finding.
Defending Californians in all State and Federal Theft Crimes
Our criminal defense attorney have represented individuals all over Southern California in a wide variety of theft crime charges, and can help defend your interests in all investigations and charges relating to:
- Grand theft larceny
- Misdemeanor larceny
- Armed robbery
- Embezzlement (theft of property entrusted to you)
- Larceny by false pretenses (using deception to obtain property)
- Larceny by trick (tricking a person into handing over property)
- Receiving stolen property
To sustain a guilty conviction, prosecutors must present sufficient evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and as your attorneys we will pursue all available legal strategies to rebut the accusations made against you, while also presenting further evidence in your favor.
Conspiracy and Accomplice Liability in California Theft Crimes
Prosecutors and investigators often attempt to make criminal theft cases against individuals who themselves did not commit the alleged theft through the doctrines of conspiracy liability and accomplice liability.
Under the doctrine of conspiracy liability, prosecutors may pursue charges on the allegations that there was merely an agreement with another person to commit theft. With accomplice liability, prosecutors might charge you on the grounds that you merely assisted or encouraged another in a theft crime.
Don’t Hesitate to Get Experienced Counsel in Your Theft Charges
Based on the above, simply telling the police you did not commit the theft may not help your case and you run the high risk of giving the police information that seems helpful to you but in reality is only helpful in giving the police and prosecutors what they need to build a case against you.
Because theft law is complicated – and because a guilty conviction can mean years in prison, high fines, and long-standing damage done to your career options via a criminal record for theft – it is important for you to assert your rights in all theft crime investigations and charges.
Under the U.S. Constitution, you have the right to remain silent in all police questioning of you, and you also have the right to request that questioning stop until you have a lawyer present. Once you retain a criminal defense attorney in your theft crime, the police can no longer question you at any point regarding the alleged theft crime.
By contacting the Law Offices of Omar Gastelum and Associates, APLC, at the first sign of an investigation – and before answering any police questions – you can protect your rights and your interests while obtaining experienced counsel in defending against all criminal charges.
Fighting For Your Best Possible Outcome in Your Theft Case
If you have been placed under arrest or are under investigation for larceny or other theft crimes in California, it is important to work with criminal defense attorneys who will fight for your rights.
At the Law Offices of Omar Gastelum and Associates, APLC, our experienced criminal defense attorneys will work with you from the very start to reach a positive outcome: a dropped investigation, a dismissal of charges, a not guilty verdict, a reduced sentence, or an alternative treatment program. Contact the Law Offices of Omar Gastelum and Associates, APLC today to get your best defense now.