A petty theft charge in Redwood City, California, may seem minor, but a conviction can follow a defendant for years, affecting employment prospects, housing applications, and reputation. Whether your case stems from a misunderstanding or a mistake you’ve made, you deserve legal help so you can defend yourself. Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys can fight for you and present the strongest possible defense.
Our lawyers understand the local San Mateo County court system and know how to challenge the prosecution’s evidence. Don’t let one accusation define the rest of your life. Call us at (650) 299-0500 today to schedule a confidential case evaluation with a Redwood City petty theft lawyer.
Why Hire Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys if You’re Arrested for Petty Theft?
When you’re facing petty theft charges in Redwood City, CA, the attorney you choose matters more than you might realize. At Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys, we’ve built our reputation by aggressively defending clients throughout San Mateo County, and prosecutors know we’re not afraid to take a case to trial.
Some of the benefits of hiring the firm include:
- 30 years of combined criminal defense experience
- CA State Bar Certified Specialist in Criminal Law
- Named to the National Trial Lawyers Top 100
- Over 50 trials successfully defended
- Over 3,000 cases won
Our team handles all types of cases, and we have significant experience handling theft charges. Contact us today to discuss the details of your case with a Redwood City criminal defense attorney before you talk to anyone else.
Overview of Petty Theft in California
Under California Penal Code § 484(a), theft includes unlawfully taking someone else’s property, money, or services. Under Penal Code § 490.2, theft of property valued at $950 or less is generally petty theft. If the value exceeds $950, the charge becomes grand theft, which carries harsher penalties. To convict you of petty theft, the prosecution must prove more than just that an item went missing.
They must establish each of the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
- Value: The stolen property must be worth $950 or less
- Lack of consent: The property must have been taken without the owner’s consent
- Intent: You must have intended to permanently deprive the owner of the property, or keep it long enough that they lose a significant portion of its value or enjoyment
- Movement: You must have moved the property, even a short distance, and kept it for any period of time
Common examples include shoplifting merchandise from a retail store, taking an unattended item, or walking out of a restaurant without paying.
What Are the Penalties for Petty Theft in Redwood City, California?
Petty theft is usually charged as a misdemeanor in California, punishable by up to six months in county jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. However, the penalties can vary based on the value of the property and your criminal history.
For property worth $50 or less, Penal Code § 490.1 allows the prosecutor to charge petty theft as an infraction with a fine of up to $250 if you have no prior theft convictions. Certain prior convictions can expose you to more serious charges and penalties, including a possible felony.
Beyond the courtroom, a theft conviction can show up on background checks and lead to collateral consequences, such as problems with employment, professional licensing, and immigration status.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Arrested for Petty Theft?
Being accused of petty theft doesn’t mean you’ll be convicted. An experienced Redwood City criminal defense lawyer can examine the facts of your case and raise defenses such as:
- No intent to steal: You never intended to permanently deprive the owner of the property; for example, you absentmindedly walked out of a store with an item or planned to return it.
- Good faith belief of ownership: You honestly believed the property belonged to you or that you had a legal right to take it.
- False accusation or mistaken identity: You were wrongly identified as the person who took the property, or someone accused you out of anger, jealousy, or a misunderstanding.
The right defense strategy depends on the specific facts of your case, which is why it’s important to speak with a Redwood City petty theft lawyer before making any statements to police or prosecutors.
If you’ve been arrested or cited for petty theft in Redwood City, California, the worst thing you can do is wait and assume the situation will work itself out. Early help from an experienced defense attorney can mean the difference between a dismissed case and a lasting criminal record.
Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys has helped countless clients throughout San Mateo County get charges reduced, diverted, or dropped entirely. Contact us today for a confidential consultation with a Redwood City petty theft attorney and let us start building your defense.