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The Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling can provide comprehensive legal support if you are facing theft charges in Pasadena. Attorney Justin E. Sterling’s experience as a former Los Angeles public defender and over 20 years of practicing criminal law in California gives him the experience and courtroom insight necessary to build a compelling defense that protects your future. Our aggressive team of investigators and support staff will help develop a robust legal strategy to uphold your rights and help you seek a fair resolution to your case.
Call or contact us today for a free case review with a theft crime lawyer in Pasadena.
Why You Need a Pasadena Theft Defense Attorney
You never want to face the criminal justice system without a skilled attorney’s help. California prosecutors work hard to secure convictions for theft offenses. Your defense lawyer’s job is to stand between you and the government. They can explain your charges and the theft crime penalties you face, protect your rights during interactions with the police and prosecutors, and build a vigorous defense strategy to counter the accusations against you.
What Are the Main Theft Crimes in Pasadena?
Theft crimes in Pasadena cover a wide range of potentially illegal acts, including:
- Burglary – Entering a building or locked vehicle with intent to commit theft or any other felony. Burglary is classified as first-degree (in residential settings) or second-degree (non-residential settings).
- Embezzlement – Fraudulently taking property entrusted to one’s care, often by an employee or agent of a business or organization
- Larceny – Unlawfully taking someone’s personal property with the intent to deprive them of it permanently. Larceny can be classified as grand theft or petty theft based on the value of the stolen goods.
- Robbery – Taking property directly from a person using force or fear. Robbery is considered more severe than other theft crimes because it involves direct confrontation and intimidation
. Using a gun or other deadly weapon significantly escalates the potential penalties a defendant could face.
Shoplifting, credit card fraud, identity theft, grand theft auto, and carjacking are other common theft crimes in California.
How Can I Beat My Theft Charges?
Finding the best defense strategy for your situation is one of the key roles of a Pasadena theft crime lawyer. Some potential defense strategies include:
- Showing you didn’t intend to steal the property
- Demonstrating the police arrested the wrong person
- Showing that prosecutors have insufficient evidence to convict you
- Arguing that you had consent from the property owner to take the items
- Proving you intended to return the property
- Looking for any violations of your rights during your arrest
- Challenging the credibility of witnesses
- Establishing an alibi
- Questioning how the police handled the evidence against you
Steps in Building Your Theft Defense
At the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling, we take a strategic approach to defending you against theft charges in Pasadena. First, we closely examine all evidence to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, such as unclear video footage or unreliable witnesses. We also investigate whether police or prosecutors violated your rights during the arrest or while collecting evidence.
At the same time, we’ll investigate the allegations independently to gather possibly exculpatory evidence — such as receipts or witness statements — to strengthen your case and clarify your intent or ownership claims. Throughout the process, we’ll negotiate with prosecutors as appropriate to seek reduced charges or case dismissals.
Contact a Pasadena Theft Defense Attorney Now
Don’t put your freedom and future at risk by foregoing a theft crime lawyer in Pasadena. Call the Law Office of Justin E. Sterling now or reach out online for a free consultation.
