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Have the police arrested you on suspicion of theft in Van Nuys? A theft conviction can come with significant penalties in California. You need experienced legal support to defend your rights, reputation, and freedom. Contact the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling today for an initial case evaluation with Van Nuys theft crime lawyer.
What Are Theft Crimes in Van Nuys, California?
At the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling, our team provides dedicated Van Nuys theft crime defense for clients charged with offenses like:
- Grand theft
- Grand theft auto
- Petty theft
- Petty theft with a prior conviction
- Shoplifting
- Receiving stolen property
- Carjacking
- Theft from a vehicle
- Receiving stolen property
- Robbery
- Bank robbery
- Residential robbery
- Commercial robbery
- Embezzlement
- Identity theft
- Fraud
- Extortion
Penalties for Theft Crimes in Van Nuys
Penalties for a conviction for theft crimes in Van Nuys, CA, typically depend on the type of the offense, the amount of property stolen, and the kind of property taken. Less serious theft crimes qualify as misdemeanor offenses under California law, with penalties that include jail terms of less than a year and fines of up to $1,000.
More serious theft crimes, such as cases involving substantial dollar figures or the use of violence, typically qualify as felony offenses with penalties that include prison time and significant fines. Courts also frequently order restitution as part of a sentence for a theft crime, which obligates the defendant to repay their victim for financial losses they suffered.
It’s important to know that theft crimes are “wobbler” offenses in California, meaning they can be charged as misdemeanors or felonies in court.
Defending Against Theft Crime Charges in Van Nuys
Some of the most common defenses in theft cases include:
- You have an alibi.
- It’s a case of mistaken identity.
- You reasonably believed the property belonged to you.
- You had consent from the owner to take the property.
- You lawfully own or possess the property.
- You didn’t intend to steal.
Defense strategies may also focus on excluding the prosecution’s evidence because it was unlawfully obtained by investigators, such as by stopping you without reasonable suspicion of a crime or searching you, your vehicle, or your home or business without probable cause.
Why Choose the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling in Van Nuys, CA?
Clients choose the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling for dedicated criminal defense in Van Nuys because:
- Attorney Justin E. Sterling has over 20 years of criminal trial experience, including as a former Los Angeles public defender.
- Our firm has well-established relationships with local prosecutors, court staff, and judges in the Van Nuys and Southern California region.
- We have a team of in-house investigators and experts who help us gather solid evidence for even the most complex cases.
- We purposely limit our caseload to provide the attention and resources our clients deserve.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Theft Defense Lawyer in Van Nuys Now
Don’t wait to get the legal help you need if you’ve been charged with theft in Van Nuys. Contact the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling today for a free case review.
