Shoplifting in Orange County, California

Shoplifting is one of the most common crimes in California as well as in the nation. This criminal offense involves stealing merchandise, goods, or services from others and is generally called petty theft. If you take goods or services valued at less than $50, you may be charged with either a misdemeanor or an infraction, if you do not have any previous theft convictions. How you are charged will be left up to the discretion of the prosecutor. An infraction is generally punishable by a fine of up to $250. A misdemeanor charge carries penalties of potential county jail time up to six months and a fine of up to $1,000. A petty theft conviction can have adverse repercussions for your future; a potential employer may not wish to employ you and a misdemeanor conviction may prevent you from being eligible for professional state licenses or other career opportunities.

Petty theft in California generally involves stealing goods or services valued at $950 or less. Stealing goods valued above this generally is charged as grand theft, either as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the facts of the case. In cases where you are charged with a petty theft and it is a first offense, your defense attorney may be able to negotiate a diversion program which will result in the dismissal of your charges if you successfully complete it. Such a program may include repayment to the person or company from who you stole the merchandise, completing court-ordered community service hours, or completing anti-theft awareness and education classes.

Orange County Theft Defense Attorney

To give yourself the best chance at a favorable outcome in any type of theft charges, you should consult with a qualified criminal defense attorney. Attorney Goodman at the Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman has an 18-year record of effective legal results in the field of criminal defense in Orange County. She has earned a well-respected reputation for her many wins in complex criminal trials during her career and has been featured on many local news programs on CBS, Fox, and other media outlets concerning criminal law.

Attorney Goodman and her legal team work diligently to investigate all aspect of criminal charges and to construct viable defenses that will work in your favor. To get the skilled legal help you need following petty theft or any other type of criminal offense charges, contact her offices today.