California’s Three Strike Law applies to violent felonies, including certain theft crimes, such as robbery, carjacking, or extortion. This law allows for repeat offenders to face more extreme penalties. Every violent felony causes one strike against you on your record. Penalties increase, depending on whether you have any strikes; on your third strike, you can face much higher penalties, such as a sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
Costa Mesa Theft Crime Lawyer
Theft Crime Attorney In Costa Mesa, CA
Facing theft crime allegations can be overwhelming. With heavy penalties and limitations on your rights and freedoms possible, theft charges often lead to anxiety over what the future holds. A Costa Mesa theft crime lawyer can defend you against these charges and safeguard your rights during the process.
Why Choose Us?
The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman is experienced in criminal defense cases. Jacqueline Goodman is a Certified Criminal Law Specialist who has been defending against theft crime charges and California’s strict theft crime penalties for over 20 years. Known for mounting an aggressive defense in each case, The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman can fight your charges and pursue an outcome that supports your freedom.
Ready to defend your rights? Schedule your consultation with our theft crime attorney in Costa Mesa at 714-879-5770!
Renowned Success Rate
Criminal cases are often complicated. There are two sides to every story, and it is important that the court sees the situation clearly. We can help defend you in your criminal case and make sure your perspective is heard.
Theft Crimes in Costa Mesa
Unlawfully stealing property or services can be a serious charge. Whether you took goods from a store in South Coast Plaza, a firearm, a vehicle, or a service, many forms of property can be involved in theft crimes. In California, a variety of thefts occur, such as over 175,000 vehicles stolen in 2024. If you are facing theft crime charges, you should hire a theft crime lawyer who can explain your unique charges and identify a defense strategy for your case.
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- Anonymous
If you value your life, reputation and your future you must hire Atty Jacqueline Goodman. Just when i thought i had no options but to go to jail and get a conviction, Atty Goodman showed me otherwise and gave me a second chance and got me diversion with no conviction; she gave me my life back. She will fight for…
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It is with tremendous thanks and a grateful heart that we let you know how much we appreciated your expertise, advice and phone calls on [client's name] behalf. You are a person of service and dedication.
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Ms Goodman and her staff were beyond helpful. I was in an extremely difficult situation that I hadn’t been in before and needed help. I was referred to Jackie and her office who were extremely helpful. Jackie and her team were extremely empathetic and knowledgeable. They were quick to respond, took action, and kept me informed. Thank you Ms Goodman…
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Ms.Goodman has been an amazing and thorough lawyer representing my family. She has shown up to each court date, being prepared and ready to speak to the judge. She has been a great communicator with my family and kept us informed along the way. She is authentic, and will go the long mile on your case. Choose her to represent…
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Ms. Goodman and her team is by far the best in Southern California. I literally had zero hope of getting anything but prison time on my current case and Ms. Goodman somehow got me an interview for probation. I can say it hasn’t been easy and she’s been doing a lot out of love more than any other attorney would…
- Former Client
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I can't even begin to express how amazing Jacqueline was when I worked with her for a close friend's case. She was always a quick text away, and when we worried she was the vote of confidence we needed to keep going. Her office staff was also SO easy to work with. Her closing statement moved me, the family, and…
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She was carring and attentive, always up front with information. She truly cares about her clients and works diligently to achieve the best possible outcome. My family and I truly admire and respect this amazing and talented lawyer. She is definitely someone you can count on for the best advice and outcome.
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Great attorney to work with. She's a boss and has some serious attorney swagger. When I walked into the court room with her, everybody stopped and starred. I felt like I was getting represented by a superstar attorney. She'll run circles around any DA.
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Types of Theft Crime Charges
Generally, theft crimes in Costa Mesa can be classified as petty or grand theft under California theft crime laws. Petty, or second-degree theft, involves stolen property that does not exceed $950 in value. Grand theft, or first-degree theft, involves stealing property worth over $950 or certain kinds of property, such as a vehicle or firearm. Some common theft crimes are:
- Grand theft auto: No matter what strategy was used to take a vehicle, driving or stealing a vehicle you do not own can have serious consequences.
- Robbery: Robbery is a theft crime that involves using force or threats of force to take property. Where a robbery occurs influences the potential penalties and severity of the crime, such as if it was residential robbery, bank robbery, or commercial robbery.
- Burglary: Burglary charges cover the act of illegally entering a property with the intent to commit theft or another felony. Similar to robbery, burglary charges can vary, depending on where the crime occurred. Burglary is often accompanied by other charges, such as trespassing or robbery.
- Fraud: Fraud charges can often be involved in theft crimes, as fraud involves causing harm or loss, usually by stealing money or benefits. There are many forms of fraud, such as check fraud, credit card fraud, insurance fraud, or mail fraud.
- Financial elder abuse: Taking advantage of an elder for personal financial gain is considered financial elder abuse. Often, this form of theft is done through fraud, forgery, or embezzlement, and it can be penalized harshly.
California’s Felony Theft Crime Penalties
Many theft crimes are wobbler offenses, meaning they can be classified as a felony or misdemeanor, depending on the circumstances of the crime. Aggravating factors can increase the severity of a charge. This, in turn, can lead to a wobbler being a felony and higher penalties. Theft crimes may involve aggravating factors such as:
- Prior theft convictions or other criminal convictions
- The involvement of a firearm or other deadly weapon
- Committing the offense against vulnerable victims, such as children, the elderly, or disabled individuals
- If the stolen property was of high monetary value or caused substantial financial hardship
- If the theft was affiliated with a gang
Though aggravating factors and crime-specific penalties can change the theft crime penalties, there are general sentences and fines for both misdemeanor and felony convictions. Typically, misdemeanors are penalized by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Felonies are penalized by up to three years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Hire a Theft Crime Lawyer
A Costa Mesa theft crime lawyer can identify a defense strategy unique to your offense. A strong defense can lead to lighter sentences, reduced charges, and even case dismissal. Some strategies your lawyer may use include arguing or presenting evidence that:
- You owned the property or believed that you owned the property.
- You were acting with the consent of the property owner.
- You did not intend to steal the property.
- You were not the person who stole the property.
- There is not sufficient evidence to prove that you stole the property.
THEFT CRIME LAWS FAQ'S
Costa Mesa, CA
Reach Out to a Costa Mesa Theft Crime Attorney
The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman can mitigate the negative impacts of a theft crime charge. Contact us to learn how an experienced Costa Mesa theft lawyer can help during a theft crime case.