San Bernardino Theft Crime Defense Attorney

Client-Focused Defense Representation for Theft Offenses

Facing any type of theft charge jeopardizes your freedom, your reputation, and your future. Local prosecutors tend to pursue these offenses aggressively, so you need a defense team that matches that intensity with strategic and skilled advocacy. At The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman, we can provide seasoned legal representation that aims to protect your rights from start to finish.

Attorney Jacqueline Goodman has decades of experience fighting for the criminally accused in high-stakes cases, including those involving felony charges. She is a California State Bar-certified criminal law specialist with a strong track record of securing favorable verdicts, reductions, and dismissals. Whether you face accusations of shoplifting, embezzlement, or grand theft, we can examine every piece of evidence and leverage our deep legal knowledge to challenge the prosecution’s narrative. You can expect hands-on representation and direct attorney involvement throughout each stage of the legal process. We are available 24/7 and can meet with you virtually.

Don’t wait to put our San Bernardino theft crime defense lawyer on your side. Call (714) 266-3945 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation. Se habla español.

Common Defense Strategies for Theft Crimes

Our team leaves no stone unturned when evaluating the defenses that may be available in your case. We are prepared to meticulously analyze police reports, witness statements, and evidence logs to identify the most effective path toward a dismissal, reduction of charges, or acquittal. Our goal is to dismantle the prosecution’s case against you by challenging their ability to prove every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. 

Some of the theft crime defenses we may explore include:

• Lack of intent. California law defines theft as a specific intent crime. We may be able to demonstrate that you did not intend to permanently deprive the owner of the property. For example, if you accidentally walked out of a store with an item or simply borrowed property with the intent to return it, we can argue that no crime occurred.
• Claim of right (ownership). You cannot steal property that you believe belongs to you. We may be able to utilize this defense if you had a good faith belief that you had a right to the specific property or money, even if that belief was mistaken. If we can establish that you honestly thought you were retrieving your own property, a theft charge cannot stand.
• Consent of the owner. Theft requires taking property without permission. We can investigate whether the owner actually gave you consent to take or use the item. If we can produce evidence of this permission, which may include text messages, emails, or witness testimony, we can undermine the core allegation of the prosecution.
• Mistaken identity or false accusation. Eyewitness testimony is notoriously unreliable, and security footage is often grainy or inconclusive. We may be able to challenge the identification procedures used by police and highlight inconsistencies in witness descriptions. Furthermore, if a disgruntled associate or former partner falsely accused you out of spite, we can work to expose their bias and credibility issues.
• Insufficient evidence. The burden of proof lies entirely with the prosecution. We can aggressively attack gaps in their evidence. If they lack physical evidence connecting you to the crime, we can move for a dismissal based on insufficient evidence.

Penalties for a Theft Crime Conviction in California

California law punishes theft crimes with severity, scaling the penalties based on the specific charge, the value of the property taken, your criminal history, and the presence of any aggravating factors. While misdemeanor petty theft carries a maximum sentence of six months in county jail and substantial fines for a first offense, prosecutors often pursue felony charges for higher-value offenses. 

A conviction for felony grand theft, embezzlement, or burglary can expose you to years in state prison, among other serious penalties. In high-stakes cases involving robbery, burglary, or carjacking, you face the potential for a "strike" under California's “Three Strikes” law, which usually doubles prison sentences for future felony convictions and significantly restricts early release eligibility. Furthermore, sentencing enhancements for using a weapon or causing great bodily injury can add years or even decades to a prison term. 

Beyond the immediate statutory penalties, having a criminal record can severely limit your personal and professional opportunities. Background checks will generally flag a theft crime conviction and create a stigma that employers and landlords often view as a dealbreaker. This classification can also endanger certain types of professional licenses and trigger deportation proceedings for non-citizens.

We Can Provide an Experienced Defense When You Need It Most

At The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman, we can diligently pursue strategies to shield you from or mitigate the impact of these harsh statutory and collateral consequences. Our team can leverage our extensive experience to effectively engage with prosecutors early. For certain offenses, we may also be able to negotiate for diversion programs that allow for a complete dismissal of charges upon completion. No matter the severity of the charges or the complexity of your circumstances, we are prepared to pursue every opportunity for a favorable resolution. 

If you or someone you love has been accused of a theft offense, call (714) 266-3945 or contact us online to learn more about how our attorney can help at no cost to you.