Los Angeles, California
Accused of Shoplifting in Los Angeles?
Legal Definition of Shoplifting
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Shoplifting — California Penal Code §§ 484 and 459.5 PC
Under California law, the crime of theft is defined as the unlawful taking of another person’s property. When the property taken has a value of nine hundred fifty dollars ($950) or less, the theft is considered petty theft or shoplifting.
However, there are other, more complex forms of theft that may also result in petty theft charges, including:
- Trick theft (for example, switching a price tag on a store item so you can pay less for it).
- Embezzlement, which under California law means taking something that was entrusted to you (usually money).
Theft by fraud or false pretense (telling a lie in order to persuade someone to give you their property).
Penalties
Both petty theft and shoplifting are considered misdemeanors under California law.
The maximum penalties for a first-time shoplifting offense include a fine of up to one thousand dollars ($1,000), up to six (6) months in county jail, or both.
Most petty theft cases involve the type of theft known as “shoplifting,” which usually occurs when someone physically takes another person’s property.
Legal Defenses
There are certain legal defenses that can be very helpful when facing petty theft or shoplifting charges in California.
An experienced Criminal Defense Attorney at Progresso Legal Group P.C. will know how to help you use these defenses to reduce your charges or have them dismissed altogether.
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