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Salinas Theft Crime Lawyers
Dedicated Legal Representation for Those Charged in Monterey County
When looking at the criminal justice system, people often consider theft offenses low on the severity scale. This is especially true when no violence is involved — such as in the case of petty theft. However, it’s important not to take such charges lightly. There are actually theft charges that have landed people in prison for decades. In fact, some of these allegations count toward California’s Three Strikes Law. Because of these realities, working with a Salinas theft crime lawyer is typically ideal.
At the Law Offices of William V. Pernik, our California criminal defense firm has spent years serving our local community. We know what a criminal conviction can do to a person’s life — even for seemingly minor allegations such as shoplifting. The truth is that a conviction on theft crime charges can follow a person for a lifetime. And even if it’s possible to have a record expunged, the consequences of the initial conviction (e.g., fines, jail time) can completely derail a person’s life.
Our law office is committed to securing favorable outcomes for our clients. Whether you’re facing petty theft or white-collar criminal charges, our legal team is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What California Theft Charges Can You Be Charged With?
When the District Attorney accuses someone of stealing property or other theft charges, they typically aim to secure a conviction and the most severe punishment possible. Even California prosecutors with a reputation for progressivism understand that citizens want to feel safe. Because of this, they’ll often overcharge defendants in order to secure a plea deal for a lower offense. Of course, the District Attorney may also prefer to take your case to trial.
Regardless of how they handle your case, there are various theft crimes prosecutors can charge you with. These include:
- Shoplifting
- Residential burglary
- Healthcare fraud
- Robbery
- Insurance fraud
- White-collar crime
- Embezzlement
- Grand theft charges
- Receiving stolen property
Under California law, a conviction for any of these theft crimes can result in severe consequences. Even someone charged with petty theft — which could occur over the theft of a $1 item at a convenience store — might face up to six months in county jail. Of course, potential penalties only get worse from there. That’s why working with a Salinas, CA theft crimes attorney is so important. No matter what police or prosecutors tell you, you need a legal advocate on your side.
Contact our law firm today to schedule your free case evaluation.
What Are the Penalties for a Theft Crime Conviction?
Criminal penalties for theft offenses can vary depending upon a wide array of factors. Clearly, someone charged with petty theft will not face the same potential penalties as a financier accused of white-collar crimes. However, one of the biggest distinctions relates to whether a person is facing misdemeanor or felony charges. This distinction could mean the difference between probation and years in state prison. In a worst-case scenario, a person could face a “third strike” and end up in prison for life.
For those facing a misdemeanor charge, it may be possible to avoid jail time completely. The prosecutor will likely use this fact to convince the accused that a plea deal is in their best interest. However, our law firm has been helping clients long enough to know that avoiding incarceration doesn’t necessarily mean a person “won.” Simply having a conviction on their record is enough to hinder someone from gaining employment, securing housing, and even applying for professional licenses.
This is why you should work with a Salinas, CA theft crime lawyer even when charged with misdemeanors. In many cases, it could be possible to have charges dismissed entirely. Of course, working with a legal team becomes even more critical for a felony charge. Even a conviction that leads to a short time in jail can prevent you from seeking expungement in the future. And for those hit with the maximum sentence, life may never be the same. Our law office is ready to help. Contact us today.
How Can Our Law Office Help You?
Whether you’re in King City, Pacific Grove, Santa Cruz, or anywhere else around Salinas, CA, working with a Monterey County theft crimes attorney at our law firm may be in your best interest. The simple fact is that theft crimes can sometimes result in higher penalties than assault, domestic violence, and many other seemingly more serious crimes. At the Law Offices of William V. Pernik, we’ll review your case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s narrative and evidence.
In many instances, this is enough to have charges dismissed. The simple fact is that the District Attorney is hoping that you don’t seek legal counsel. They know that individuals without an experienced attorney likely won’t mount a strong criminal defense. This allows the state to secure a quick conviction, and the criminal record resulting in such a conviction will follow a person for years. This gives prosecutors even more power if they end up charging a person again in the future.
Of course, having charges dropped will not always be possible. Fortunately, a Salinas theft crimes defense attorney at our law firm can also handle plea negotiations on your behalf. It’s also possible to secure a Civil Compromise agreement — where our clients avoid a conviction by simply reimbursing alleged victims for property stolen. Alternative sentencing strategies — such as Mental Health Diversion — are also possible. And if the state isn’t willing to play fair, we have no problem going to trial.
Contact a Salinas Theft Crime Lawyer Today
While theft crimes may seem relatively minor in criminal law, the fact is that a conviction can result in jail time as easily as the most violent offenses. This is particularly true when the accused has a criminal history, but the fact is that a person can find themselves in county lockup even for a minor first offense. Law enforcement officials and prosecutors want you to face the most serious consequences possible, but this may be avoidable with the right criminal defense attorney on your side.
At the Law Offices of William V. Pernik, we understand the importance of seeking a criminal lawyer when a crime has been alleged. We’ve seen far too many people railroaded by an unfair system — and it’s not uncommon for innocent people to face consequences simply because they don’t have knowledgeable legal counsel. Fortunately, you can put the combined experience of our Salinas theft crimes lawyers to work for you.
From police interrogations to aggressive advocacy in court, we’re here to help. Contact us at 831-480-1965 to schedule your free consultation.