Rainbow Theft Crime Attorneys

Legal Defense Against Rainbow Theft Crime Charges

Property crimes in California, including theft crimes, increased by 3% in 2021, as stated by the Department of Justice (DOJ). Although burglary decreased by 5.3%, the motor vehicle theft rate was up by 8.2%. Theft crimes, such as robbery, burglary, auto theft, and white collar crimes are often motivated by a desire for material gain (money or belongings). If you have been accused of a theft crime, contact an experienced Rainbow criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.

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What Types of Theft Crimes Are Committed in Rainbow?

Theft crimes are common in Rainbow and throughout San Diego County. When Proposition 47 was passed by California voters in November 2014, certain theft crimes that were previously charged as felonies became misdemeanors, which can greatly reduce penalties upon conviction. Our firm defends clients against a wide range of theft charges, including:

• Burglary: This crime involves breaking into or entering someone else’s property with the intent to commit a felony or theft inside the property. If a residence is broken into, the charge is first degree burglary, which carries penalties including up to 16 months, two years, or three years in state prison. If the property is a business, the charge is second degree burglary, punishable by a maximum of one year in county jail.
• Grand theft auto: Stealing a car is grand theft auto – the unlawful taking of a vehicle with the intention to keep it permanently or for a substantial period of time. This crime is a wobbler. When charged as a misdemeanor, it is punishable by a maximum jail sentence of one year. As a felony, the maximum penalty is three years in prison.
• Robbery: Taking personal property from another person with the use of force or fear is robbery. It is a felony, punishable in two degrees. First degree robbery carries a prison term of up to nine years, and second degree robbery is punishable by up to five years in prison. Fines of up to $10,000 may be included in the penalties.
• Shoplifting: A person who enters an open business with the intent to steal items worth less than $950 commits shoplifting. It is a misdemeanor offense but may be charged as a felony if the accused has a prior serious felony conviction or is a registered sex offender. Maximum potential penalties for misdemeanor shoplifting include up to six months in county jail and fines of up to $1,000.
• Embezzlement: Punished as grand theft or petty theft depending on the value of the property taken, embezzlement involves taking or converting for use property that has been entrusted to a person by someone else. As petty theft, it carries a jail sentence of up to six months and a maximum fine of $1,000. As a grand theft felony, embezzlement is punishable by a prison sentence of up to three years and a maximum fine of $10,000.
• Identity theft: Taking someone else’s information for use in an unlawful or fraudulent manner is identity theft. This crime is a wobbler. As a misdemeanor, it carries up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. As a felony, it carries up to three years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

If you are facing theft crime charges, get in touch with an experienced Rainbow theft crime defense lawyer right away. At jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys, we have more than 30 years of experience and a history of success for our clients. Founding attorney James Dicks is a board-certified criminal law specialist. Call us today at (760) 630-2000.

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