Category Archives: Theft

Shoplifting and theft defense - California (Orange and L.A. County)

Shoplifting (or “petty theft”) is one of the most frequent crimes people ask me about.
The story is usually one of these two:  My (son, daughter, husband, friend) was arrested for shoplifting.  They’ve never even had so much as a traffic ticket and now they’re facing criminal charges.   Or - I’ve been accused of stealing from [...]

Is a petty theft/shoplifting charge a big deal?

Don’t be fooled by the name of the crime - “petty” theft.  It is a misdemeanor that carries up to six months in jail and a fine of $1,000.
But there’s more…  If you are convicted of any theft offense - petty theft, burglary, auto theft or grand theft to name a few, that conviction can [...]