Shoplifting

Wais Azami is an experienced shoplifting defense lawyer in Orange County. Don’t take a chance with anyone else, even if it’s not the crime of the century.

Petty Theft and Shoplifting are one of the most commonly prosecuted crimes in California.

Whether you left a store and forgot to pay for something or you’re falsely accused, Law Office of Wais Azami can help defend you against shoplifting or petty theft charges.

Sometimes we are falsely accused of such crimes due to misidentification. Or maybe we do things we later regret. When money is tight and you and your family have needs, it can push you to do things you normally wouldn’t even consider. Or maybe you just acted on a crazy impulse at a difficult, emotional moment. After the fact, it is easy to recognize what happened was wrong. Unfortunately, without an experienced California shoplifting defense attorney on your side, the court may not often get to hear your side of the story.

Just because you are facing a theft or shoplifting charge, that doesn’t mean you deserve to be punished harshly and treated like a criminal. Because of our extensive criminal defense experience, we have handled many theft cases and probably some very similar to yours. We will give your case the attention it deserves.

Sentence Reductions for Theft Under Proposition 47 in California

In 2014, the Proposition 47 ballot initiative effectively reduced many theft offenses from felony to misdemeanor offenses.

If the amount taken or value of property in question is under $950, it is a misdemeanor offense. These types of theft charges include:

• Petty theft
• Shoplifting
• Bad Checks, fraud, forgery
• Receiving stolen property

As long as the value is under $950, you won’t be charged with a felony theft offense, under the revised statutes of the California Penal Codes, Sections 459, 470-476, 484, and 487.

If you were previously sentenced to a felony theft or theft-related offense that is now classified as a misdemeanor, you may be eligible for a sentence reduction and expungement under the provisions of prop 47.

Petty Theft & Shoplifting Penalties

Petty theft involves the taking of property whose value is less than $400. If you are charged and convicted of misdemeanor petty theft, you may be sentenced to up to 6 months in jail and fines ranging from $50- $1,000.

If the value of the property taken is less than $50, you may be charged with a simple infraction. An infraction is less in severity than a misdemeanor and the penalty for infraction petty theft is a fine less than $250.

The option to prosecute your petty theft charge as an infraction is one that rests with the prosecution. Typically, it depends on whether or not you have any prior theft convictions.

Theft Penalties – Aggravated Theft

There are aggravating circumstances that can make these charges more serious. Theft from the elderly is a more serious offense and can result in enhanced penalties at sentencing. Stealing from an elderly, infirmed, or incapacitated person is considered a more serious crime.

accused of shoplifting/theft in California? free legal case evaluation from an experienced ca theft defense attorney

Though theft and shoplifting offenses are common in California, they are not to be taken lightly. Because you may be facing prison time and hefty fines, it is vital that you get in touch with an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. And any criminal charge can result in a permanent criminal record that can follow you for the rest of you life. Want more information on shoplifting penalties, call Wais Azami.

All forms of theft are considered crimes of moral turpitude for immigration purposes. Such convictions could lead to deportation, removal, prevention of status changes and prevention of entry.

Make sure your rights are defended, and you aren’t punished unfairly, or more severely than you deserve. You are innocent until proven guilty and deserve fair treatment under the law.

Have You Been Accused of Shoplifting?

Call the Law Offices of Wais Azami at (714) 321-9999. Or schedule a free consultation with our shoplifting lawyer in Orange County here. We will generate a defense plan which aims to get the charges dismissed, reduced, and/or the consequences mitigated.