Theft Crimes

Theft Crimes Defense in Riverside County: Protecting Your Record and Future

Theft charges in Riverside County range from minor shoplifting to serious grand theft and burglary offenses. Whether you are facing charges in Murrieta, Temecula, Menifee, Lake Elsinore, Wildomar, Winchester, Perris, Hemet, San Jacinto, Corona, Riverside, Moreno Valley, Norco, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, Banning, Murrieta, Menifee, Lake Elsinore, Winchester, Wildomar, or French Valley, a theft conviction can result in jail time, fines, restitution, and a permanent criminal record that affects employment, professional licenses, and housing. At the Law Office of Nic Cocis, we understand that theft charges often arise from misunderstandings, financial desperation, or false accusations. Our mission is to provide aggressive defense that protects your rights and minimizes the impact on your life.

Understanding Theft Charges in California

California theft laws cover a wide range of offenses under the Penal Code. Common theft charges in Riverside County include:

• Petty Theft (PC 484/488): Theft of property valued at $950 or less. This is typically a misdemeanor carrying up to 6 months in county jail.
• Grand Theft (PC 487): Theft of property valued over $950, or theft of specific items like firearms or vehicles regardless of value. This is a felony or misdemeanor ("wobbler") carrying up to 3 years in prison.
• Shoplifting (PC 459.5): Entering a commercial establishment during business hours with intent to steal property valued at $950 or less. This is a misdemeanor under Proposition 47.
• Burglary (PC 459): Entering a structure with intent to commit theft or any felony. First-degree (residential) burglary carries 2-6 years in prison; second-degree (commercial) burglary carries up to 3 years.
• Robbery (PC 211): Taking property from someone's person or immediate presence through force or fear. This is a serious felony carrying 2-9 years in prison.
• Embezzlement (PC 503): Fraudulently appropriating property entrusted to you. Penalties depend on the value of property taken.
• Receiving Stolen Property (PC 496): Buying, receiving, or concealing property you know or should know is stolen. This is a misdemeanor if the value is under $950, felony if over.
• Identity Theft (PC 530.5): Using someone else's personal information for unlawful purposes. This carries up to 3 years in prison.
• Auto Theft (VC 10851): Taking or driving a vehicle without the owner's consent. This carries up to 3 years in prison.

Proposition 47: Reduced Penalties for Theft Crimes

Proposition 47, passed in 2014, reclassified many theft offenses as misdemeanors when the value of property stolen is $950 or less. This includes petty theft, shoplifting, receiving stolen property, forgery, and writing bad checks. If you were convicted of a felony theft offense before Prop 47, you may be eligible to have your conviction reduced to a misdemeanor under PC 1170.18.

Severe Penalties for Theft Convictions

Theft penalties in Riverside County vary depending on the value of property stolen, your criminal history, and the specific charge:

Petty Theft (Misdemeanor)

• Up to 6 months in county jail
• Fines up to $1,000
• Informal probation
• Restitution to the victim
• Community service

Grand Theft (Felony or Misdemeanor)

• Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail
• Felony: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison
• Fines up to $10,000
• Formal probation
• Full restitution to victims
• Permanent felony record affecting employment and housing

Robbery (Felony)

• Second-degree robbery: 2-5 years in state prison
• First-degree robbery: 3-9 years in state prison
• Additional enhancements for use of firearms or causing great bodily injury
• Strike under California's Three Strikes Law

Strategic Defense Against Theft Charges

A successful theft defense requires a thorough investigation and strategic legal arguments. At the Law Office of Nic Cocis, our defense strategies include:

1. Lack of Intent

Theft requires specific intent to permanently deprive the owner of property. We argue that you intended to return the property, believed it was yours, or took it by mistake.

2. False Accusations

We investigate whether you have been falsely accused due to mistaken identity, ulterior motives, or errors in loss prevention procedures.

3. Insufficient Evidence

The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. We challenge weak evidence, unreliable witnesses, and gaps in the prosecution's case.

4. Consent or Claim of Right

If you believed you had permission to take the property or had a legitimate claim of ownership, you cannot be convicted of theft.

5. Challenging Search and Seizure

If law enforcement violated your Fourth Amendment rights during a search, any evidence obtained illegally may be suppressed.

6. Negotiating Reduced Charges

When appropriate, we negotiate with prosecutors to reduce felony charges to misdemeanors, or to secure diversion programs that result in dismissed charges.

Diversion Programs for First-Time Offenders

Many first-time theft offenders in Riverside County are eligible for diversion programs that allow you to complete counseling, community service, or restitution in exchange for dismissed charges. These programs preserve your clean record and avoid the collateral consequences of a conviction.

Why Experienced Legal Representation is Essential

Theft cases are aggressively prosecuted, and the consequences of a conviction extend far beyond fines and jail time. A theft conviction creates a permanent record that affects employment, professional licenses, and housing for years to come.

The Law Office of Nic Cocis provides dedicated defense throughout Riverside County. We understand the local court procedures and fight to protect your rights and future. Our goal is to secure dismissals, acquittals, or reduced charges that minimize the impact on your life.