CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL LAWYERS

Why You Need an Experienced Attorney When Facing Petty Theft Charges in Los Angeles

Why You Need an Attorney for Petty Theft Charges in Los Angeles

In Los Angeles, if someone steals an item with a value of under $950, it is known as petty theft. Petty theft also includes stealing something from a retail store, taking items from an employer, or stealing something that one was responsible for watching over. Petty theft is considered a misdemeanor charge that can lead to jail time and exorbitant fines. Therefore, hiring an experienced attorney is essential for fighting petty theft charges in Los Angeles.

Challenging the Basis for the Charges

One of the critical reasons for hiring an attorney in a petty theft case is that attorneys can challenge the basis of the charge. With an attorney, it is possible to prove that one never had any intentions of stealing the item in question. Attorneys can prove that the item belonged to the client or that the charges against the client are false. These are possible defenses that require a deep understanding of the law in California and Los Angeles. Competent attorneys can use their in-depth knowledge to prove cases in court.

Reviewing Police Procedures

During and after an arrest for petty theft, there are specific procedures that the authorities must follow. A Los Angeles attorney experienced in petty theft cases will check the police procedures to ensure they are following every legal guideline. An attorney might find instances where the police conducted a few procedures improperly or violated one’s constitutional rights. That would mean that the evidence collected might not be admissible in a court of law. A competent attorney will identify these issues and have them addressed.

Ensuring Your Rights

Sometimes, aggressive prosecutors aim to violate an individual’s rights, causing them to become subject to numerous allegations or motions. This approach is meant to harass them. In other instances, prosecutors might use underhanded tactics to intimidate the client into accepting a plea deal that is not in their interest. Therefore, in case of petty theft charges, hiring an attorney will give you a skilled and determined advocate who can protect your rights by levelling the playing field. An attorney ensures that your rights are safeguarded until the case is closed.

Preventing Probation

A misdemeanor conviction for petty theft in Los Angeles can lead to a sentence of up to six months in jail. By hiring an attorney, one can avoid jail time, mainly if the negotiation sets a plea deal with lesser charges. Experienced attorneys know how to negotiate for alternative punishment or leniency like community service or probation. In addition, an attorney will help you to explore other options besides incarceration, particularly if you have never been convicted of a crime before.

Reducing Fines

In Los Angeles, a petty theft conviction can result in fines of over $1,000, depending on the circumstances of the case. An attorney could assist in lowering the fines by presenting evidence that proves that the client cannot afford to pay the full amount of the fines. An attorney could also help clients get these hefty fines waived in exchange for adhering to certain conditions for a while.

Avoiding a Criminal Record

Petty theft charges can have significant and harmful effects on an individual’s life outside a conviction. A criminal record can prevent one from getting apartments or jobs that require background checks. A knowledgeable attorney in petty theft cases can request a deferred entry of judgment. That is a process where one is enrolled in a diversion program with the hope of the case being dismissed after successful completion. Hiring an attorney can increase the chances of obtaining a deferred entry of judgment that keeps the petty theft charges from becoming a permanent criminal record.

Conclusion
Petty theft charges can change one’s life forever if not handled correctly. This is why one needs a lawyer who has experience fighting such charges in Los Angeles. Hiring a competent attorney can help prevent onerous fines and jail time, avoid having a permanent criminal record, and ensure that your rights are protected.