California Larceny Charges
Contents
Larceny in California: Charges, Consequences, and Legal Defense
Implications of Being Charged with Larceny in California
Being charged with larceny in California can bring serious consequences. From jail to making financial restitution, you may find yourself paying for this crime for months or years. Plus, a conviction gives you a criminal record that can make life difficult. It’s consequences like these that make it imperative for you to hire an experienced Los Angeles larceny defense lawyer. Don’t let these charges define your future while you still have a chance of getting them reduced or dropped. Speak with a criminal defense attorney today.
Defining Larceny in California
Larceny is a specific subset of theft crimes. Prosecutors must prove certain elements beyond a reasonable doubt if they hope to convict a defendant of larceny in Los Angeles.
These elements are:
- The accused took property that did not belong to him.
- The property was taken without the consent of the rightful owner.
- The intent of the accused was to remove the property from the owner permanently or for a significant period of time.
- The property was moved by the accused even if the distance was not significant.
If any one of these elements is missing from the prosecution’s case, then it’s virtually impossible to get a conviction. This scenario could play out in a situation with an item borrowed and not returned, or an item that is stolen without consent.
Various Forms of Larceny Charges in California
The kind of larceny charges one may face in California range from grand larceny, petty larceny to larceny by false pretenses or false promises. The classification is mainly based on the value of stolen property and the circumstances surrounding the theft. In any of these situations, it’s crucial to contact a Los Angeles larceny defense attorney as soon as possible. It may be possible to cast doubt on your guilt, especially if your defense lawyer gets involved in the early stages of your case.
Penalties for Los Angeles Larceny
With larceny charges, the District Attorney has some latitude in deciding between misdemeanors and felonies. The severity of the penalty typically depends on the value of the stolen item, the defendant’s criminal history, and the nature of the theft. Penalties could range from fines, making restitution to the victim, jail terms, and if it involves theft of a firearm, strikes under California’s Three Strikes Law.
Competent Los Angeles Larceny Defense Law Firm
It’s important to act quickly when facing larceny charges in California. Your criminal defense attorney will conduct a thorough, independent investigation that is aimed at uncovering evidence that the police may have missed or misinterpreted. An attorney can also find grounds for dismissal if your Constitutional rights were violated. Hiring an experienced, knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer can make all the difference in your case.