San Diego Theft Lawyer

If you have been charged with theft by law enforcement, you don’t have to tackle legal matters alone. We understand that desperate times can encourage certain behaviors you wouldn’t typically utilize, and we can help. With a deep understanding of both sides of the courtroom, having worked as a Deputy District Attorney and now as a defense attorney, Attorney Pedro Bernal brings valuable insight and strategies to his clients’ cases. 

Specializing in various criminal defense areas, including embezzlement, federal crimes, and internet crimes, Bernal Law is committed to safeguarding the rights of the accused. Our approach includes detailed investigations and tailored defense strategies to counter the charges effectively. Bernal Law’s prioritization of and commitment to our clients’ needs makes us an excellent choice for those seeking solid legal defense in San Diego.

HOW CAN AN EXPERIENCED SAN DIEGO THEFT LAWYER HELP ME?

Retaining the services of a seasoned theft defense attorney can help ensure you take every step to defend your rights and increase your odds of success. A few of the ways our knowledgeable theft attorney in San Diego may be able to help you include the following:

• Thoroughly investigating your case
• Collecting critical evidence and witness testimonies
• Filing all paperwork correctly and on time
• Negotiating with the prosecutor on your behalf
• Aggressively advocating for your rights and interests before and during the trial
• Guiding you through every step of California’s complex legal process
• Keeping you updated and answering your legal questions
• Interviewing witnesses
• Helping formulate a plea
• Investigating the prosecutor’s case
• Reviewing search and seizure procedures
• Communicating with every party on your behalf
• Organizing and presenting the evidence to put your case in a more favorable light
• Accessing research methods and tools only available to legal professionals
• Significantly reducing stress you would otherwise face during legal matters

At Bernal Law, our San Diego theft lawyer is committed to working with you to understand every detail of your case and craft a solid defense on your behalf. We encourage you to refrain from representing yourself, as self-representation increases the risk of severe penalties and other negative consequences. However, when you retain our invaluable support, you increase your odds of obtaining outstanding results, including reduced consequences, lessened odds of a conviction, shorter litigation time, and decreased stress.

THEFT CRIMES WE HANDLE AT BERNAL LAW

California has many different distinctions for theft crimes, all with their own definitions and possible penalties. The trusted San Diego theft attorney at Bernal Law has experience successfully representing clients facing various theft charges. Some of the most common theft cases our firm handles include the following:

• Petty Theft: When an individual is accused of stealing property valued at $950 or less, they may be charged with misdemeanor petty theft.
• Grand Theft: If someone is accused of taking property valued at more than $950, they will likely be charged with grand theft. Grand theft is a wobbler offense and may be charged either as a felony or a misdemeanor.
• Robbery: Robbery is theft committed under a threat or act of violence. This crime is considered a felony and is punishable by up to nine years behind bars.
• Armed Robbery: Those accused of committing a robbery with a deadly weapon may face escalated armed robbery charges, which have more severe penalties for those convicted.
• Embezzlement: If someone is accused of stealing assets when trusted to keep them safe for a specific use, they may face embezzlement charges. Depending on the value of the assets, embezzlement is also considered a wobbler offense.
• Fraud: Fraud occurs when an individual steals someone’s property by convincing them to hand it over under false pretenses. There are different types and levels of fraud, and the penalties may vary depending on the situation.

Facing criminal charges can be overwhelming and leave you feeling isolated as you try to determine your next steps. Regardless of the severity of your theft charges, our skilled San Diego theft lawyer can evaluate your case and help you forge a path forward.

Potential Penalties for Theft Crimes in California

Penalties for theft will depend on the facts of the accusations, your personal history with the law, and other factors. However, potential consequences for theft crimes most commonly involve:

• Jail or prison time
• Fines
• Loss of rights to firearms and other weapons
• Court-ordered disciplinary action
• Punitive damages
• Further impacts on your life

For more information about potential penalties, we encourage you to connect with a theft defense attorney from Bernal Law in San Diego. We can help you understand legal codes and consequences as they are likely to apply to your particular circumstances and charges. Our firm also has a comprehensive understanding of how to reduce the severity of potential charges, lower the likelihood of conviction, and much more. 

Our Suggestions and Strategies for What to Do After Receiving Theft Charges

Following charges for any crime, you may feel overwhelmed at the thought of what you should do next. If you have been charged with a crime by law enforcement, including those relating to theft, we recommend you utilize the following strategies:

• Avoid discussing legal matters: While talking about your circumstances might feel comforting, we suggest you avoid discussing legal matters with anyone. Even friends and family members should not have access to information about your case. We can only recommend speaking about your legal matters with your lawyer, as they can guarantee a higher level of privacy and confidentiality than anyone else.
• Organize evidence: This includes any documents and communications you have with others around the time of the charges or supposed crime. If you lack any information, working with your lawyer is an excellent way to gain additional access and a broader understanding of your case.
• Contact a lawyer: As soon as possible, get in touch with and retain a qualified theft attorney to work on your case. Your lawyer can support you in numerous ways throughout the legal process.
• Find witnesses and other information: We suggest you work with your lawyer to find any witnesses and other evidence related to your case. Anything you don’t have access to, your attorney can support you with additional helpful tools and resources. Your lawyer will also help you identify potential witnesses and information you might not typically consider.
• Follow your attorney’s recommendations: If your criminal defense lawyer makes any recommendations for the next steps of any kind, we strongly suggest you follow them to the best of your abilities. Your attorney will be able to tailor your next steps to your particular needs and circumstances, allowing you to avoid unnecessary risks and mistakes during the process. 

Our firm is dedicated to supporting every client through the complex legal processes in front of them, including tailoring strategies and steps to their individual needs and circumstances. You can contact us with any questions or concerns you might have about the legal process, and we’ll be happy to support you once you’ve retained our support.

POSSIBLE DEFENSES FOR THEFT CHARGES IN CALIFORNIA

To be convicted of a theft crime, the District Attorney must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a crime took place and that you were the person who committed it. When you work with our talented defense attorney, he will analyze the details of your case and draw on his experience as a prosecutor to determine the best defense strategy to protect your rights. Depending on the specifics of your case, a few strategies your San Diego theft lawyer may consider utilizing include the following:

• You had no intent to steal
• You were falsely accused of theft
• The property owner gave you consent to take the item(s)
• You mistakenly believed the property belonged to you
• You were incorrectly identified as the culprit
• There is not sufficient evidence to convict you
• The property actually belongs to you
• You have an alibi and can prove you were somewhere else when the crime was committed

Our San Diego theft lawyer will evaluate every aspect of your case and determine the best possible defense strategy to defend your rights and freedoms.

SPEAK WITH A HIGHLY-QUALIFIED SAN DIEGO THEFT DEFENSE ATTORNEY AT BERNAL LAW

Being charged with theft can leave you feeling stressed and confused as you weigh your legal options. If you are facing criminal theft charges, the stakes are too high to go without a trusted attorney in your corner. At Bernal Law, our attorney is dedicated to putting his client’s needs first as he advocates aggressively on their behalf. San Diego theft lawyer Pedro Bernal is fluent in English and Spanish and is ready to work with you to determine the best path forward.

Attorney Bernal is also a former prosecutor, so he has a strong understanding of how the other side functions, what to expect from them, and what strategies they are most likely to use against you. You don’t have to face complex legal challenges alone, so get in touch with us to fight for your rights and fair representation. To schedule a free consultation and learn more about how our seasoned San Diego theft lawyer can help you, call us today at (619) 736-9092 or complete our contact form.