Shoplifting & Petty Theft

California Shoplifting & Petty Theft Defense Attorney

As a Criminal Defense Attorney, the Baum Law Corp. understands how the state pursues Shoplifting and Petty Theft crimes and how to best protect you.

If you have been arrested for Shoplifting or Pretty Theft, then you need a good California Criminal Defense Lawyer who knows how to protect your rights and keep you out of jail. The Baum Law Firm has handled dozens of theft cases, from minor shoplifting charges, to major felonies.

Shoplifting in California is defined as follows: “When someone intentionally steals, takes or carries away store property.”

Here in California, Shoplifting is broken out from other theft crimes and the seriousness of the charges depends on the value of the goods allegedly stolen:

• If someone is arrested for shoplifting less than $2While the crimes of shoplifting and petty theft are similar, they are technically different offenses under California criminal law.

  The main difference between the two is that while shoplifting focuses on the act of entering a store with the intent to steal, petty theft focuses on the actual taking of property.

  Per California Penal Code 459.5, a person commits the crime of shoplifting if he:

  1. enters a commercial establishment,
  2. while that establishment is open during normal business hours,
  3. with the intent to steal property that is worth $950 or less.

  Per California Penal Code 484(a), petty theft is the unlawful taking of property that is valued at nine hundred fifty dollars ($950) or less. Most petty theft cases involve “larceny.” A person commits this crime if he:

  1. takes possession of someone else’s property,
  2. without that person’s permission, and
  3. takes the property with the intent to deprive the owner of it for a period of time.

  Both shoplifting and petty theft are charged as misdemeanors under California law. The offenses are punishable by:

  • imprisonment in the county jail for not more than six months; and/or,
  • a maximum fine of $1,000.

  What is the crime of shoplifting in California?

  California Penal Code 459.5 PC is the California statute on shoplifting. The code section says a person commits a crime if he:

  1. enters a commercial establishment,
  2. while that establishment is open during normal business hours,
  3. with the intent to steal property that is worth $950 or less.

  Examples of “commercial establishments” include:

  • hotels/motels,
  • restaurants,
  • retail stores,
  • theatres, and
  • fitness clubs or gyms.

Call us for a free confidential consultation today!

The Baum Law Corp. has extensive experience  in Los Angeles County, The Baum Law Corp. routinely handles cases in: Airport Court (LAX), Alhambra, Antelope Valley (Lancaster), Antelope Valley Juvenile, Bellfower, Beverly Hills, Burbank, Catalina, Central Arraignment (Bauchet), Compton, Downtown Los Angeles (CCB), Downey, East Los Angeles, Eastlake Juvenile, El Monte, Glendale, Hollywood, Inglewood, Inglewood Juvenile, Long Beach, Malibu, Metropolitan (Hill Street), Newhall, Norwalk, Pasadena, Pomona, Torrance, San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita (Valencia), Van Nuys, West Covina, and Whittier.