Here's what most people charged with theft in Los Angeles don't realize: whether that $960 pair of sneakers becomes a misdemeanor or a felony can come down to a single dollar and how the prosecutor decides to charge it. A theft arrest near the Beverly Center or a burglary allegation in Silver Lake doesn't just threaten jail time. It threatens your job, your immigration status, and your ability to rent an apartment. At Chudnovsky Law, our team brings 113+ years of combined experience and more than 9,000 cases handled to protect what matters.
Charged with a theft or property crime anywhere in Los Angeles County? Call (213) 212-5002 now for a free, confidential consultation — we answer 24/7.
Partner Kareem Aref, a former Deputy District Attorney who once filed and prosecuted these exact charges, now uses that inside knowledge to dismantle the government's case against you. We defend clients in all 23 LA County criminal courthouses, from the Foltz Criminal Justice Center downtown to Van Nuys and Long Beach.
On This Page:
- What you're really facing
- How we defend your case
- Theft charges explained
- Burglary, robbery & receiving
- Penalties comparison table
- Local court guide
- Our promise to you
- Frequently asked questions
What Are the Real Consequences of a Theft or Property Crime Charge in Los Angeles?
A theft or property crime conviction in California can follow you for life — appearing on background checks that employers, landlords, and licensing boards see for decades. Most people worry about jail. The bigger threat is often the permanent mark on your record.
California treats many theft and property offenses as wobblers — crimes that can be filed as either a felony or a misdemeanor. A wobbler gives the prosecutor discretion, which means the same conduct can send one person home on probation and another to custody. That discretion is exactly where an experienced defense attorney changes the outcome.
Consider what's actually on the table. A residential burglary under Cal. Penal Code § 459 is a felony carrying 2, 4, or 6 years in state prison — and it counts as a "strike" under California's Three Strikes Law. Grand theft under Cal. Penal Code § 487 can be charged as a felony (16 months, 2, or 3 years) or a misdemeanor (up to a year in county jail). Even a shoplifting charge under Cal. Penal Code § 459.5, which Proposition 47 made a misdemeanor for property valued at $950 or less, still creates a criminal record.
The Collateral Consequences Nobody Warns You About
The sentence is only the beginning. A theft conviction is considered a crime of moral turpitude — a category of offense involving dishonesty or fraud that carries outsized consequences beyond the courtroom.
For non-citizens, a crime involving moral turpitude can trigger deportation or inadmissibility under federal immigration law (8 U.S.C. § 1227). For licensed professionals — nurses, contractors, real estate agents, teachers — a theft conviction can jeopardize the license they spent years earning; our firm handles that licensing exposure at the firm level when it overlaps with a criminal case. For anyone applying for a job, a dishonesty offense is often the single most damaging thing an employer can find.
Key insight: In our experience, clients underestimate the moral-turpitude fallout far more than they underestimate the jail exposure. The dollar value of what was allegedly taken is often less important to your future than the label attached to the charge.
The Clock Is Already Running
Evidence in theft cases degrades fast. Store surveillance footage is frequently overwritten within 30 to 90 days. Witnesses forget details. The window to preserve favorable evidence — and to negotiate before formal charges are filed — is narrow.
Waiting rarely helps. The sooner a defense attorney gets involved, the more options remain on the table. Call (213) 212-5002 to understand exactly where you stand.
How Does Chudnovsky Law Defend Theft and Property Crime Cases?
We defend theft and property crimes using the Prosecutor's Blueprint method — reverse-engineering the government's case from the inside because our attorneys built those cases themselves. This isn't marketing language. Kareem Aref spent years as a Deputy District Attorney deciding which theft cases to file, which to reduce, and which fell apart under scrutiny.
The Prosecutor's Blueprint has four stages. Each one targets a specific weakness the government hopes you won't find.
Stage One — Attack the Intent Element
Every theft charge requires proof of specific intent — the prosecution must show you intended to permanently deprive the owner of their property. This is the element that quietly collapses more theft cases than any other.
Did you forget to scan an item under a full cart at the Ralphs in Westwood? Did you genuinely believe the property was yours? Was there consent you can document? As a former prosecutor, Kareem Aref focuses first on the intent gaps that police reports gloss over, because he knows a report that reads as airtight often rests on an officer's assumption rather than provable fact.
Stage Two — Challenge the Search and the Stop
Property crime cases are built on physical evidence — recovered goods, a search of a bag, a vehicle stop. If police obtained that evidence in violation of your Fourth Amendment rights, we file a motion to suppress, which is a formal request asking the court to exclude illegally obtained evidence from trial. When key evidence is suppressed, the case against you can lose its foundation.
Stage Three — Scrutinize the Valuation
In California, the dollar value of the property determines whether you face a felony or a misdemeanor. The $950 threshold under Prop 47 is the dividing line for most theft offenses. Prosecutors sometimes inflate value using retail "list" prices rather than actual market value. We challenge the number aggressively, because moving a case below $950 can transform a felony exposure into a misdemeanor.
Stage Four — Pursue Diversion and Reduction Before Trial
Not every case should go to trial, and not every case should be pled out fast. Many first-time theft matters qualify for diversion programs, theft-education classes, or civil compromise that can lead to dismissal. We pursue these paths where the evidence supports them, aiming to resolve weak counts before they ever reach a jury.
Our team's depth matters here. With more than 9,000 cases and over 100 jury trials behind us, we recognize patterns that solo practitioners simply haven't seen enough volume to catch. Managing Attorney Tsion Chudnovsky, who brings more than two decades of courtroom experience, leads a firm rated 10.0 Superb on AVVO, rated by Super Lawyers, and recognized among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers Association.
Not sure whether your case qualifies for diversion? That's exactly what a free consultation is for. No pressure, no obligation — just honest answers. Call (213) 212-5002.
What Are the Different Types of Theft Charges in California?
California divides theft into petty theft and grand theft based on a $950 value threshold, with separate statutes for shoplifting, auto theft, and receiving stolen property. Understanding which charge you face is the first step to defending it.
Petty Theft (Penal Code § 488)
Petty theft is the taking of property valued at $950 or less with intent to permanently deprive the owner. Under Cal. Penal Code § 488, it's a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in county jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Many petty theft cases involve a momentary lapse or a genuine misunderstanding — and many are eligible for diversion.
Grand Theft (Penal Code § 487)
When the property value exceeds $950, the charge becomes grand theft. Grand theft is a wobbler under Cal. Penal Code § 487: as a felony it carries 16 months, 2, or 3 years; as a misdemeanor, up to one year in county jail. Theft of a firearm or certain other property is treated more seriously regardless of value. The valuation fight — Stage Three of our method — often decides which side of the felony line a case lands on.
How is theft value calculated in California? Theft value is generally based on the fair market value of the property at the time of the taking, not the retail sticker price or replacement cost. This distinction matters because prosecutors sometimes charge based on the higher number. Challenging an inflated valuation can drop a grand theft felony to a misdemeanor.
Shoplifting (Penal Code § 459.5)
Proposition 47 created a distinct shoplifting offense. Under Cal. Penal Code § 459.5, entering an open business with intent to steal property worth $950 or less is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in county jail. Before Prop 47, this same conduct could be charged as commercial burglary — a far more serious offense. Retailers often also send civil demand letters seeking payment; these are separate from the criminal case and should be reviewed before you respond.
Auto Theft (Vehicle Code § 10851)
Taking or driving a vehicle without the owner's consent falls under Cal. Vehicle Code § 10851. It's a wobbler — a felony carries 16 months, 2, or 3 years; a misdemeanor carries up to one year in county jail. A common defense turns on intent: joyriding with intent to return the vehicle is treated differently than intent to permanently deprive.
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How Do Burglary, Robbery, and Receiving Stolen Property Differ?
Burglary is unlawful entry with intent to commit theft, robbery is theft by force or fear, and receiving stolen property is knowingly possessing goods you knew were stolen — each carries very different penalties. People use these terms interchangeably in conversation. The law does not.
Burglary (Penal Code § 459)
Burglary is entering a structure with the intent to commit theft or any felony once inside — you don't have to actually take anything. Under Cal. Penal Code § 459, the law splits into two degrees. First-degree (residential) burglary is a felony carrying 2, 4, or 6 years in state prison and counts as a strike. Second-degree (commercial) burglary is a wobbler — a felony at 16 months, 2, or 3 years, or a misdemeanor up to one year in county jail.
Does burglary require actually stealing something? No. Burglary is complete the moment you enter a structure with felonious intent, even if nothing is taken and you leave empty-handed. This makes the intent element central to any burglary defense. Proving what someone intended at the moment of entry is far harder for the prosecution than it sounds.
Robbery — Theft by Force or Fear
Robbery is the felonious taking of property from another person's immediate presence, against their will, accomplished by force or fear. Because it involves a person and force, robbery is a violent felony and a strike offense in California, carrying substantial state prison exposure. The presence of force or fear is what separates robbery from ordinary theft, and it's frequently the disputed issue in these cases.
Receiving Stolen Property (Penal Code § 496)
Under Cal. Penal Code § 496, it's a crime to buy, receive, conceal, or withhold property you knew was stolen. The knowledge element is the whole ballgame. This is a wobbler — a felony at 16 months, 2, or 3 years, or a misdemeanor up to one year — and it must be charged as a misdemeanor when the value is $950 or less, absent disqualifying priors.
What if I didn't know the property was stolen? Lack of knowledge is a complete defense to receiving stolen property. The prosecution must prove you actually knew — or deliberately avoided finding out — that the goods were stolen. Buying something at a suspiciously low price is not the same as knowing it was stolen, and we regularly attack this element where the evidence of knowledge is thin.
Related Property Offenses
Vandalism under Cal. Penal Code § 594 — willfully damaging property — is a wobbler when the damage reaches $400 or more. Trespassing under Cal. Penal Code § 602 is generally a misdemeanor carrying up to 6 months in county jail. Where theft allegations involve fraud, embezzlement, or complex financial schemes, the case may cross into white collar territory, which our firm also handles.
$950 is the single most important number in a California theft case — it's the line that separates a misdemeanor from a felony for most theft offenses under Proposition 47.
Misdemeanor vs. Felony Theft: Penalties Compared
The chart below shows how California grades the most common theft and property offenses. Notice how many are wobblers — that flexibility is where defense strategy lives.
| Offense | Statute | Classification | Maximum Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petty Theft | PC 488 | Misdemeanor | 6 months county jail + $1,000 fine |
| Shoplifting ($950 or less) | PC 459.5 | Misdemeanor | 6 months county jail |
| Grand Theft (over $950) | PC 487 | Wobbler | Felony: 16 mo / 2 / 3 yrs — or misdemeanor up to 1 yr |
| Auto Theft | VC 10851 | Wobbler | Felony: 16 mo / 2 / 3 yrs — or misdemeanor up to 1 yr |
| Receiving Stolen Property | PC 496 | Wobbler | Felony: 16 mo / 2 / 3 yrs — or misdemeanor up to 1 yr |
| Commercial Burglary | PC 459 (2nd degree) | Wobbler | Felony: 16 mo / 2 / 3 yrs — or misdemeanor up to 1 yr |
| Residential Burglary | PC 459 (1st degree) | Felony (strike) | 2, 4, or 6 years state prison |
The average first insurance-style settlement offer people accept in a rush usually costs them more than doing it right — the same is true of accepting a plea before an attorney reviews the valuation and the search. Getting it wrong almost always costs more than getting it right.
Defense Approaches at a Glance
Different charges call for different strategies. Here's how our approach shifts by offense type.
| Charge Type | Primary Defense Focus | Common Resolution Path |
|---|---|---|
| Petty theft / shoplifting | Intent, mistake, valuation | Diversion, theft-education program, civil compromise |
| Grand theft | Valuation under $950, consent, ownership claim | Reduction to misdemeanor, dismissal of weak counts |
| Burglary | Intent at entry, identity, alibi | Reduction to trespass, pretrial motions |
| Receiving stolen property | Lack of knowledge, lawful possession | Dismissal on knowledge element, reduction |
| Auto theft | Intent to return (joyriding), consent | Reduction, alternative sentencing |
Resolutions depend on the specific facts and evidence of each case — these reflect common paths, not promised outcomes.
What Should You Do Right Now If You've Been Arrested for Theft?
If you've been arrested or contacted by police about a theft, exercise your right to remain silent and your right to counsel before answering any questions. Anything you say to explain yourself can be used to prove the intent element the prosecution needs.
Under your Fifth and Sixth Amendment rights, you don't have to talk your way out of anything at the scene. Politely decline to answer questions and ask for a lawyer. Then preserve everything: receipts, text messages, photos, the names of anyone who was with you. That documentation can support a mistake or consent defense later.
Should I talk to the store's loss prevention officer? No. Loss prevention officers are trained to get admissions, and their statements are handed straight to police and prosecutors. You are not required to sign anything or answer their questions. Ask to leave or wait for police, and say nothing about intent.
Time is your enemy here. Surveillance footage disappears, and the pre-filing window — the period before the LA County District Attorney formally files charges — is often the best moment to intervene. Call (213) 212-5002 today so we can begin protecting your record before charges are set in stone.
Where Will Your Los Angeles Theft Case Be Heard?
Most felony theft and property cases from central Los Angeles are heard at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center, while misdemeanors often go to the Metropolitan Courthouse. Knowing the venue — and how it operates — shapes strategy from day one.
Defending in the Central District
The Foltz Criminal Justice Center at 210 W. Temple St. handles felony arraignments, preliminary hearings, and trials for downtown and central LA. It sits in the Civic Center area near the 101 and 110 freeways. Misdemeanor theft cases from the same area are handled a few miles south at the Metropolitan Courthouse on S. Hill St. Cases from the eastside are often heard at the East Los Angeles Courthouse, and matters near Santa Monica and LAX route through the Airport Courthouse on S. La Cienega Blvd.
Each courthouse has its own rhythm — how quickly cases move, how open the DA's office is to diversion, how preliminary hearings are scheduled. That local familiarity matters. Chudnovsky Law defends clients in all 23 Los Angeles County criminal court locations, including Alhambra, Antelope Valley, Bellflower, Burbank, Compton, Downey, El Monte, Glendale, Inglewood, Long Beach, Norwalk, Pasadena, Pomona, San Fernando, Santa Clarita, Torrance, Van Nuys, and West Covina. Wherever your case lands, we know the building and the players.
Local Prosecution Realities
The LA County District Attorney makes the filing and charging decisions in these cases, and its diversion policies can shift with each administration. Knowing current practice — which offenses are being diverted, which are being filed as felonies — is part of building a realistic strategy rather than a guess.
Key insight: In our experience across LA County courthouses, the same shoplifting fact pattern can be treated very differently depending on the courthouse and the deputy DA assigned. Local knowledge of how a specific venue handles first-time theft is often worth more than any generic "aggressive defense" promise.
What Does Chudnovsky Law Promise Its Clients?
We make three concrete commitments to every theft and property crime client — and we put fees in writing before you retain us. Transparency isn't a slogan here. It's how we operate.
First, direct attorney access. You work with an experienced attorney, not a rotating cast of paralegals. When you call with a question about your case, you reach someone who knows the file.
Second, a clear, honest assessment. We'll tell you where your case is strong and where it's exposed. If diversion is realistic, we'll say so. If the valuation fight is your best shot, we'll explain why. No false comfort, no scare tactics.
Third, transparent fees. Theft and property cases are handled on a flat fee, so you know the total cost before you commit. We also offer payment plans, and we discuss the full fee structure during your free consultation. Worried about cost? Going without representation on a theft charge is rarely the cheaper path — the cost of a permanent record almost always exceeds the cost of a proper defense.
Our reviews reflect what clients value most: straight answers and steady communication. The firm holds 5-star ratings across Google, a 10.0 rating on Justia, Super Lawyers Rating, and 5-star peer recognition on Martindale-Hubbell.
The information on this page is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Contact a qualified attorney to discuss your specific situation. This page covers California state theft and property offenses; it does not address federal theft charges or the specifics of juvenile court proceedings, which follow separate procedures.
Facing a theft, burglary, robbery, or receiving-stolen-property charge anywhere in Los Angeles County? Call Chudnovsky Law at (213) 212-5002 for a free, confidential consultation. We answer 24/7 — and the sooner we start, the more we can do to protect your record and your future.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a theft crimes lawyer cost in Los Angeles?
Costs vary by the seriousness of the charge and its complexity, but many theft and property cases are handled on a flat fee so you know the total upfront. Chudnovsky Law also offers payment plans, and the first consultation is always free. We'll discuss your situation and the exact fee structure during that first call — with no obligation to retain us.
Will I go to jail for shoplifting in Los Angeles?
Not necessarily. Shoplifting under Penal Code § 459.5 is a misdemeanor carrying up to 6 months in county jail, but many first-time cases resolve through diversion, theft-education programs, or civil compromise rather than custody. An experienced attorney can pursue these alternatives where the facts support them.
What is the difference between petty theft and grand theft in California?
The dividing line is $950. Petty theft (Penal Code § 488) involves property worth $950 or less and is a misdemeanor. Grand theft (Penal Code § 487) involves property over $950 and is a wobbler that can be charged as a felony or misdemeanor. Theft of a firearm is treated as grand theft regardless of value.
Can a theft charge be expunged from my record in California?
Many theft convictions may be eligible for dismissal under Penal Code § 1203.4 once probation is completed successfully, though eligibility depends on the specific offense and your history. Expungement can remove significant barriers to employment and housing. An attorney can review whether you qualify.
I didn't know the property was stolen. Is that a defense?
Yes. Receiving stolen property under Penal Code § 496 requires the prosecution to prove you actually knew the goods were stolen. Genuine lack of knowledge is a complete defense. Buying something cheap is not the same as knowing it was stolen, and we attack the knowledge element aggressively where the evidence is weak.
How long does the prosecution have to file theft charges against me?
For most misdemeanor theft offenses in California, prosecutors generally have one year to file; for many felony theft offenses the window is typically three years. These periods vary by offense, so the pre-filing period after an arrest can be a valuable time to intervene before charges are formally filed.
Is burglary always a felony in California?
No. First-degree residential burglary under Penal Code § 459 is a felony and a strike offense. But second-degree commercial burglary is a wobbler, meaning it can be charged as a misdemeanor. Burglary is also complete upon unlawful entry with intent — nothing has to be actually taken.
Do I really need a lawyer for a first-time theft charge?
A theft charge is a crime of moral turpitude that can damage your job prospects, immigration status, and professional license far more than the sentence itself. Even first offenses create a permanent record. A lawyer can pursue diversion or reduction that protects your future — which is why the free consultation is worth the call.
What happens if the store sent me a civil demand letter?
A civil demand letter from a retailer is separate from any criminal case and asks you to pay a penalty. You are not required to respond before speaking with an attorney, and paying it does not resolve the criminal matter. Have a lawyer review it before you send any money or admissions.
Will my theft case go to trial?
Most theft and property cases resolve before trial through diversion, reduction, or negotiated dismissal of weak counts. But we prepare every case as if it will be tried — our team has handled over 100 jury trials — because that readiness strengthens our position in negotiations. Whether trial makes sense depends on the strength of the evidence.
Can a non-citizen be deported for a theft conviction?
Yes. Because theft is a crime involving moral turpitude, a conviction can trigger deportation or inadmissibility under federal immigration law (8 U.S.C. § 1227). This makes the specific charge and its resolution critically important for non-citizens. Always tell your defense attorney about your immigration status so it can be factored into strategy.
Which Los Angeles courthouse will handle my theft case?
Felony theft and property cases from central LA are typically heard at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center downtown, while misdemeanors go to the Metropolitan Courthouse. Eastside cases may go to the East Los Angeles Courthouse. Chudnovsky Law appears in all 23 LA County criminal court locations.
Chudnovsky Law - Los Angeles Office
Address: 1933 S Broadway #1100, Los Angeles, CA 90007, USA
Contact No: (213) 212-5002
