Santa Barbara Petty Theft Defense Attorney

Let Our Legal Team Fight Your Theft Charges

While petty theft is not considered a felony in California, it’s still considered a serious crime which results in lengthy jail time and expensive fines. If you have been arrested for petty theft, our Santa Barbara criminal defense lawyers are ready to help you obtain the outcome you desire. We treat all of our clients with the utmost respect and care that they deserve while we relentlessly represent them.

Petty Theft Penalties

Petty theft, also known as “larceny,” is considered a misdemeanor if you steal something worth less than $950. However, you must understand that petty theft only pertains to items which were stolen without any use of force, or else it would be classified as robbery instead. If you had a prior theft conviction, then you may be charged with a felony.

Petty theft is punishable by a maximum county jail sentence of six months and/or a fine of up to $1,000. In addition to these penalties, the misdemeanor conviction will be on your permanent criminal record.

Common examples of petty theft include the following:

• Shoplifting
• Taking money from the cash register at your work
• Switch the price tags in order to pay a lesser price of a specific item
• Steal someone’s cell phone
• Not paying for food eaten in a restaurant
• Watching a movie without paying for it

Seek Legal Assistance with Our Santa Barbara Criminal Defense Lawyers

Having a qualified and trustworthy attorney on your side can result in either having your charges reduced or your case entirely dismissed. With over 40 years of combined legal experience, our legal team at Appel & Morse has an exceptional track record of success protecting the rights, reputations, and freedoms of our clients. As former deputy district attorneys, our founding attorneys can anticipate how the prosecution will approach your case and develop an aggressive and personalized strategy to help you.

Contact our firm and schedule your complimentary consultation today.