Former Sr. Prosecutors Now Century City Shoplifting & Petty Theft Defense Attorneys
If you are facing theft charges in the Century City area, Takakjian & Sitkoff can help you navigate the realities that such a conviction can have on your future. Whether you intentionally shoplifted or you are being falsely accused, a conviction could have serious impacts on your life, even if the crime is charged as a misdemeanor. A crime is considered petty theft as long as it meets several conditions, including the following:
- The item stolen is valued at or below $950,
- The item was not stolen off of another person (this would constitute a mugging),
- The item was not a car/firearm/other ‘special’ item.
These are just the basic conditions that a situation must meet in order for the action to be charged as petty theft. While typically misdemeanors, there are certain circumstances under which petty theft may be classified as a felony. This is most commonly done when the individual has prior theft convictions; even if the past conviction was for petty theft, an individual can face higher fines, longer jail time, and even felony charges for being a repeat offender. Facing felony or misdemeanor charges can be daunting, but our practiced attorneys can ease your burden and help you achieve the best possible outcome.
How can Takakjian & Sitkoff help?
Even when a crime is ruled a misdemeanor, that conviction stays on your record for a long time. Our attorneys have decades of experience between them and can help you make sense of what is happening with your case. We understand that no two cases are the same, and we work to understand the nuances that separate your case from the rest. Petty theft cases can be defended as misunderstandings, false accusations, or unintentionally taking an item, just to name a few strategies. Your attorney may decide to base your defense off of one of these strategies, or on a different one entirely.
In order to produce the best defense possible, it is important to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the case at hand. Our attorneys will work with you to develop a good defense. With a legal professional at your side, it is possible to reduce the petty theft charges and to minimize the penalties; in some cases, it is possible to have the case thrown out completely.
Call Takakjian & Sitkoff Today
Your future is important, and you deserve to be forgiven for your momentary lapse in judgment. If you are seeking legal counsel regarding your Petty Theft case, or if you are simply confused about how to proceed with your case, give our offices a call. Our attorneys at Takakjian & Sitkoff can answer your questions and provide quality legal counsel. Whether this is your first hands-on experience with the legal system or you have been around the block a few times, our attorneys can help you determine the next steps that should be taken in your case.
