Orange County Theft Defense Attorney

Petty Theft and Grand Theft Defense Lawyer in California

Any theft crime charge is serious – whether petty theft or grand theft, especially if you are facing a second or third conviction. You will need an experienced and aggressive criminal defense lawyer on your side to help you avoid facing maximum penalties for this criminal offense.

My name is Barney B. Gibbs, and I am an Orange County criminal defense attorney who has been practicing law for over 25 years. My practice is dedicated exclusively to criminal defense, and I handle all types of theft charges throughout Orange County, including the cities of Irvine, Anaheim, Fullerton, Westminster, Sana Ana, Costa Mesa and Newport Beach. Because I have extensive experience specifically in the field of Orange County criminal law, I am able to provide my clients with a level of service and legal representation that offers them the best advantage for their case – in and out of the courtroom.

Theft Crimes and Penalties in California

Theft covers a broad variety of crimes as well as varying penalties. As a defense lawyer, it is always my first priority to ensure that my client does not receive maximum penalties, which can be very harsh in California. I thoroughly review each case I take on in order to find out if there are any ways we can have the charges dismissed. If not, I will take your case through the entire criminal court process and do everything possible to help you avoid prison time and to secure a “not guilty” verdict in your favor.

Following are some of the types of theft crimes I have handled, along with the penalties often associated with these offenses, in California law:

• Petty theft – theft of property valued at no more than $400. A first offense may result in only a small fine and one to three years of informal probation. If you have a skilled attorney on your side, you may also be able to be charged with only an infraction, helping you avoid having a criminal record.
• Shoplifting – often petty theft, this is treated in much the same way.
• Felony petty theft (petty theft with a prior) – if you are convicted of a second or third petty theft offense, you may face a felony charge and 1 year in county jail or 16 months in state prison.
• Grand theft – theft of property valued at over $400. This crime may result in state prison sentence of up to 16 months.
• Grand theft auto – theft of a vehicle valued at more than $400. May be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, with the maximum penalty being 3 years in state prison.

Contact Orange County theft defense attorney Barney B. Gibbs today!