Theft Defense Attorney in Los Angeles, California

In the State of California, theft—stealing another person's property by larceny, false pretense, or embezzlement with an intent to permanently deprive the property owner—is a serious offense. Depending on the value of the item stolen, a defendant convicted of theft in California may be facing lengthy imprisonment, hefty fines, and other devastating life-altering consequences.

If you are under investigation for theft or if you've been arrested and charged with a theft crime, retaining a highly-skilled California criminal defense attorney is imperative to help build your defense. At The Law Office of John Goalwin, we are committed to offering comprehensive legal guidance and aggressive representation to clients who are facing theft crime charges. Our dedicated team will investigate the surrounding facts of your case, fight vigorously to protect your legal rights, and dispute the allegations against you.

The Law Office of John Goalwin proudly serves clients across Los Angeles, California, and the surrounding communities of Torrance, Van Nuys, Compton, and Norwalk.

Types of Theft Cases We Handle

For more than 40 years, Attorney John Goalwin has devoted his career to offering personalized attention and reliable advocacy to every client charged with theft crimes. We are proud to represent clients in a wide range of litigation related to theft crimes, including, but not limited to:

• Burglary

• Petty theft

• Robbery

• Larceny

• Embezzlement

• Shop-lifting

• Fraud

• Theft by false pretense

• Identity theft

Our knowledgeable criminal defense attorney can investigate the surrounding facts of your case and help you understand the immediate and long-term ramifications of those allegations. No matter what kind of theft crime charges you may be facing, our team will fight vigorously to defend your rights and improve your chances of a brighter tomorrow.

Possible Penalties for Theft Charges

In the State of California, theft crimes often carry severe and potentially life-changing consequences with them. Depending on the value of the item stolen and other surrounding circumstances, being convicted of a theft crime could possibly result in any of the following penalties and consequences:

• Massive fines

• Prison sentences (ranging from months or years)

• Probation

• A criminal record/history

• Increased difficulty in securing employment, housing, or public benefits

• Increased difficulty traveling to other countries

• Loss of voting rights

• Ineligibility for certain financial loans

If you or someone close to you has recently been charged with a theft crime in California, you need to hire a theft defense attorney immediately. Allow a skilled lawyer to explore your possible defenses and do everything within their capacity to prevent the devastating consequences of a criminal record.

Common Theft Defenses

When facing theft charges, your attorney may fight your accusations using any of the following defenses:

• The defendant had no intention to steal the property

• The defendant had a good-faith belief that he or she owned the property

• The defendant was falsely accused of theft

• The defendant acted with the property owner's consent

• The defendant simply borrowed the property and intended to return it to the owner

• The defendant was legally entitled to possess the property in question

• Asserting a claim of right over the property

A knowledgeable attorney can review every aspect of your unique situation and craft an effective defense strategy to fight your charges.

How The Law Office of John Goalwin Can Help

The burden of a theft allegation can be heavy, and the outcome of your case can have serious consequences on your quality of life, personal reputation, and professional opportunities. It is never advisable to navigate the criminal justice system without proper guidance or experienced representation. When facing theft accusations, you need to hire a skilled criminal defense lawyer immediately to protect your rights and help you move forward.

At The Law Office of John Goalwin, we have the experience and resources to handle criminal cases and protect individuals facing theft charges. Our team is ready to help you navigate the California criminal justice system and represent you vigorously in every stage of the legal process.