Lemoore Theft Crime Lawyer

Lemoore Theft Crime Attorney

In California, a theft conviction stays on your record. It surfaces when an employer runs a background check, when a landlord screens applicants, or when a licensing board reviews your application. Even a first-time misdemeanor, involving property worth less than the contents of your grocery cart, can close doors for years.

A charge is not the same as a conviction. You have the right to contest it. The question is how.

Carlos Navarrete Law Firm, led by a former Kings County deputy district attorney who has tried over 80 cases in front of a jury, defends residents of Lemoore facing theft charges. Attorney Navarrete spent years on the prosecution side before becoming a criminal defense lawyer, which means he knows how the DA’s office assesses a theft case and can present strong arguments for dismissal or reduction of charges, when appropriate.

Tell us what you are facing. We will honestly discuss your options with you. Contact us to schedule a confidential consultation.

Theft Cases We Handle in Lemoore

Carlos Navarrete Law Firm defends clients in Lemoore and throughout Kings County against all theft-related charges, including:

• Petty theft
• Shoplifting
• Grand theft
• Grand theft auto
• Burglary
• Receiving stolen property

What Happens After a Theft Conviction in California?

It depends on the crime.

Property Value $950 or Less

Under California Penal Code § 484, property valued at $950 or less is charged as petty theft, a misdemeanor carrying up to six months in county jail and a fine up to $1,000.

For first-time theft offenders where the value of the property is $50 or less, prosecutors have the option to charge the offense as an infraction under Cal. Penal Code § 490.1, carrying a fine of no more than $250 and no jail time. This option is only available if the person has no prior theft or theft-related convictions on their record.

Property Value Exceeds $950, Firearms, and Automobiles

Grand theft (Cal. Penal Code § 487) applies when the value of the stolen property exceeds $950. It is a wobbler offense, meaning the DA has discretion to charge it as a misdemeanor or a felony based on the circumstances and your prior record. A misdemeanor conviction carries up to one year in county jail. A felony conviction carries 16 months, two years, or three years, typically served in county jail, but in some instances, state prison.

Certain property, including firearms and automobiles, can trigger grand theft charges regardless of value.

The Legal Penalty May Be the Beginning, Not the End of the Consequences

What people often underestimate is what comes after the sentence. A theft conviction, even a misdemeanor, shows up on background checks. Some employers routinely screen for theft offenses, and professional licensing boards treat a theft record as a serious concern. For non-citizens, even a minor theft conviction can trigger removal proceedings.

A Theft Charge Is Not a Conviction

The prosecution has to prove every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. Your Lemoore theft crime defense lawyer will consider all possible defenses, including:

• Lack of intent. Theft requires the intent to permanently deprive the owner of their property. If the taking was accidental, or if you reasonably believed the property was yours, the intent element fails.
• Consent. If the owner gave permission, even informally, there is no theft. This defense turns on the specific facts of who said what and when.
• Mistaken identity. Surveillance footage may have low-resolution. Eyewitness identifications can be unreliable.
• Illegal search and seizure. Evidence obtained without a valid warrant or lawful justification can be suppressed. If the property or statements were obtained improperly, they may not be usable against you.

How the evidence is gathered and preserved may make a significant difference in arguing one or more of these defenses.

What an Attorney May Do if You Face a Theft Charge

An attorney can approach the DA before charges are formally filed and present mitigating facts that shift how the case is charged, or whether it is charged at all.

If charges are filed, negotiating a reduction to an infraction, securing a diversion program, or arguing for dismissal may be options worth exploring. Attorney Navarrete spent years on the prosecution side of that equation. He knows what moves the needle and what does not.

Contact us to schedule a confidential consultation and find out where your case stands.

Frequently Asked Questions: Theft Charges in Lemoore

What court handles theft charges from Lemoore, California?

All criminal cases from Lemoore, including theft charges, are heard at the Kings County Superior Court, located at 1640 Kings County Drive, Hanford, CA 93230.

Is shoplifting a felony or misdemeanor in California?

It depends on the value of the property in question. Shoplifting under Cal. Penal Code § 459.5 is a misdemeanor when the value of the merchandise is $950 or less. If the value exceeds $950, the charge can be elevated to grand theft.

Does the type of property matter in a California theft crime case?

Yes, certain types of property trigger elevated charges regardless of what the item is worth. For example, stealing a firearm is automatically charged as grand theft, regardless of its value. Stealing a vehicle is charged as grand theft auto, also regardless of value. In both situations, the nature of the property, not the dollar amount, determines the charge level and the potential sentence you are facing.

Do I really need a lawyer for a petty theft charge?

The charge may be small, but the consequences are not. A petty theft conviction sits on your record and appears in background checks for employment, housing, and professional licensing. An attorney can evaluate whether your charge qualifies for reduction to an infraction, diversion, or dismissal, and argue for that outcome before the Kings County Superior Court. Contact us to find out what your options are.

Talk to a Lemoore Theft Crime Lawyer

A theft charge in Kings County can leave a permanent mark. The sooner you have a defense strategy, the more options stay open. Contact Carlos Navarrete Law Firm to schedule a confidential consultation and find out what your case actually looks like from someone who has spent over 23 years in these courts.

Contact us to schedule a confidential consultation.