Orange County Theft Crime Attorney

What are the most common theft offenses?

The Orange County criminal defense lawyers at the firm fight aggressively on behalf of those who have been accused of theft offenses. A theft crime involves the fundamental offense of taking the property of another unlawfully. There are many different illegal actions that fall under the umbrella of a theft crime, including the following:

• Burglary: This is also commonly referred to by law enforcement as breaking and entering. This type of theft is accomplished by entering a premises without invitation by use of force.
• Robbery: Differing from regular theft or shoplifting, by nature, robbery is theft by use of force or threatening. Three major types of robbery are armed robbery, aggravated robbery and mugging.
• Petty theft: California has a cap set on what dollar amount constitutes petty theft and when theft crosses the line to grand theft. This cap is $900.
• Grand theft: In the state of California, the point at which a crime of theft becomes grand theft is when the amount stolen equals or exceeds $900. Theft of a firearm is automatically grand theft.
• Fraud: This is often categorized as a white collar crime. There are many types of fraud, such as bank fraud, mail fraud, insurance fraud and more. In its most basic form, fraud is using false pretenses and other illegal means to obtain money.
• Car theft: This can also be referred to as "Grant Theft Auto." It is the theft of any type of motor vehicle that can be accomplished by stealing someone's keys, carjacking, fraud or otherwise breaking into the vehicle to steal it.
• Carjacking: This is a specific type of car theft that is accomplished by use of force or threatening. This type of crime can take place with the use of deadly weapons, whether loaded or unloaded, while other occupants are in the vehicle.

If you have been charged with any of the following offenses, you could face very serious consequences such as jail time, fines, restitution and even a strike on your record. Depending upon the circumstances of your case, you could be charged with either a misdemeanor or a felony. Many theft crimes are classified as felonies, and the following are included among the crimes categorized as violent felonies according to California statutes:

• Robbery;
• Assault with intent to commit robbery; and
• Bank robbery

When you are facing serious criminal charges, it is in your best interests to take the necessary steps to protect yourself. An attorney at The Law Office of Bruce C. Bridgman can provide you with the defense that you need when you are confronted with any severity of theft crime charges.

After an arrest, contact The Law Office of Bruce C. Bridgman!

It can be terrifying to know that you are going to be arrested or charged with a criminal offense. You can count on their legal team to support you throughout your case all the way from initial consultation through to trial. When you need help, your lawyer will be there to help maintain your rights. Mr. Bridgman believes that every client should be able to count on his or her attorney to give the best possible defense and legal assistance. With decades of combined experience, he and his entire their legal team will be able to help you no matter what the circumstances of your charges are. Don't hesitate to speak with a lawyer who can give you the legal assistance that is necessary to enhance your chances of receiving a positive outcome – call them today.