If you are arrested for stealing from a local store, it is important to hire a great, local Torrance shoplifting lawyer. The crime of shoplifting is covered in California Penal Code section 459.5. It is generally a misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in county jail. However, the charge can be a felony if the amount taken exceeds $950.
Shoplifting cases from the cities of Torrance, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach and the Palos Verdes Peninsula are all heard at the Torrance Courthouse on Maple Ave. There are three different prosecuting agencies, depending on which police agency made the arrest. For misdemeanor cases, the Torrance City Prosecutor’s office handles Torrance Police Department arrests. The Redondo Beach / Hermosa Beach City Prosecutor’s office handles misdemeanor arrests by the Redondo Beach Police Department and the Hermosa Beach Police Department. The District Attorneys office handles all felony arrests and misdemeanors from the Manhattan Beach Police Department, Palos Verdes Police Department, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
As Torrance shoplifting lawyers, we have seen cases of shoplifting and theft from various local stores. These include Target, Ulta Beauty, the South Bay Galleria and the Del Amo Mall.
If your Torrance shoplifting lawyer handles the case correctly, most cases will be eligible for diversion. Diversion is a process where the court delays the case to allow the defendant to earn a dismissal. After the defendant completes all of the terms, the judge dismisses the case. Common terms for shoplifting or theft diversion include a theft class and community service. After the judge dismisses the case,
What a Torrance Shoplifting Lawyer Can Do
A good Torrance shoplifting lawyer will know the prosecutors, judges, and innerworkings of the Torrance Courthouse. This helps to properly prepare the case to get the best possible results. In many cases, we recommend that the client complete a theft class, community service, and gather letters of support before we go to court.
This strategy leads to better results. Armed with a good mitigation packet, we negotiate terms with the prosecutor and court. After the client completes those terms, the judge dismisses the case. Then, we file a petition to seal the arrest records, which means that future employers will not see the arrest on background checks. We have handled many shoplifting cases throughout Los Angeles County. However, being based in Torrance, we know the Torrance Courthouse. Your Torrance Shoplifting lawyer is waiting for your call. If someone you love has been arrested for shoplifting, give us a call today to discuss your options at 323-529-3660.
