The Law Office of Bradley Corbett

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Over 17 years of experience
619-800-4449 760-201-9839

San Diego Grand Theft Attorney

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Grand Theft in California

Are you facing charges for grand theft in California? If so, you may not know where to turn for help or how to fight against these charges. Unfortunately, a grand theft conviction can have lasting effects on your everyday life, both personally and professionally. But rest assured that the law office of Bradley Corbett is on your side.

 

With an experienced, proactive San Diego criminal defense lawyer to fight your case, you’ll have a better chance at a more favorable outcome. We’re here to help explain everything you need to know about grand theft in the Golden State, from the type of penalties you may face to how a skilled lawyer can form a defense against those penalties.

What Is Grand Theft in California?

Grand theft is described as the unlawful taking of another person’s property that is worth more than a certain value. The grand theft amount in California is anything with a value of more than $950. This might include grand theft firearm, grand theft auto, and more. If a person unlawfully takes something that is less than $950, it is usually classified as petty theft.

Grand Theft Auto

Grand theft auto is one of the most common forms of grand theft in California. This charge implies that the person intended to permanently take a car, particularly as a getaway car after committing a crime, or to take a car and sell it for parts. Grand theft auto also includes stealing a car and then abandoning it at another location. The prosecutor must be able to prove that the defendant has:

 

  • Stolen a car that belongs to someone else
  • Intention to deprive the owner of their vehicle for a significant time period
  • Taken the vehicle without permission from the owner
  • Moved the car and kept it for a period of time

Grand Theft in California Penalties

If you’ve been charged with grand theft in California, penalties can range from a variety of expensive fines to time in prison. The severity of the penalty depends on the severity of the conviction. Grand theft auto is a “wobbler” offense, meaning it can be considered a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the situation. A misdemeanor crime might include up to a year in jail, while a felony includes a maximum of three years in prison.

Defense Against Grand Theft in California

The right lawyer can craft a convincing defense against grand theft in California. For example, one defense against grand theft auto is proving that the person did not intend to permanently take the car from the owner. The defendant may not have taken the car long enough for the owner to suffer from the loss of the vehicle.

 

Additionally, the right lawyer may be able to prove that the person charged with grand theft had permission to take the item. Some grand theft charges may be reduced to petty theft charges, and some grand theft auto charges may be reduced to joyriding charges.

Contact Bradley Corbett Today

If you or someone you love has been charged with grand theft in California, allow the law office of Bradley Corbett to help defend you in your case. We’ll use our years of experience to navigate these complex laws and convictions, providing the best possible outcome for your situation. Contact us for a free consultation today.

Why You Need a Grand Theft Attorney?

Defending Against Grand Theft Charges – California Penal Code 487 PC

At the Law Office of Bradley R. Corbett, I am a top-rated criminal defense attorney with 18 years of experience successfully defending clients facing grand theft (PC 487) and petty theft (PC 484) charges in San Marcos, Vista, Oceanside, and Escondido. My office is conveniently located right by the Vista Courthouse, and I have a strong reputation with local judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement. If you are facing a grand theft charge, the prosecution may try to push for felony penalties, including jail time. However, I have successfully helped many clients avoid convictions by securing case dismissals, charge reductions, diversion programs, or probation instead of jail time.

What is Grand Theft? (Penal Code 487 PC)

Under California Penal Code 487, grand theft occurs when someone unlawfully takes money, property, or services worth $950 or more. Theft of certain firearms or vehicles is always charged as grand theft, regardless of value. There are several types of grand theft under PC 487, including: ✔ Grand Theft by Larceny – Physically taking property from someone. ✔ Grand Theft by False Pretense – Using fraud or deception to steal. ✔ Grand Theft by Embezzlement – When a trusted employee or individual misuses money or assets for their own benefit. ✔ Grand Theft by Trick – Using deceit to obtain temporary possession of property but never returning it.

Penalties for Grand Theft (PC 487)

Grand theft can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances of the case. 🔹 Misdemeanor Grand Theft:
  • Up to 1 year in county jail
  • Fines of up to $1,000
  • Probation
🔹 Felony Grand Theft:
  • Up to 3 years in state prison (or more if there are sentence enhancements)
  • Fines of up to $10,000
  • Restitution to the victim
  • Formal probation
If the theft involved more than $65,000, the prosecution may seek enhanced penalties under PC 12022.6.

Retail Theft Rings and Organized Theft Crimes

In San Marcos, Vista, Oceanside, and Escondido, I have defended many clients accused of participating in retail theft rings—where multiple people work together to steal merchandise. The prosecution often tries to charge these cases as felonies, arguing they involve criminal organizations. However, I fight aggressively to reduce these charges and prove my clients were not part of any organized crime.

What is Petty Theft? (PC 484 PC)

Petty theft occurs when someone steals property worth less than $950. This is a misdemeanor offense and is punishable by: ✔ Up to 6 months in county jail ✔ Fines up to $1,000 ✔ Probation However, if you have a prior theft-related conviction, the prosecution may upgrade the charge to a felony under PC 666 (Petty Theft with a Prior).

Defenses to Grand Theft & Petty Theft Charges

As an experienced San Diego County grand theft defense attorney, I have successfully defended hundreds of theft cases by using strategic legal defenses, including:
  1. Lack of Intent to Steal
If you did not intend to permanently deprive the owner of their property—such as accidentally taking an item—this can be a strong defense.
  1. False Accusations
I have handled many cases where disgruntled employees, business rivals, or family members falsely accused my clients of theft. I work to prove the allegations are false through evidence, witness testimony, and surveillance footage.
  1. Mistaken Identity
Retail theft cases often rely on security footage, but video evidence can be blurry or misleading. If there is reasonable doubt about whether you were the person involved, I can argue for a case dismissal.
  1. Rightful Ownership
If you had a legitimate claim to the property or believed it belonged to you, you cannot be guilty of theft.
  1. Illegal Search and Seizure
If law enforcement violated your rights by conducting an illegal search without probable cause, I can file a motion to suppress evidence, which may result in the charges being dismissed.

Diversion Programs & Restitution – Avoiding a Criminal Record

One of the best strategies for avoiding a conviction in theft cases is diversion—a legal process that allows charges to be dropped if certain conditions are met. ✔ Theft Diversion Programs – Some first-time offenders qualify for pretrial diversion, meaning if they complete a program (such as a theft class or community service), the case will be dismissed. ✔ Civil Compromise & Restitution – If the victim agrees, paying back the stolen amount (restitution) may result in the charges being dropped or reduced to an infraction. As a criminal defense attorney with a strong reputation in Vista, San Marcos, Oceanside, and Escondido, I work hard to secure these alternatives whenever possible.

Why Choose the Law Office of Bradley Corbett?

Bradley R. Corbett_Criminal Defense Attorney_Grand Theft Attorney ✔ 18 Years of Experience – I have defended hundreds of theft cases and know how to get the best results. ✔ Strong Relationships with Local Prosecutors & Judges – I know how to negotiate favorable outcomes. ✔ Aggressive Defense Strategies – I fight to get cases dismissed or reduced. ✔ Proven Track Record – I have helped many clients avoid jail time through diversion programs and restitution agreements. ✔ Conveniently Located in Vista – My office is right by the Vista Courthouse, making it easy to handle cases efficiently.

Contact My Office for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one is facing grand theft (PC 487) or petty theft (PC 484) charges, you need an experienced attorney to fight for your rights. I have helped countless clients in Vista, San Marcos, Oceanside, and Escondido beat theft charges, avoid jail time, and keep their records clean.

Contact bradley 24/7 nights & weekends

Don’t wait until it is too late! Delaying or even denying yourself the counsel and strength we can provide you could have life changing consequences. Call us today and let an experienced San Diego criminal defense attorney help you protect your freedoms, life, and family.

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San Diego Office
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8880 Rio San Diego Dr. Suite 800 San Diego, CA 92108 Tel: (619) 800-4449
North County Office
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440 S Melrose Dr, Suite 204 Vista , CA 92081 Tel: (760) 201-9839
Temecula Office
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41593 Winchester Rd #200 Temecula, CA 92590 Tel: (951) 732-8611
Email: Bradley@Bradleycorbettlaw.com