Los Angeles Theft Crimes Lawyer

Los Angeles Grand Theft & Burglary Criminal Defense

If you’re under investigation or facing charges for theft in Los Angeles, it’s critical to act quickly. Hart J. Levin is a former prosecutor and highly respected Los Angeles criminal lawyer with a strong record of proven results in theft-related criminal offense defense. With years of experience handling complex grand theft and burglary charges under California law, Hart brings both courtroom skill and strategic insight to every case.

As a seasoned theft crimes attorney, Hart understands how these cases are built—and how to break them down. The sooner you involve an experienced theft attorney in the criminal court process, the better your chances of protecting your record, your freedom, and your future.

Understanding Theft Crimes in California

Theft crimes in California involve the unlawful taking of someone else’s property, but not all theft charges are treated equally. The nature of the property, its value, and how the crime occurred all play a role in determining the severity of the charges.

Here’s how the law classifies theft:

Petty Theft: Usually a misdemeanor for property valued under $950.
Grand Theft: A more serious charge that typically involves property valued over $950.
Burglary: Involves unlawful entry into a building with intent to commit a theft or felony—regardless of whether anything was taken.

Some thefts automatically qualify as felony theft, especially if they involve firearms, automobiles, or repeat offenses. Knowing the distinctions under California Penal Code 487 and 459 is key to building an effective defense.

Grand Theft Charges and Legal Implications

Grand theft in California is defined under Penal Code 487, which makes it a crime to unlawfully take property valued at more than $950. However, even property valued below that threshold can result in grand theft charges if it involves certain items—like vehicles or farm products—or specific circumstances.

Common examples of grand theft charges include:

Shoplifting or employee theft exceeding $950
Auto theft
Stealing high-value electronics or jewelry
Using fraud or deception to obtain property

A grand theft conviction can lead to:

Felony charges on your permanent record
Up to three years in state prison
Hefty fines and restitution
Long-term consequences for employment, immigration status, and licensing

Burglary Defense Strategies

Under California Penal Code 459, burglary involves entering a residential or commercial structure with the intent to commit theft or another felony. It’s not necessary for anything to be taken—intent alone can be enough to face serious charges.

There are two main categories:

First-degree (residential) burglary – typically charged as a felony and considered a strike under California’s Three Strikes Law.
Second-degree (commercial) burglary – may be charged as a felony or misdemeanor.

A burglary defense attorney will often challenge:

Whether the accused had intent to steal at the time of entry
Whether the entry was lawful or authorized
Errors in police conduct, search and seizure, or witness testimony

As a skilled burglary defense lawyer, Hart J. Levin analyzes every detail to expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s narrative and protect your constitutional rights.

Tailored Defense Strategies for Theft Crimes in Los Angeles

No two theft cases are exactly the same, and your defense shouldn’t be either. Hart J. Levin builds a theft defense strategy based on your unique circumstances, the evidence against you, and the court where your case is being heard.

Our approach may involve:

Investigating the facts and challenging key evidence
Filing motions to suppress illegally obtained statements or evidence
Negotiating reduced charges or alternative sentencing options
Asserting legal defenses like mistaken identity, lack of intent, or consent

Whether we’re defending grand theft cases or facing burglary allegations, every decision is made with the goal of reducing your exposure to harsh penalties—or avoiding a conviction altogether.

Felony Theft and Burglary Penalties

If convicted of a felony theft or burglary offense, the penalties can be severe—especially if aggravating factors are involved, such as prior convictions or the use of force.

Potential consequences include:

Grand theft (felony): Up to 3 years in prison
First-degree burglary: Up to 6 years in state prison
Sentence enhancements: Additional time for repeat offenders, use of weapons, or gang affiliation
Permanent record: A felony conviction can impact housing, jobs, and professional licenses

If you’re a first-time theft offender, the court may allow for diversion programs or alternative sentencing. Having a Southern California defense attorney who knows how to leverage these opportunities can be the difference between jail time and a second chance.

Why You Need a Los Angeles Theft Crimes Lawyer

Theft crimes are often complex and aggressively prosecuted, especially in Los Angeles. Prosecutors may push for felony charges even in cases that could be negotiated down. Representing yourself or relying on an overworked public defender can leave you exposed to life-changing consequences.

Hart J. Levin offers the kind of legal representation for theft charges that only comes from handling thousands of criminal cases, both as a prosecutor and defense attorney.

When you work with our firm, you benefit from:

Decades of courtroom experience
Hands-on case management
Clear communication and a no-nonsense approach to your defense
A track record of results in high-stakes theft and property crime cases

Proven Results in Theft Crime Cases

Hart J. Levin has helped clients avoid jail, reduce felony charges to misdemeanors, and in many cases, get their charges dismissed altogether. Our criminal case evaluations are honest, detailed, and focused on building the strongest path forward.

We have had many theft cases reduced and dismissed, protecting the records of our clients. The key is early intervention and an aggressive approach to challenge the evidence and the intent.

Early intervention is key. The sooner we review your case, the better the outcome we can pursue.

Frequently Asked Questions About Theft Crimes in California

What qualifies as grand theft in California?

Grand theft typically involves the unlawful taking of property valued over $950 or specific items such as vehicles or firearms. It’s governed by California Penal Code 487.

Is burglary considered a felony in California?

Yes, burglary—especially residential burglary—is almost always charged as a felony under Penal Code 459.

What are the penalties for a felony theft conviction?

Felony theft convictions can result in state prison time, large fines, probation, restitution, and a permanent criminal record.

Can theft charges be dismissed or reduced?

Yes. A theft crimes lawyer can often negotiate reductions or dismissals, especially in first-time offenses or cases with procedural issues.

How soon should I speak to a defense lawyer after being charged?

Immediately. A prompt criminal case evaluation improves your chances of success and allows your attorney to begin preserving evidence and advising you through early stages of the case.

Contact an Experienced Theft Attorney in Los Angeles Today

If you’re being accused of theft, the time to act is now. The Law Offices of Hart J. Levin offers discreet, confidential legal consultations and direct access to a trusted defense lawyer in Los Angeles. From felony burglary penalties to diversion options for first-time offenders, we’ll help you understand your options and protect your rights every step of the way.

Request Consultation

Testimonials

“Mr. Levin is an excellent attorney. The level of professionalism of himself and his staff is incomparable to others in the area and I highly recommend him.”

“I would like to thank Hart J. Levin and his staff for handling my case and being able to get it completely dismissed. His team is the highest-rated and most reviewed criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles for a reason. The whole process was extremely smooth, they took care of everything and answered all my questions and concerns. I would highly recommend The Law Offices of Hart J. Levin to anybody who is looking for the best outcome for their case. Thank you, I am extremely grateful.”

“As an attorney myself, I get a lot of inquiries for criminal defense and DUI attorneys. I have referred clients to Hart Levin and heard nothing but great feedback about his office and his staff. Getting a DUI can be a really scary and confusing experience. Hart Levin's office does a great job of walking clients through step by step and making sure they get the best result possible. I will continue to recommend Hart Levin's office to my clients, knowing they will be well taken care of.”

“Needing a criminal defense lawyer can be very stressful, so if you need one you can count on, I highly recommend calling Hart Levin.”

“I found the law office of Hart Levin and took an appointment with him after talking to him on phone. What makes him different from other lawyers whom I talked to is he doesn't scare you or give false promises. He will tell exactly how the case is going to proceed with his vast experience and what he can do to get best outcome. We were very stressed with the whole situation, but after we met Mr. Levin we were relieved and I got this feeling that he is very honest person and confidence that he will get us out of our bad situation. We are forever thankful to him and I would highly recommended him for criminal cases.”