Practice Area
A $30 item can cost you a career. The charge is called “petty.” The consequences are not.
PC 484/488 — Petty Theft. Unlawful taking of property valued at $950 or less. Misdemeanor. Up to six months county jail and a $1,000 fine.
PC 459.5 — Shoplifting. Entering a commercial establishment with intent to steal merchandise valued at $950 or less. Misdemeanor.
PC 666 — Petty Theft with Priors. Prior theft convictions can elevate a new petty theft to a felony.
Theft requires specific intent to permanently deprive the owner of their property. Forgot to scan something at self-checkout? Walked out distracted? None of that is theft without proof of intent.
Loss prevention officers make mistakes. Surveillance cameras are grainy. Descriptions are generic. We run our own investigation — pulling footage, interviewing witnesses, challenging every identification. The prosecution has to prove it was you, and we make them work for it.
If the property owner is made whole and agrees, the court can dismiss the case entirely. One of the most effective and underused tools in misdemeanor defense.
Many first-time petty theft defendants qualify for diversion. Complete community service and an anti-theft class, and the case is dismissed.
Do not go back to the store. Don’t apologize. Don’t offer to pay. Any statement — including an apology — is an admission.
Do not post about it. Not on social media. Not in group chats. Not anywhere digital.
Save everything. Receipts. Bank statements. Anything that supports your version of events.
Call a lawyer before your court date. The earlier we’re involved, the more options are on the table.
Everything included. Arraignment through resolution. One fee, no hourly billing, no surprises.
Schedule Free Consultation(510) 545-6515 · ahmed@ashlegal.com