California Theft & Fraud Defense Attorney
Defending against property crimes and white-collar accusations.
Theft and fraud charges in California range from petty theft misdemeanors to grand theft felonies and complex white-collar crimes. Prosecutors aggressively pursue these cases, seeking restitution and maximum sentences. A conviction can brand you as dishonest — destroying career prospects and professional licenses. You need strategic defense now.
Do not speak to police.
Anything you say can be used against you. Call us first. We'll handle all communication with law enforcement.
What You're Facing Under California Law
| Offense | Potential Penalty |
|---|---|
| Petty Theft (PC 484/488) | Up to 6 months jail, $1,000 fine |
| Grand Theft (PC 487) | Up to 3 years state prison |
| Burglary - First Degree (PC 459) | 2-6 years state prison (Strike offense) |
| Burglary - Second Degree (PC 459) | Up to 3 years state prison |
| Robbery (PC 211) | 2-9 years state prison (Strike offense) |
| Identity Theft (PC 530.5) | Up to 3 years state prison per count |
| Fraud/Embezzlement (PC 503) | Up to 3 years state prison |
| Forgery (PC 470) | Up to 3 years state prison |
Penalties vary based on circumstances. Early legal intervention can significantly reduce or eliminate charges.
Long-Term Consequences
A conviction doesn't just mean jail time. It can affect every aspect of your life:
- Restitution orders (paying back alleged victims)
- Professional license revocation (lawyers, accountants, healthcare)
- Immigration consequences for crimes of moral turpitude
- Difficulty finding employment — theft convictions signal dishonesty
- Loss of security clearances
- Strike offense status for residential burglary and robbery
- Civil lawsuits from alleged victims
- Banking and financial industry blacklisting
How We Defend Your Case
We examine every detail to build the strongest possible defense:
- Lack of intent to steal — mistake or misunderstanding
- Claim of right — you believed the property was yours
- Consent — the owner gave permission
- Challenge value determination (misdemeanor vs. felony threshold)
- Mistaken identity in robbery and burglary cases
- Insufficient evidence of fraudulent intent
- Challenge forensic accounting in white-collar cases
- Negotiate for diversion programs and civil compromise
Intent Is Everything in California Theft and Fraud Cases
California theft law requires the prosecution to prove you had specific intent to permanently deprive the owner of their property. This is the most powerful defense available — and it's frequently overlooked by attorneys unfamiliar with property crime law. Mistakes, misunderstandings, and honest beliefs that property was yours are complete defenses to theft charges under Penal Code § 484.
Fraud charges under PC 532 require proof of a knowing false representation made with intent to deceive and actual reliance by the victim. In many fraud prosecutions, prosecutors mischaracterize failed business dealings, disputed contracts, and investment losses as criminal fraud — when they are civil matters. Randal Shrout has successfully defended fraud cases by drawing that line clearly and early, often preventing felony charges from being filed at all.
Proposition 47 fundamentally changed California theft law by making theft of property valued at $950 or less a misdemeanor. However, repeat theft offenders face enhanced penalties under PC 490.2, and organized retail crime charges under PC 490.4 can elevate misdemeanor conduct to felonies. Understanding which statutes apply to your case is essential — and it's where a specialist makes the difference.
White-collar crime investigations often begin long before charges are filed. If you've received a target letter, been contacted by investigators, or believe you're under investigation, retaining an attorney immediately can shape whether charges are filed, what those charges look like, and whether a civil resolution prevents criminal prosecution entirely.
How We Build Your Defense
Early Case Evaluation
When possible, we review evidence before charges are filed — sometimes preventing prosecution by presenting our defense position to investigators directly.
Intent Analysis
We build a detailed factual record establishing your lack of criminal intent — the element the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt.
Value Challenge
We challenge the prosecution's property valuation. The difference between $949 and $951 is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony.
Civil Compromise
For eligible first-time property crime cases, we negotiate civil compromise — restitution payments that result in criminal charges being dismissed.
Serving All California Courts
Theft and fraud cases are prosecuted in California county courts. Proposition 47's $950 threshold applies statewide, but Los Angeles County aggressively pursues organized retail crime cases under separate felony statutes. Sacramento County has active DA units targeting financial fraud. San Diego prosecutes border-area financial crimes with heightened scrutiny. Shrout Law defends theft and fraud cases across all 58 California counties.
Time Matters. Every Hour Counts.
The sooner we start building your defense, the more options we have. Evidence can disappear. Witnesses forget. Act now.
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