California Penal Code Section 488 There's No Alternative

California Penal Code 488

PC 488 violations are in most cases charged as misdemeanor offenses, even though a burglary lawyer may be able to reduce charges to an infraction for first time offenders – depending on the circumstances of the case. For those with a previous criminal history, convincing a judge that you made a momentary lapse of judgement can be difficult for some. Regardless of your circumstance, the following information can be very beneficial towards better understanding the charges that have been brought against you.

What is Petty Theft?

The act of stealing items valued under $950.

How Petty Theft is Committed

California penal code 488 violations can be committed in a number of ways, including:

  • Larceny – this is otherwise known as shoplifting, and entails moving someone else’s property – physically, and without the owner’s consent. In addition, this act would have resulted in the owner being deprived of the item on a permanent basis.
  • Trickery – involves hoaxing someone into believing that their property will be returned in good faith.
  • Embezzlement – involves taking ownership of items that was left in someone’s trust. This oftentimes happens in employment situations where an employee is entrusted with company funds.
  • False Pretense or Fraud – This entails giving an owner false information in order to steal property. In these 488 pc cases the prosecution will need to provide a testimony, a document proving a promise or eyewitnesses at the time.

Penalties

  • Up to six months in jail
  • Up to $1,000 in fines
  • An informal probation

Other types of Theft

  • The stealing of good worth more than $950
  • The stealing of cars, agriculture or firearms
  • Stealing by mugging , robbery or burglary

The Difference Between Petty and Grand Violations

Grand in the general sense is the same act of stealing goods belonging to someone else, without their consent, and that these goods were worth more than $950.

How to Fight CPC 488 Charges in California

Some of the top legal defenses for petty theft penal code offenses include:

  • The accused accidentally shoplifted an item
  • The accused owned the alleged stolen items
  • The owner had given permission for the accused to take the goods
  • There was a mix-up with identifying the accused and the real thief

A theft conviction can make it impossible to secure good employment or apply for a professional license. The petty theft attorneys in Orange County at MacGregor and Collins however can help to fight these charges. Call us today at 844-285-9559for a free no hassle consultation.

Continue Reading Read Less

GET DEFENSE FROM AN AWARD-WINNING TEAM OF ATTORNEYS

Over the years our firm has earned numerous awards and accolades for delivering outstanding legal representation. Some of our awards include: Admission to The National Top Trial Lawyers Association since 2014, AVVO Rating 10.0 Superb Rating, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys Award "10 Best Attorney Client Satisfaction" in 2018, Nationally Ranked Top 100 Under 40 in California Attorney Award in 2017, Member of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce since 2018, Martindale-Hubbell Accredited Law Firm, Distinguished in Orange County Metro "Top Attorneys" section, and Featured in Orange Coast Magazine in April 2010 as one of "Orange County's Best Criminal Defense Attorneys".

  • Best Criminal Defense in Irvine - 2022
  • Best DUI Lawyer In Irvine- 2022
  • Best DUI Lawyer in Santa Ana - 2022
  • Best Criminal Defense Lawyer New Port Beach- 2022
  • 10 Best Attorney
  • Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • Under 40
  • avvo 10.0

WHY WE'RE THE RIGHT CHOICE

  • Over 45 years of Collective Experience
  • Thousands of Cases Successfully Handled
  • Former Deputy District Attorney
  • Impressive Track Record of Results
  • Highly Respected by Peers and Clients
  • Free Initial Consultation

A Winning REcord

Always Pursuing the Best Possible Result
  • Case Dismissed Murder
  • Charges Dismissed Driving on a Suspended License
  • Case Dismissed Burglary
  • Penalty Reduced Possession of Methamphetamine
  • Case Dismissed Possession of Methamphetamine

GETTING STARTED IS EASY

Schedule a Free Consultation Today

A member of our team will be in touch shortly to confirm your contact details or address questions you may have.

  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
  • By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your request & other information using automated technology. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Acceptable Use Policy

CLient Reviews

At Law Offices of Randy Collins, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    "Caring and Genuine Attorney"
    I called the office and right off the bat, I was super impressed at how much help I was receiving without even meeting in person. Chris (the guy who answered my call) is extremely nice and he explains everything so well. He told me how he used to work at the courts for many years (that gave me relief that he knew what he was talking about). Randy (the attorney) is delightful as well and put my worries to rest with his expertise and knowledge. You can tell by his demeanor and how passionate he speaks, that he is genuine and he cares about his clients. This office handles everything from DUI cases to just about anything criminal related.
    Former Client
    "I am extremley grateful for their help!"
    Randy, Chris, and his team are amazing. Having talked to other offices, this one was the most responsive, caring, and downright most helpful. They are all super knowledgeable in defense and I am extremely grateful for their help. I 100% recommend and suggest you try a consultation.
    John
    "All my friends' cases either dismissed or reduced significantly."
    Randy is a great attorney that has helped me out of a bad situation. I refer all of my friends that get in trouble and he has gotten all of their cases either dismissed or reduced significantly. You definitely get what you pay for when you hire this firm.
    Chris H.
    "Man of his word - got the issue resolved."
    I hired Randy after my previous attorney failed to give me proper information and caused me to violate my probation. Randy appeared in court for got the issue resolved without any head aches. He was a man of his word and I highly recommend him.
    Reedham
    "⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
    Best Criminal Defense Attorney"
    I could not be more grateful or complimentary of how Randy handled my case, as well as the easy communication and genuine care for my well-being. I could not recommend Randy more.
    Nichole
    "The one attorney you want on your side!"
    He is amazing!! I'm am happy to say that my daughter's charges were dismissed! Randy did an excellent job!!! I couldn't have made a better decision the day I called his office.
    Leslie
    "Handled my case in record time with the best possible outcome."
    Randy is awesome! I called so many attorneys and in all honesty he is such an incredible person. All of his office staff is friendly, professional and knowledgeable. He really cares about the welfare of his clients and takes time to discuss your needs in person. I highly recommend him. He handled my case in record time with the best possible outcome.
    Staci
    "They are such a great team to work with."
    I was new in the US and I didn’t know anything or what to do from Day 1 from presenting my case to Randy. He reassured me that he would help me and that I shouldn’t worry. He was very supportive, responsive to every question no matter how silly it was he was very patient and comforting. He knew exactly how to address the problem and had a plan of action and after a long 2 years, he won my case I appreciate every effort Randy & Chris have done. They are such a great team to work with and I would recommend him in a heartbeat
    Dalia