Southern California Defense Blog

When a person is arrested or giving a citation for Riverside petty theft they need to realize this is a serious criminal offense. This is considered a crime of “moral turpitude”. If you are found guilty of this crime, it will remain on your permanent record. If you apply for a job after being convicted of a theft crime it is very unlikely anyone will want to hire you in these difficult economic times. When an employer can choose between 50 qualified applicants why would they select someone who was convicted of theft?

Our law firm has successfully won dismissals of many petty theft cases where our client’s legal defense was that they did not “intend” to steal the item because it was an “accident”. The prosecution must prove that at the time the accused left the store they had the specific intent to steal the item in order to obtain a conviction. If the jury believes that in fact your conduct was “accidental” in nature then the chances of you being found not guilty are high. In some cases we can convince the District Attorney to drop the charges when we present our defense to them prior to the trial commencing.

However, it is not enough to merely say it was “an accident”. The evidence must support your legal position. For example if you were with your baby and the baby was in a stroller and you inadvertently placed an item in the top of the stroller and you purchased many other items but did not pay for this one item, you can argue that it was an “accident” as to that one item, in that you were distracted from having to tend to your baby.

Another example of a successful “accidental taking” in a theft case, is when a person enters a store to shop and while shopping with a shopping cart receives a cell phone call and they cannot get reception within the store and so they temporarily wheel the shopping cart outside of the store while speaking on the phone to complete the phone call and they are stopped by security as they are speaking on the phone. We have been successful in these cases to argue that our client did not intend to steal the item but only left the store to be able to complete the phone call and was planning to return to the store to continue to shop and pay for the items in the shopping cart.

It is important to remember that no person can have brain surgery done on them to “really know” for sure what was in their mind when they left the store with the merchandise. This is why security personnel and law enforcement are trained to do all they can to have the person arrested admit that they intended to steal when they are being questioned. If the police obtain such an admission then it makes it very difficult for the client to prevail.

If you or a loved one has been arrested for theft, it is imperative you contact Wallin & Klarich. Hiring an experienced Orange County criminal defense law firm is the best way to ensure you keep your freedom. The attorneys at Wallin & Klarich have been helping people facing theft charges for over 30 years. We have offices in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura and Orange County. Call us today at 888-280-6839 for a consultation or fill out our intake form for immediate assistance.

Ventura County does not follow the policy of other California courts when it comes to petty theft charges. In some California courts, the prosecutor and the court employ a policy that allows a person who is charged with a first-time misdemeanor petty theft offense to enroll in a theft class. If that class is successfully completed, the person will have the misdemeanor charge dismissed. However Ventura County has no such program in place.

Generally referred to as shoplifting, petty theft is the unlawful taking of someone else's property with the intent to deprive the owner of the property permanently. Petty theft is usually charged as a misdemeanor on the first offense, and the value of the property stolen is valued between $50 and $950.

A petty theft misdemeanor conviction carries up to six months in county jail, a fine, and up to three years on probation. In some cases, an experienced criminal defense attorney in Ventura County may successfully be able to reduce the misdemeanor to an infraction, thus eliminating a criminal conviction for a misdemeanor.

A misdemeanor theft conviction can carry serious collateral consequences as well. A petty theft conviction will show up on an employment background check, and can often dissuade a potential employer from hiring an otherwise qualified and desirable applicant.

The attorneys at Wallin & Klarich have been defending people on theft charges for over thirty years. Wallin & Klarich will review all the evidence in your case, and fight to have the charges dismissed, or reduced to a lesser charge. The fact that a criminal conviction stays on your record forever, highlights the importance of hiring an experienced, aggressive defense firm in Ventura County .

If you or a loved one has been arrested for theft in Ventura, it is imperative you contact our firm. Hiring an experienced criminal defense law firm is the best way to ensure you keep your freedom. You can reach us at 888-280-6839 to discuss your case or go to our website at www.wklaw.com for more information. Call us today, we will get through this together.

If you have been charged with grand theft or petty theft in Riverside, our knowledgeable theft attorneys – experienced in the workings and procedures of the Riverside local courts – provide you an overview of the punishment for petty theft that you are facing in Riverside.

Under California Penal Code section 488, any theft that is not considered grand theft is charged as petty theft. Under Penal Code section 487, grand theft is committed when the value of the property taken is over $950. Grand theft also occurs in several other situations, including if the property is taken from the clothing or body of another person. If you have been charged with theft of property that has a value less than $950, and it does not otherwise qualify as grand theft, it will be considered petty theft.

Under Penal Code section 490, the punishment you are facing for petty theft is imprisonment in the Riverside county jail for no more than six months, a fine not exceeding $1,000, or both. If you have not been charged with any other prior theft-related crimes and the value of the property stolen is less than $50, your Riverside theft attorney at Wallin & Klarich may assist you to reduce the charge to an infraction. See California Penal Code 490.1(a). If the petty theft charge is reduced to an infraction the punishment is a maximum fine of $250.

If you have been convicted three or more times of petty theft, grand theft, burglary or robbery, your petty theft charge can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony. A misdemeanor petty theft carries a punishment of up to a year in county jail and a maximum fine of $1,000. Felony petty theft is sentenced by imprisonment for a maximum of three years and a fine up to $10,000.

If you have been convicted of theft in Riverside, it is important that you contact a knowledgeable and experienced criminal defense attorney at Wallin & Klarich. With offices in Riverside, Orange County, San Bernardino, Victorville, Ventura, Los Angeles, San Diego and West Covina, the attorneys at Wallin & Klarich have over 30 years of experience defending clients accused of theft.

We will get through this together. Call Wallin & Klarich today at 1-888-280-6839. We will be there when you call.

Although the answer to this question depends on the facts of the case the answer is most likely that you will not actually go to jail for a first-time shoplifting offense in California, penal code 484. The rule of thumb is that the higher the value of items that were stolen the more severe the punishment will be. If you are charged with shoplifting or petty theft then the value of the merchandise is almost certainly under $900 and although you are unlikely facing time behind bars for a first offense there will be consequences if convicted.

As stated, the value of items that were stolen or attempted to be stolen in a petty theft case is the most relevant factor in determining what type of punishment will be imposed. If the value of the items is $50 or less on a first offense, then there is a solid chance that the case could be negotiated down from a misdemeanor to an infraction. This would avoid a criminal conviction and would also avoid a potential probation term and reduced fines.

Also, many counties in California offer theft diversion programs. Under such a program the accused would enter a plea of guilty to the charge and sentencing would be continued for 90 days or so. During that time the defendant would have to successfully complete a theft diversion class and not stay out of trouble until sentencing. If they do so, the case is dismissed before sentencing and the defendant avoids a criminal conviction.

Another potential alternative in a theft case is called a civil compromise. Under this arrangement, the defendant pays the victim a certain amount of money above and beyond what the victim’s loss in the case was and the victim signs a statement indicating they no longer desire prosecution. If the judge accepts the civil compromise, then the criminal proceedings are permanently stayed and the defendant avoids a conviction.

These are just a few of the options available in dealing with a first-time shoplifting case. While you are unlikely to be facing actual jail time in a case like this, a conviction can have a disastrous impact on your present and future employment opportunities and carries a stigma that nobody wants to live with. If you or a loved one is facing theft charges in Southern California, then you should immediately contact the law offices of Wallin & Klarich for a consultation. Call us at 888-280-6839. We’ll be there when you call.

Shoplifting in Orange County is so common that many people who otherwise consider themselves upstanding citizens have committed an offense at one time or other. Just switching a price tag with another from a less-expensive garment is stealing. Indeed, some minor offenses may not even seem unethical to many. However, shoplifting is serious, and can carry harsh penalties.

Shoplifting is an equal opportunity offender. Individuals from every background imaginable are caught. Even movie stars shoplift, as evidenced by troubled actors who have made the headlines in recent years. According to the National Crime Prevention Council, approximately 25% of shoplifting arrestees are 13-17 years old. Adults account for the remainder, and, surprisingly, a large percentage of shoplifters are employees.

Indeed, the Wall Street Journal reports that 75% of employees have stolen at least one time. The loss for stores just from employees amounts to as much as $50 billion annually, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Employees naturally have an advantage among shoplifters. They know something about store security measures, and have access to areas the public doesn’t. What would motivate an employee to shoplift? Temptation certainly is a factor. Working around products one desires to own but cannot afford can lead an employee to become bitter about his paycheck. This is a mere step away from taking the item, rationalizing that he has earned it.

Teenagers often shoplift out of a desire to own what they can’t buy as well. Peer pressure for young people can be acute, and may lead them to rash acts they otherwise would never consider. However, another surprising motivation for teens caught shoplifting is boredom.

Adults, similarly, shoplift for often surprising reasons. The stereotype of the poverty-stricken woman stealing a loaf of bread to feed her starving children does not hold as a general motive in reality. While desiring an item certainly is many times a factor, adults often cite that they were reacting to the pressures of daily living. Somehow shoplifting gives them a kind of psychological relief.

Many shoplifters even suggest that they experience a “high” from the experience which has been compared to the effects of a substance such as methamphetamine. Individuals have recounted that they began shoplifting out of need, but continued because of the pleasure it provided. In some cases they actually become addicted.

It is difficult to imagine that a jail sentence will benefit a person who shoplifts under such a circumstance. Yet the penalties do not generally work to assist defendants in overcoming their habit. Rather, for an offense that involves less than $950, the defendant may be charged with petty theft and, if convicted, given a fine up to $1,000 and a maximum six months in jail. For items totaling more than $950 the charge is grand theft, a felony which carries a maximum one year in state prison.

Whether a person is charged with petty or grand theft, it is almost always in his best interests to hire a Los Angeles attorney who can help clear him. If you are so charged, the attorneys at Wallin &Klarich may be able to help. We have over 30 years of experience assisting individuals with their legal issues. Call us today at (888) 280-6839.

Being arrested for theft is bad enough. But using your 10-year-old daughter to commit the crime, then abandoning her at Target when she got caught seems to be a lot worse. That is exactly what happened this weekend, and now Tiffany Foster is going to need a good criminal defense lawyer as well as an incredible family law attorney if she hopes to keep custody of her child.

Security cameras at Target captured the woman trying to conceal approximately $600 worth of merchandise under some coats in a shopping cart. She then allegedly instructed her daughter to push the cart outside the store. When security guards stopped the little girl, her mother and another woman took off running.

After questioning the girl, police tracked down Foster at her home and ordered her back to the Target. Foster claimed that she had no knowledge of the items hidden under the jacket, basically throwing her daughter under the bus for her crime. Thankfully, the little girl had come clean to police already, saying that she and her mother had entered the Target with the intention of shoplifting and had done it before.

In California, shoplifting is a serious crime and can carry with it a jail sentence of up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine for petty theft or up to 1 year in jail for grand theft.

With the current state of the economy, shoplifting is becoming more and more prevalent. But the price you pay if caught is never worth the value of the items you take.

In many instances, people make poor judgments and steal things. And sometimes false allegations do happen to good people. The possibility of getting a theft case dismissed or reduced and mitigated to a less serious offense depends largely on the experience of the San Bernardino theft lawyer representing you.

Theft offenses range from Petty theft under Penal Code Sections 484 and 488 which amounts to thefts up to a value of $950 to Grand Theft under Penal Code Section 487 which is property valued more than $950 to even auto burglary and some of the white collar crimes like embezzlement and identity theft.

Having a theft record can also hamper a persons chance in gaining employment in the future and other consequences as they will appear on background checks if there is a conviction.

An experienced San Bernardino county attorney at Wallin & Klarich can often help you defend these charges and allegations and have them dismissed if warranted or even reduced to a lesser offense. We look to the evidence and its strength or weakness and attack it and all the circumstances and facts surrounding the charges.

These offenses can also be resolved by what's called a civil compromise when the victim has been paid for the value of the item or restored to the same position they were at before the offense occurred. We often can negotiate with the prosecution to dismiss such charges or mitigate to a lesser offense and not as egregious.

Have you or a loved one recently been charged with theft offense in California? It is important to contact an experienced San Bernardino attorney to represent you against these charges. At Wallin and Klarich, our San Bernardino defense attorneys have successfully represented many clients in this situation. Call us at 1-888-749-0034 or visit our website at www.wklaw.com

In most cases when you are arrested for shoplifting at a store, you will probably receive a letter from an attorney demanding that you pay a certain amount of money. This letter is called a “civil demand” letter, which is sent to you as an attempt by the store to recoup its losses from the theft.

These letters can be very intimidating and can become increasingly threatening as they may demand that you pay for the value of the item taken, the amount of any resulting damage, or the cost of the security employees. No matter how frightening these letters may become - no matter how much they threaten to sue you - do not hastily pay the amounts that they demand. Know your rights first.

California Penal Code 490.5, which governs civil demand letters, states that you are only responsible for paying for losses, plus the cost of any damaged merchandise that the store would not be able to re-sell.

If the store was able to recover the item you may have tried to take, the store has not suffered any loss that would make you responsible. It is only if you damaged the item to the point where it could not be re-sold will you be responsible for paying. As for covering the cost of the store employee or loss prevention officer involved: they are typically paid a regular salary regardless of the theft, so it makes no sense for them to demand that you cover the cost of the employees.

However, it not wise to simply ignore a civil demand letter even if it is highly unlikely that they would actually file suite against you. Our attorneys at Wallin & Klarich have been in practice for over 30 years and can help you in this matter. They have represented thousands of clients who have been accused of theft crimes and have successfully handled their cases which also included dealing with the civil demand letters. If you want the peace of mind that comes with not having to worry about the threatening letters that demand payment from you, call us today at 888-749-0034 or visit us online at www.wklaw.com. We will be there for you when you call.

Although shoplifting may seem like a minor crime to most people and stores have gone to great lengths to ensure shoplifting prevention, it can still have drastic effects on the life of someone accused of such an offense. For example, even for a first offense for shoplifting, shoplifting can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony in California (depending on the value of the goods taken). Penalties for shoplifting include possible jail time, stiff fines and fees, anti-shoplifting classes, and other punishments. But it doesn’t end there. Other “collateral” consequences can lead to serious problems.

For example, because shoplifting is considered a “crime of moral turpitude” by the government, a shoplifting arrest or conviction may lead to deportation if an offender is not a U.S. citizen. A shoplifting arrest or conviction may also negatively impact a person’s ability to get a job and may also result in the person being fired from his or her current job. There are many other possible collateral consequences depending on the particular facts of a case. This is why it is extremely important to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. The criminal defense attorneys at Wallin & Klarich will look at the unique facts of each case and help every client avoid many of the negative consequences that result from a shoplifting arrest or conviction.

Continue reading "What You Need To Know About Shoplifting And Shoplifting Laws In California – California Penal Code Section 484" »

Shoplifting is a term often used to describe when a person intends to steal or steals an item from a store. However, shoplifting can also involve switching labels or tags on an item to get the item for less money or illegally taking items from your place of work that were entrusted to you.

Another common term for shoplifting is petty theft. Petty theft is almost always considered a misdemeanor for the first offense if the item that was stolen retails between $50 and $400. The consequences associated with a conviction include fines, probation and/or 6 months in jail. If you are convicted of petty theft for a second time, the charge can either be a misdemeanor or felony. Obviously, the felony charge carries stiffer penalties including up to 16 months in prison.

Continue reading "Shoplifting in California" »

San Bernardino, CA has an estimated population of 205,010 as of 2006, making it the 18th largest city in California (based on population). San Bernardino is part of the “Inland Empire” and measures 78.5 square miles in size. The city is roughly 60 miles east of Los Angeles, and is located at the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains. There are 56,330 household in the city of San Bernardino. Consequently, 48.6% of the population lives below the poverty line. Desperation in times of economic woe can often lead to brazen acts of theft and burglary in San Bernardino which the rights of those accused deserve to be defended by a skilled criminal defense attorney.

San Bernardino’s crime rates are higher than the national average in all major categories, including both violent and property crimes. The city’s burglary rate is 1.53 times the national average, and its theft rate is 1.11 times the national average (car theft is a whopping 2.85 times the national average). With so much crime present in the city, there is a definite need for experienced San Bernardino theft defense lawyers. At Wallin & Klarich, we understand that false accusations, improper arrest procedure, and other matters can lead to an innocent person being branded guilty if they don’t receive quality legal counsel and representation.

At Wallin & Klarich, you can trust that knowledgeable and aggressive lawyers are prepared to examine every detail of your theft or burglary case. Our skilled San Bernardino burglary defense attorneys offer a free consultation of your case, and will fight to ensure that your rights are upheld in a court of law. Please contact us today at 888-749-7428 and we will do everything we can to help clear your name. With over 30 years of criminal defense experience in California, you can trust our firm.

Huntington Beach, California is a coastal city located in Orange County. With a total area of 31.6 square miles, Huntington Beach, or “Surf City” as it’s popularly referred to as, houses a population just shy of 190,000 (as of the 2000 United States census). Known for its beautiful beaches and preserved wetlands, Huntington Beach plays host to countless beach-goers and tourists each year. In addition, numerous surfing outfits hold their events in Huntington Beach each year. Like any major city that is home to many and draws multiple visitors throughout the year, Huntington Beach has cases of theft and burglary in which the rights of the accused deserve to be defended.

Although crime rates in Huntington Beach are generally half those of the national average, the experienced Huntington Beach burglary defense lawyers at Wallin & Klarich have successfully provided legal counsel and representation to many clients. While violent crimes are not common in the city, property crimes are more prevalent (though still merely 48% of the national average). Property crime is often a problem in areas visited by tourists, and Huntington Beach is no exception. For this reason, it is important to have skilled criminal defense attorneys in the area that can sort through the evidence and help prevent the innocent from experiencing unwarranted punishment for crimes that they didn’t commit in the first place.

Wallin & Klarich has more than 30 years of experience as criminal defense attorneys in California. Our skilled Huntington Beach theft defense attorneys can help assist you with every aspect of your case, and will ensure that your rights are upheld in every possible way. Please contact us today for a confidential evaluation of your case, and place yourself on the road to restoring your good name. Contact us today and visit our website at www.wklaw.com.

Glendale, California is part of Los Angles County and located at the eastern end of the San Fernando Valley. Glendale has a population of 207,303 as of January 1, 2009, and is the third largest city in Los Angeles County. The city spans 30.7 square miles and it is estimated that Glendale has a population density of 6,770.6 people per square mile. As with any major city, Glendale has its fair share of theft and burglary crimes in which those accused deserve to have a fair trial and quality legal representation from an experienced Glendale theft defense lawyer who will ensure that constitutional rights were not violated during arrest or investigation proceedings.

Though incidents of theft and burglary in Glendale have consistently decreased over the years, with instances of property crime, for example, dropping nearly 15% (dropping from 1,719 to 1,470 acts of reported property crime in a one year period), there is still a definite need for criminal defense attorneys in the Glendale area. At Wallin & Klarich, we understand that mishaps occur and that guilt is not always attributed to the right person. Our attorneys are dedicated to defending the rights of those accused of Glendale theft and burglary under the law and will use our skills and resources to help you with your case.

Wrongful accusation can devastate a young life, and the attorneys at Wallin & Klarich understand this. Our skilled Glendale burglary defense attorneys have years of experience defending those accused or criminal offenses, especially property crime. Please call our knowledgeable lawyers for a consultation, and let us help you get your life back on track. Contact us 24/7 at 888-280-6839.

Chula Vista, California is located in southern San Diego County. The city is the second largest in San Diego County according to population, and the 14th largest statewide in California (also in terms of population numbers). Chula Vista is 51.2 square miles in size, and houses a population of about 217,478 residents. Since the year 2000, Chula Vista’s population has grown by over 20%.

Chula Vista’s economy is very much tied to that of the rest of the San Diego area, which draws a huge amount of tourism. With such large numbers of people visiting and passing through the area, in addition to those who call Chula Vista home, there is an increased chance in the number of theft and burglary crimes that will be committed.

At Wallin & Klarich, our skilled Chula Vista theft defense attorneys won’t let confusion and false accusation lead to an innocent person being punished for a crime they didn’t commit. Though the crime rate in Chula Vista is below the national average (316.5 occurrences of crime per 100,000 residents vs. the national average of 320.9 per 100,000 persons), there is still a definite need for criminal defense attorneys in Chula Vista.

Our criminal defense attorneys at Wallin & Klarich have years of experience defending those accused of burglary and theft crimes in the Chula Vista area, and are prepared to handle every aspect of your case. Our aggressive Chula Vista burglary defense lawyers will examine the circumstances of your arrest, and will help prove that you are innocent. Please call us today for a case evaluation at 888-280-6839 or visit www.wklaw.com for more information.

With an estimated population of 311,575 in 2008, Riverside, California is the largest city in the Inland Empire region of California, and the 12th largest city statewide. The United States Census Bureau reports that Riverside has a total area of 98.4 square miles, with a population density of 3,267.2 people per square mile. The University of California at Riverside and the Riverside Unified School District employ the largest number of people in the city. Similar to many large cities, Riverside experiences its share of burglary and theft crimes in which those accused deserve a fair trial and legal counsel from an experienced Riverside criminal defense lawyer.

The cost of living in Riverside, California is low in comparison to the rest of Southern California. Crime rates, particularly those involving car-theft, are well above the national average. The presence of street gangs with large membership numbers exasperates the crime problem, and creates confusion among residents as to who is and isn’t a gang member. At Wallin & Klarich, we understand that innocent people can often be blamed for wrongdoing, which creates a definite need for skilled theft attorneys in Riverside.

At Wallin & Klarich, our knowledgeable attorneys are quite familiar with wrongful accusation, and have the experience to help clear your name. If you or a loved one has been accused of a theft or burglary crime in Riverside, please don’t hesitate to contact the criminal defense lawyers at Wallin & Klarich. Restoring your good name is our number one priority, and finding you innocent of criminal charges is the first step in doing so. Call us today for a consultation of your case at 888-280-6839 or visit www.wklaw.com for more information.

Anaheim, California, with its 348,467 residents, is the tenth largest city in California (based on population). Located in Orange County, Anaheim is 50.5 square miles in size, and is a popular Southern California tourist destination. Anaheim is well known for Disneyland, Disney’s California Adventure, and the Anaheim Convention Center. With flocks of families visiting the theme parks and numerous businesses making use of the convention center on a yearly basis, Anaheim is no stranger to burglary and theft in which those accused of such crimes deserve a fair trial and quality representation from a skilled Anaheim theft defense attorney.

Based on its size, Anaheim one of the safest cities in the United States, with crime rates well below national averages across the board. In general, crime rate numbers in Anaheim are about 50% those of national crime rates. In 2003, 1,971 burglaries in Anaheim were reported, as well as 8,475 total instances of theft. These statistics, regardless of the fact that they are below the national average, indicate that Anaheim is in need of skilled burglary defense attorneys to ensure that constitutional rights are withheld.

At Wallin & Klarich, our experienced lawyers understand that criminal accusations are difficult to face alone. If you or someone you love has been accused of theft or burglary, please don’t hesitate to contact our law offices at 888-280-6839 for an evaluation of your case. Our knowledgeable attorneys are here to help you with all aspects of your case, and are prepared to help return a sense of balance to your life. Call us today.

Santa Ana, California is the most populous city in Orange County, with an estimated population of 339,555 as of 2007. If current estimates hold true, Santa Ana’s population will have grown to 355,662 by 2009. Santa Ana, according to the 2000 United States Census, is one of the most densely populated cities in the United States (of cities that have more than 300,000 people), with 12,471.5 people per square mile, ranking behind only New York City, San Francisco, and Chicago. With such a dense population, alleged crimes of theft and burglary are known to be prominent, and with the help of skilled Santa Ana theft defense lawyers, those accused can receive a fair trial and the legal representation and counsel they need.

Santa Ana is the corporate headquarters for companies such as First American Corporation and Behr Paint, and houses the regional headquarters for Xerox and T-Mobile. Though commercial growth has slowed in years past, with the nearby city of Irvine outpacing Santa Ana, new growth continues to contribute to Santa Ana’s economy and financial well-being.

Boosting a projected population growth of about 5% over the last two years, from 2007-2009, Santa Ana is home to numerous people. However, an increase in population growth often translates to an increase in crime rate. Though Santa Ana’s crime rates are below the national average in most instances (arson and vehicle theft are two of the few exceptions), overall Santa Ana theft and burglary crimes are a problem nevertheless. In 2006, Santa Ana, CA reported 8,630 property crimes, a clear indication that the area is in need of a skilled theft and burglary lawyer who can defend those who are unrightfully accused.

At Wallin & Klarich, our dedicated lawyers have years of experience handling both theft and burglary cases. Our skilled Santa Ana burglary defense attorneys will examine every aspect of your case, and will help prove you innocent of wrongdoing. Please call us today for a case evaluation or visit www.wklaw.com and we will see to it that your rights are upheld every step of the way.

Long Beach, California is situated about 20 miles south of downtown Los Angeles. The second largest city in Los Angeles County, Long Beach boasts an estimated population of about 493,000 throughout its 65.9 square miles. Long Beach is home to the Port of Long Beach, one of the world’s largest shipping ports. Aside from shipping, the city’s economy is stimulated through the manufacturing of goods, such as aircraft (Boeing) and automobile parts, is the corporate headquarters for large corporations such as Epson America and SCAN Health Plan, and even has a large oil industry (with oil deposits both underground and offshore). As is the case for most booming cities, Long Beach has alleged incidents of burglary and theft in which those who are accused deserve a just trial and quality legal representation from an experienced Long Beach theft defense lawyer.

With its beautiful coastline and tourist attractions such as the Aquarium of the Pacific and The Queen Mary, Long Beach plays host to large numbers of visitors on a daily basis. In addition, as the fifth-largest city in California in terms of population, Long Beach residents are numerous as well. With such a vast number of people, crime is certain to follow. Though the number of burglaries and thefts in Long Beach has been relatively static over the last two years (13,088 cases in 2007 vs. 13,095 cases in 2008, for a 0.05% increase over the course of one year), there is still a definite need for Long Beach burglary defense attorneys in the area.

Misunderstandings occur on a daily basis, and miscommunication can prompt inaccurate accusations. At Wallin & Klarich, we understand that the accused are not always guilty of the crimes they are charged with. Witnesses can confuse the facts, and innocent people can unjustly be arrested for suspicion of theft or burglary. If you or someone you love has been accused of theft or burglary in Long Beach, don’t let them face their charges alone. Please contact the skilled Long Beach burglary defense attorney at Wallin & Klarich for a case evaluation.

I AM BEING CHARGED WITH SHOPLIFING, DO I NEED A SHOPLIFING ATTORNEY?

Shoplifting is not a crime in California, but a name for a certain kind of theft. Because most people who commit shoplifting steal items worth less than $400, it is usually charged as petty theft and is most likely to be a misdemeanor. In fact, for theft of items worth less than $50, prosecutors may also choose to charge it as an infraction, a category of crime below a misdemeanor. But if you’re charged with a repeat shoplifting offense or you’re charged with stealing goods worth $400 or more, you will likely be charged with felony shoplifting (grand theft or felony petty theft).

Shoplifting is one of the most common theft crimes in California. Teenagers testing their boundaries and older folks who simply forget to pay are two groups commonly charged with shoplifting. Other commonly charged groups are people who steal for psychological (rather than financial) reasons and people who have substance abuse problems. Severe criminal charges and jail time may not be appropriate for these offenders. Our experienced California shoplifting defense attorneys can make a substantial difference, especially if they can step in during the early phases of a case.

Fortunately, Wallin & Klarich has several options for defending a shoplifting charge or reducing its penalties. In cases involving very minor theft or absentmindedness, we can often negotiate directly with the store to return the items or pay restitution, keeping the matter out of the criminal justice system altogether or allowing us to ask for dropped charges. There are several alternative sentencing options available, including community service, counseling, drug court or work-release. We can also negotiate lowered charges in many cases, reducing felony petty theft to a misdemeanor or allowing people charged with misdemeanor petty theft to avoid jail by pleading to trespassing instead.

Continue reading "Charged With Shoplifting In California?" »

The Difference Between a Public Defender and a Privately Retained Attorney for Felony Matters

At Wallin and Klarich we receive calls from prospective clients all the time who are worried about the representation they are receiving from the public defender. We often tell people that while the public defenders try hard on their cases, that often they have a very high number of serious cases that they are trying to handle at the same time. We tell people that it is often a better idea when they are facing the possibility of going to jail that they “invest” money in their freedom and hire an experienced southern California criminal defense law firm like Wallin and Klarich to help them.

An example of why we suggest that is what happened today in court when Wallin and Klarich were presenting one of three young men who were accused of stealing laptops from a local college bookstore. The other two defendants were represented by public defenders. The judge had offered 120 days in custody and a felony conviction for all three defendants. The two public California felony defense lawyers who were representing the other two young men appeared to be fine with the judge's offer and said they would recommend it to their clients. However, this offer was totally unacceptable to Wallin and Klarich for our client.

Our client was a good young man who had been accepted to a good college on a scholarship. He was a student athlete and we were able to present to the judge many letters on our clients behalf. We informed the court that our client could not ruin his life with having a felony on his record. We told the judge that our client had been “punished by his parents” and was humiliated by the experience. He convinced the judge that our client should have his felony reduced to a misdemeanor. The judge agreed. However, Wallin and Klarich was not nearly done.

Continue reading "Felony Theft Charges Handled Differently by Public Defender than Private Attorney" »