How to Fight Shoplifting Charges in San Bernardino County

October 3, 2011,

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

I’ve Been Arrested for Shoplifting and got a Letter Demanding Payment. What Should I Do? – California Penal Code Section 490.5

May 23, 2011,

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.

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

April 19, 2010,

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.

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Shoplifting in California

November 28, 2009,

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.

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San Bernardino Theft and Burglary Defense Attorneys

July 16, 2009,

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 Theft and Burglary Defense Attorneys

July 14, 2009,

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 Theft and Burglary Defense Attorneys

July 9, 2009,

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 Theft and Burglary Defense Attorneys

July 7, 2009,

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.

Riverside Theft and Burglary Defense Attorneys

July 2, 2009,

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 Theft and Burglary Defense Attorneys

June 30, 2009,

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 Theft and Burglary Defense Attorneys

June 25, 2009,

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 Theft and Burglary Defense Attorneys

June 23, 2009,

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.

Charged With Shoplifting In California?

February 5, 2009,

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.

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Felony Theft Charges Handled Differently by Public Defender than Private Attorney

January 22, 2009,

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.

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Felony Grand Theft and Insurance Fraud Conviction against Los Gatos Chiropractor

November 28, 2008,

Los Gatos chiropractor to serve two years in prison for insurance fraud

Robert Arnold Demarco, a 42-year-old chiropractor was convicted of defrauding insurance companies of more than $250,000 by over billing for services he didn’t perform.

The Los Gatos Chiropractor was sentenced to two years in state prison by Santa Clara Superior Court after pleading guilty to one count of felony grand theft in California and one count of false insurance claim. Along with the prison sentence, which began on Monday November 3, 2008, the conviction instigated an investigation by the California Board of Chiropractic Examiners which could ultimately revoke Demarco’s chiropractic license.

The two year prison sentence for the insurance fraud, prosecutors say, came due to the amount of money that was involved and Demarco’s refusal to pay back the money. Regardless, the two year sentence is a very steep one for this crime and may raise eyebrows as to what kind of work Demarco’s defense lawyer did. With proper legal representation, one always has the best shot at (1) freedom and at very worst a fair and thorough trial and sentence. Unfortunately for Demarco it does not seem that his defense attorneys did all they could as he is serving prison time.

The Santa Clara criminal defense attorneys at Wallin & Klarich have over 30 years of experience in criminal defense and are sure to get you the help you need. Call us 24 hours a day 7 days a week at 1-888-749-0034 to speak to one of your qualified and aggressive criminal defense attorney that will put everything they have into defending you and getting you the best result possible in your criminal matter. Visit us at www.wklaw.com

Immigration Law and Vacating a Plea

November 13, 2008,

People v. Akhile

For those considering filing a motion to vacate a plea based on Penal Code Section 1016.5, familiarity with this case is a must.

In the above case, Appellant is a Native of Nigeria who entered the United States on a Tourist Visa and never left. In February of 1992, Appellant plead guilty to grand Theft and Embezzlement. The Trial Court sentenced him to two years state prison. Deportation proceeding began in 1993 and the Board of Immigration Appeals affirmed his deportation based on the 1992 conviction. Appellant argued that he did he was never aware of the immigration consequences of his plea.

Upon review, the record reflected that the Trial Court informed the Appellant of the immigration consequences at arraignment but not at the time of the plea. On appeal, the court vacated Petitioner’s plea on the basis that California Penal Code section 1016.5 requires that the Trial Court advise defendants of the adverse immigration consequences at the time of the plea.

Why is this case important? Because in instances where a Defendant was convicted of a white collar crime and the Trial Court fails to advise him or her of the immigration consequences at the time of plea, there are very good grounds to have the plea vacated.

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Burglary Charges Dismissed on Unlawful Patrol in Dormitory

August 5, 2008,

A recent Court of Appeals decision held that dormitory hallways have the same privacy protection as inside a home.

The case regarded an incident on a college campus in which campus police were investigating a dormitory burglary that occurred in February of 2006. A police officer stopped at a sixth floor door after hearing music and voices. The officer attempted to draw the students out of their room by covering the peephole, knocking, and saying “this is Matt.” He eventually identified himself as an officer, at which point a student named Jacob Houvener opened the door. Inside the room were a stolen laptop and guitar.

The Trial Court Judge dismissed the burglary charges against Houvener, stating that the students had a reasonable expectation of privacy. The sixth floor students constituted a group of residents that were independent from those of other floors. Frazier believed that Kuhrt overstepped his position by listening and sniffing at students’ doors. Frazier noted that students share a communal bathroom and study area and that public access is limited to residents and their guests.

The college rewrote its regulations after losing the case. The counsel involved in the case thinks that this attempt “to get around the Fourth Amendment is bizarre,” and warns that if colleges continue such patrols, they risk having significant criminal cases thrown out.

If you or a loved one believes your rights were violated in a criminal matter or need assistance from a California burglary defense attorney, call Wallin & Klarich. Wallin & Klarich has over 30 years experience with such cases and can give you the help you need. Call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 888-749-0034 and visit us at www.wklaw.com.

Restaurant Patron Charged With Felony and Jailed Over Complaint

July 31, 2008,

In was recently reported that a man complained that his server had poured coffee on his suit jacket and the jacket was part of a $1,500 suit and he demanded that the restaurant reimburse him $1,500. When the restaurant manager contacted the store where he had purchased the suit they were told that the man had made the same claim two weeks earlier at another restaurant.

The restaurant manager proceeded to contact the police department and the man was arrested on criminal charges of attempted grand theft and is sitting in the jail in lieu of $20,000 bail and facing felony charges. If you know of anyone who might think that making such false complaints can gain them an advantage it would be a good idea to tell them that making up such stories can have very negative consequences including going to jail.

IF you or a loved ones find yourselves facing any type of legal problem do not hesitate to contact Wallin and Klarich and we will be there to help you. You can visit us at www.wklaw.com and call us toll free 888-749-0034, we will be there when you call.

SHOPLIFT

May 9, 2008,

Shoplifting is the crime of stealing, or making an effort to steal, or intentionally paying less than the full amount for products or goods in a store. Shoplifting can include taking something without the intention of paying for it, hiding, concealing, or modifying a store’s goods (including the price tag) with the intention of stealing it or unlawfully paying less that it is being sold for.

In California, shoplifting goods with a value less than $400 may constitutes a petty theft misdemeanor charge. Shoplifting goods with a greater value may constitute a grand theft or larceny felony charge. The charges for shoplifting also depend on whether a person has a criminal history of shoplifting and other specific factors.

The penalties for shoplifting vary by circumstance and location but can include fines up to two times the amount of the value that was stolen, prison or jail time, and community service. In some cases compensatory fines may also be assessed in shoplifting cases in order to compensate a store owner for his or her losses.

If you would like to learn more about shoplifting, you may wish to contact a qualified and experienced legal expert from Wallin & Klarich who can advise you of your legal rights and options. An attorney can help to protect and maximize your legal interests in a shoplifting case.

Call Wallin & Klarich at 1-888-749-0034 and we can answer any legal questions you may have.

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU KICK OR YOU MAY FIND YOURSELF GUILTY OF FELONY BURGLARY

February 27, 2008,

It has always been believed that for someone to be guilty of burglary they would have to actually enter the victim’s home or a business to commit a crime. However, a recent case has been decided by the court of appeals that expands the definition of burglary. In the specific case in question, the accused was very upset with the victim and so he kicked the defendant’s door down. When he did so the owner of the home ran out of the house and the defendant did not physically enter the home. The court of appeals has held that you may be found guilty of burglary even if you do not physically enter the residence of a person. This means you can be found guilty of a felony burglary charge and sentenced to state prison due to the act of kicking down a door.

BE WARNED. Be careful what you kick.

If you have questions about how we can assist you with your pending burglary case or with any other criminal matter do not hesitate to contact Wallin & Klarich 24/7 at 888.280.6839.