Santa Barbara Grand Theft Lawyer

What Is Considered Grand Theft in Santa Barbara?

Grand theft is defined under California’s Penal Code 487 as someone unlawfully taking someone else’s money, labor, or property valued above $950. When the value is less, the charge levied is for petty theft.

For the prosecution to garner a conviction of grand theft, they must prove that you committed every criminal element beyond a reasonable doubt. The prosecution may also determine whether to pursue misdemeanor or felony charges. The prosecution may consider the following factors when making this decision:

• Defendant’s previous criminal record
• The severity of the theft perpetrated
• The portrayal of the defendant
• Presentation of the legal defense

Four Types of Grand Theft in California

There are four different types of grand theft offenses in California that the prosecution may consider when pressing charges, including grand theft by larceny, false pretense, trick, and embezzlement.

Grand Theft by Larceny

This crime constitutes the act of unlawfully taking away someone else’s property. The prosecution must prove the following elements to gain a conviction of grand theft by larceny:

• The defendant seized another person’s property
• They did not have the owner’s permission to take the property
• The accused took ownership of the property with the intention to 1) perpetually keep it and deny the owner of its use, or 2) keep it long enough to deprive the owner of a large part of its value
• The property was relocated and held for some time

Grand Theft by False Pretense

This crime involves deception, making false promises, and concealing information to take control of another person’s property and keep it. The prosecution must prove the following elements to gain a conviction of grand theft by false pretense: 

• Deceiving someone with duplicity (pretending to work at a computer repair shop, for example)
• To persuade them to bring property (i.e., a computer or car) to be repaired, which is then taken, relocated, and not returned 

The prosecution must produce evidence that implicates the defendant beyond a reasonable doubt. They must demonstrate that the victim was defrauded when surrendering their property.

Grand Theft by Trick

Grand theft by trick is similar to theft by false pretense, except the victim formally signs over their property by signing a title over the defendant. The elements that legally constitute grand theft by trick include:

• The property was taken from another person who is the legitimate owner
• The defendant used deception or fraud to take the property from its owner
• The property was seized with the intention to 1) perpetually keep it and deny the owner of its use, or 2) keep it long enough to deprive the owner of a large part of its value
• The property was relocated and held for some time
• The legitimate owner did not want to transfer the property permanently

Grand Theft by Embezzlement

This crime involves the misappropriation of financial funds transferred to another person. The elements that define grand theft by embezzlement include:

• The legal owner of the monetary funds entrusted the accused with their funds
• The accused was in a position that earned the owner’s trust, which led to the disposal of funds
• The funds were fraudulently taken and used for the benefit of the accused
• The intention of the accused was to deprive the rightful owner of the funds either temporarily or permanently

What Are the Penalties for Grand Theft in Santa Barbara?

Grand theft in Santa Barbara is considered a wobbler offense, meaning that the potential penalties depend on whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or a felony. If the prosecution presses charges for a misdemeanor, you may face penalties that include fines of up to $1,000 and a jail sentence up to one year.

If the prosecution charges you with felony grand theft, the penalties you may face may include up to one year in jail followed by felony probation or up to three years in jail, and may be accompanied by fines of up to $10,000.

What Are Potential Defense Strategies Against Grand Theft Charges in Santa Barbara?

To garner a conviction of grand theft in Santa Barbara, the prosecution must demonstrate all the elements of the crime to the judge or jury beyond a reasonable doubt. They must prove that you had the intention to steal the property.

Santa Barbara Grand Theft Lawyers with the Aron Law Firm may use any of the following defense strategies against grand theft allegations :

• You did not have the intention to steal
• You reasonably believed you had a claim to the property
• The property was taken with the consent of the owner
• The victim is falsely accusing you

Your defense against grand theft charges in Santa Barbara ultimately depends on the facts relating to your case. Contact the Aron Law Firm to schedule a consultation to discuss your case in detail to learn the best options for resolving your situation.

Experienced Santa Barbara Grand Theft Lawyers

Grand theft allegations in California are serious and may lead to detrimental consequences for your future and freedom. If you or a loved one have been accused of grand theft in Santa Barbara, contact the Aron Law Firm to learn about your legal rights and potential defense strategies. Schedule a confidential consultation today by completing a contact form or calling 805-500-7536.