Fremont Theft Lawyer

Fremont Theft Attorney

Those accused of stealing in Fremont can understand how a conviction may impact their freedom, job prospects, and personal image, and thus, it is important to have an effective defense. By seeking the assistance of a Fremont theft lawyer, you can comprehend the charges you are facing and the legal alternatives available to you under the California theft laws.

At the Law Office of Louis J. Goodman, we have dedicated our time to assisting residents of Fremont in theft cases of any nature. Criminal charges can be overwhelming and stressful. That is why our team is devoted to the development of effective defense strategies. As a trusted Fremont criminal defense lawyer, we ensure you have the support and advocacy that you require.

What Are the Most Common Defense Strategies in Fremont Theft Cases?

When charged with theft in Fremont, CA, you need to understand the legal measures that can be employed to defend yourself. The kind of defense adopted is very decisive, as certain methods are more effective under some conditions and depending on the presentation of evidence.

Challenging the Evidence

In Fremont theft cases, your attorney can examine whether evidence was gathered in a legal manner. If the police infringe on your rights based on an illegal search or seizure, the piece of evidence can be inadmissible. Stats from the California Department of Justice show over 140,000 cases of larceny-theft were reported throughout the state in 2022, which shows how frequently such incidents happen and why this area of defense is so essential.

A Fremont theft attorney can also question the credibility of the witness, discrepancies in the story given by the prosecution, or the chain of custody of evidence, among other things. This can be used to cast reasonable doubt on the process, and thereby lower the charges or even dismiss the case based on any errors or other weaknesses in the process.

Claiming Lack of Intent

When facing charges of theft in Fremont, one of the biggest defense mechanisms that your lawyer can employ is the absence of intent. The prosecution under the California laws concerning theft has to prove that there was a willful intent on your part to take or retain the property that was not yours.

Your Fremont theft lawyer can collaborate with you to prove that there was no criminal intent. The lawyer can help prove that it was a misunderstanding, an error, or a lack of awareness. The defense is especially effective in the Alameda County courts with the support of evidence and effective legal representation.

Alternative Outcomes in Fremont Theft Cases

Not all thefts in Fremont lead to convictions and jail time. There are other possible alternative outcomes based on the facts of your case, as well as your history. In Alameda County, first-time or low-level offenders who commit theft are sometimes offered a chance to take part in diversion programs by the prosecutors.

Such programs might entail restitution to the victim, community service, counseling, or theft prevention classes. By successfully going through the program, you can actually end up receiving less in terms of charges or even being dismissed altogether, something that would help eliminate the long-term consequences of having a conviction on your record.

Expungement is another consideration. Should your case be dismissed, or if you qualify by meeting the eligibility requirements after serving probation, a Fremont theft attorney can help you through the record-clearing process. Expungement will defend your image and open new opportunities for employment or housing. An evaluation of these options under the guidance of a lawyer can prove to be a big difference in your future.

FAQs About Fremont, CA Theft Laws

Do You Need a Lawyer to Press Charges for Theft?

Yes, it can be very advantageous to have a lawyer when making charges of theft in Fremont. Although you are not legally obligated to seek an attorney to report a theft, a Fremont theft lawyer can help you navigate the legal process, which is quite complex, and help you comprehend your rights according to California theft laws. The attorney represents your interests in courts within Alameda County in case the case proceeds.

What Is the New California Law for Theft?

California has recently passed a new law on theft, the Prop 36 Act, that intensifies the punishment of repeat offenders. With this change, persons with several previous theft convictions may now be charged with felonies rather than with misdemeanors.

This also includes the provision that prosecutors can group smaller thefts into one more serious charge and sentence more organized theft crimes with stricter guidelines.

How Much Does a Criminal Lawyer Cost in California?

The price of a criminal lawyer in Fremont when dealing with a theft case depends on the nature of the case, the potential repercussions, and whether the case can proceed to trial or is a simple first-time defense. The majority of lawyers offer services on a flat fee basis or on an hourly basis, and in a few situations, they may offer payment plans to fit the budget.

What Is the Lowest Level of Theft for a Felony?

Theft may be treated as a misdemeanor or a felony in California based on the specifics of the case. The value of the property in question and other factors, including previous convictions or aggravating circumstances, form the basis on which the threshold dividing the two is set.

In Fremont, prosecutors can upgrade the charges of theft to a felony if the value of the property exceeds some specific threshold or has other conditions attached to it.

Hire a Fremont Theft Lawyer

When accused of theft in Fremont, one of the most significant actions you can undertake is to hire a theft lawyer who is familiar with California theft laws, as well as the local court system.

Fremont Hall of Justice, at 39439 Paseo Padre Parkway, is where most theft cases are evaluated, and the presence of a professional attorney with experience in the court can be a difference maker. An experienced attorney can take you through the court procedures, defend your rights, and help you achieve the optimum result in a court of law. Contact our firm today and talk about your defense case.