Felony Petty Theft in San Diego

San Diego Theft Crime Lawyer

Felony petty theft is a colloquial term that is used to describe a statute in California Penal Code, Section 666, which makes it possible for a person accused of petty theft to face felony charges in certain circumstances. This statute is of particular note due to the impact that it has for offenders who have two "strikes" on their criminal records for past violent or serious felony convictions. Under the state's Three Strikes Law, a third felony conviction of any kind may place the defendant at risk of imprisonment for 25 years to life. As such, felony petty theft charges may be extremely serious. This is why it is highly recommended that you involve a San Diego theft crime lawyer as early in the process as possible.

How Felony Petty Theft Charges May Affect You

When a defendant has a prior conviction for petty or grand theft, carjacking, burglary, robbery or buying/receiving stolen property may be subject to felony charges for any current petty theft violation. The defendant may face imprisonment in prison or jail, depending on the circumstances. If the defendant has two strikes on his or her record, however, he or she may face life in prison.

Let's look at a simple example of felony petty theft and how it may affect a defendant. Joe has a prior conviction for robbery and another conviction for carjacking. He therefore has two strikes on his record. Joe is then arrested for stealing a piece of pizza from a street vendor. Stealing a piece of pizza valued at only a few dollars may seem like a very minor offense for which a first-time offender would receive a mere slap on the wrist. Under felony petty theft laws, however, Joe may face felony charges for this offense. Due to the fact that he already has two strikes on his record, he may face 25 years to life in prison.

Make sure you have the aggressive defense you need and deserve if you are facing felony petty theft charges or theft crime allegations of any kind. Contact a San Diego Felony Petty Theft Attorney at our firm today.