Santa Cruz Shoplifting Lawyer

California Shoplifting Defense Lawyer

Serving Santa Cruz County

Shoplifting may be common, but it is often taken seriously by California courts. Punishments can range from simple fines to a stint in state prison, depending on the circumstances of the case and the skill of your attorney.

In his career of more than 30 years, Santa Cruz lawyer John W. Thornton has provided skilled defense to hundreds of people charged with shoplifting. Contact us to speak with you free of charge on the phone about your situation. If he takes your case, he will work hard to get you the best possible outcome.

California Shoplifting Laws

Shoplifting is also known as petty theft, which is defined as theft of merchandise with a value of less than $400. Theft of goods worth more than $400 is known as grand theft.

Shoplifting covers everything from swiping a pack of gum to pocketing a pint of whiskey. However, punishments can vary widely. Taking a pack of gum is often just an infraction, resulting in a fine. Taking a pint of whiskey might be an infraction or a misdemeanor, depending on the circumstances.

Charges can also vary depending on if the offender has any prior convictions. A petty theft, combined with a prior, can be a felony known in police code known as a "666." This "Mark of the Beast" can mean serious punishments for offenders - there are people in prison for stealing a pizza.

Dealing with the Police

Santa Cruz, California shoplifting defense attorney John W. Thornton provides skilled and knowledgeable defense to people charged in Santa Cruz County, including Santa Cruz, Aptos, Ben Lomond, Big Basin, Boulder Creek, Brookdale, Capitola, Corralitos, Davenport, Felton, Freedom, La Selva Beach, Las Lomas, Lompico, Los Gatos, Mount Hermon, Pajaro, Paradise Park, Rio del Mar, Royal Oaks, Scotts Valley, Seacliff, Seascape, Soquel and Watsonville. Contact our skilled attorney today.