Orange County Theft and Shoplifting Defense Strategies That Work

Orange County Theft and Shoplifting Defense Strategies That Work

Law Office of Katie Walsh

May 23, 2025

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Did you know shoplifting and petty theft make up nearly 20% of all property crimes in California? Many people charged with theft never planned to steal—maybe they got distracted, forgot to pay, or were wrongly accused. But even a small mistake can lead to fines, probation, or a criminal record that stays with you for years.

If you’re facing theft or shoplifting charges in Orange County, don’t panic. The right defense from an experienced Orange County criminal defense attorney can help reduce the charges or even get them dismissed. Understanding the legal process and your rights is the first step toward protecting your future. Contact us today at (714) 547-4636 or online for a free consultation.

Understanding Theft and Shoplifting Laws in California

California classifies theft based on the value of stolen property. If the item is worth $950 or less, it’s petty theft, a misdemeanor. If it’s over $950, it could be grand theft, which may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony.

Shoplifting is a separate charge that applies when someone enters a store intending to steal, even if they don’t take anything. Burglary is more serious and involves entering a building to commit a crime. Even minor theft cases can turn into major legal problems, especially for repeat offenders.

Penalties for Theft and Shoplifting in Orange County

Even if it’s your first time getting in trouble, theft charges can come with serious consequences. Penalties depend on the charge:

Petty Theft (Misdemeanor) – Up to 6 months in jail and fines up to $1,000.
Grand Theft (Felony) – Over a year in jail or prison, plus higher fines.
Repeat Offenders – Tougher penalties, including longer sentences.

First-time, non-violent offenders may qualify for a diversion program that lets them avoid jail by completing classes or community service.

What to Do If You’re Arrested for Shoplifting in Orange County

If you’re arrested, stay calm. Don’t argue or try to explain yourself—anything you say can be used against you. Don’t sign any store documents, as they could be used as an admission of guilt. Ask for an Orange County criminal defense lawyer and wait for legal help before discussing your case.

Best Legal Defenses for Theft and Shoplifting in Orange County That Work

Being charged with theft doesn’t mean you’ll be convicted. There are many ways to fight the charges, depending on what happened. Some common defenses include:

It was a Mistake – You forgot to pay or didn’t realize you still had the item.
False Accusation – The store’s security team or cameras may have made a mistake.
Illegal Search – If police violate your rights, evidence may be thrown out.
No Intent to Steal – If you didn’t plan to take something, your charges could be dismissed.

An experienced Orange County criminal defense lawyer can review the details of your case, challenge weak evidence, and build the strongest defense possible.

Avoid Harsh Penalties with the Right Orange County Theft Lawyer

A theft conviction in California can follow you for years, making it harder to get a job, rent an apartment, or apply for professional licenses. But with the right legal defense, your lawyer can get the charges reduced, avoid jail time, or even have your case dismissed.

Attorney William Bruzzo has been defending theft and shoplifting cases in Orange County for over 30 years. He understands how local courts handle these charges and knows what it takes to build a strong defense. With his experience and dedication, he will fight to protect your future and seek the best possible outcome for your case.

If you or a loved one is facing theft or shoplifting charges in Orange County, don’t wait. Call the Law Offices of William Bruzzo today at (714) 547-4636 or contact us online for a free consultation.

Client Reviews

I hired attorney Katie Walsh to help my son when he was found with a large amount of drugs on school campus. She got us through the Expulsion Hearing, and miraculously he can go back to school at the winter semester after he catches up with his classes. The...

AR- parent of minor client

I hired Katie Walsh to have my felony convictions expunged. She was able to expunge my record within 6 weeks of me giving her all the information. Even though technically I had a probation violation, and therefore the expungement was not automatic, she was...

AR, criminal client

My 16 year old son was charged with possession of Marijuana, HS 11357(b). I was very concerned about what would happen to him and how this would affect his future. I contacted Ms. Walsh and she assured me that everything would be Ok- and it was. The judge...

CT, parent of juvenile client

My child was charged with Felony Penal Code 597(a)- Animal Cruelty. After hiring Katie Walsh, she got the charges reduced to a misdemeanor, counseling, and 40 hours of chores at home. We come back in 6 months and the case will get completely dismissed and...

DH - Parent of Juvenile client

I hired Katie Walsh to represent my son on sexual abuse allegations- P.C. 288(a) and P.C. 288(b)- they were Strike Charges. After negotiating with the D.A., she got all the strike charges dismissed, and got my son released from custody with credit for time...

DR- mother of juvenile client

Katie Walsh was fantastic throughout this entire process! My 13 year old son was charged with two counts of lewd act on a minor, PC 288(a) and was in juvenile hall. After hiring Ms. Walsh, she GOT MY SON OUT OF JAIL and back home with us at the detention...

EG, parent of juvenile client

My 14 year old son was arrested at school for P.C. 311 (child pornography). My son had innocent and stupid nude pictures of himself and friends on his phone. Ms. Walsh was extremely easy to talk to, and made my son feel very comfortable during this process. As...

GK,TK, parents of juvenile client

Ms. Walsh was a life saver when I didn't know what was going on, or how to handle the situation. My young daughter was attacked at her middle school and was seriously injured. At a time when both the school and the police were giving us the run-around and not...

HA, mother of 13 year old Victim Rights client

I hired Katie Walsh to seal my juvenile record of PC 288(a) (lewd act on a minor), after my request had been denied by a Judge and by the Probation Department. After speaking with Probation, the DA and the Judge at a hearing, she was able to get my record...

JW, former juvenile client

I was charged with a Felony Conspiracy charge- PC 182. After hiring Ms. Walsh she got my charged reduced to a misdemeanor right away, and now I just have to do community service and in 6 months my entire case will be dismissed! I would recommend Ms. Walsh if...

KP, juvenile client

Ms. Walsh was like a breath of fresh air throughout this entire process. I was uncertain about the outcome, but she told me everything would be ok- and it was. She had my juvenile record sealed within 3 months of speaking with her. She was always available to...

LR, former juvenile client

Ms. Walsh got the judge to terminate my son's probation and seal his 2 juvenile cases (Penal Code 288(a) and Penal Code 242) even though he had violated my probation by picking up a new case. By getting his record sealed under penal code 786, it means his...

MB- mother of juvenile client

At a very difficult time in my life I contacted attorney Katie Walsh. I am a teacher and was being harassed/stalked by a parent at my school. I wanted a Restraining Order against this person. Ms. Walsh listened to me and made feel like I was her most...

MB, restraining order client

My son was charged with Lewd Conduct, P.C. 647 out of Downey, CA. After hiring Ms. Walsh, she spoke with the District Attorney, Probation, and the Judge. Even though the judge was not pleased with the offer, she was able to get my son Community Service and a...

MG, parent of minor

It is with sincere gratitude that I send this recommendation As a parent of a child that was arrested on a Felony Domestic Abuse charge and over 2000 miles away I had to rely on friend of a friends word that you would be able to help us. Those words couldn't...

MPF, mother of criminal client

I really liked having Ms. Walsh as my attorney. She visited me in Juvenile Hall. I was charged with four counts of Robbery (Penal Code 211). This was my 8th juvenile petition. Ms. Walsh got 2 of the robbery charges dismissed, and I only served 30 days in...

MU, juvenile client

I was arrested for a felony Domestic charge, PC 273.5(a). After I hired Katie Walsh, my entire case was dismissed. I never had to appear in court. I felt very comfortable with Ms. Walsh- she was easy to speak with, she was very accessible and easy to get a...

NF, criminal client

Katie was instrumental in helping me with a criminal matter as an advocate for me and my children when I was a named victim in a DV case. She patiently and expediently addressed all of my questions and was an invaluable source of information. She prepared me...

My daughter was pulled over arrested for having a Fake ID. After hiring Ms. Walsh my daughter did not have to plead guilty- which would have affected her license status. She did community service, completed a legal awareness class, returned in 6 months and...

My 14 year old daughter was involved in an assault and battery- PC 240/242, in Irvine. After hiring Katie Walsh the case was not referred to Court. My daughter was able to complete a class and the case will be dismissed entirely! Ms. Walsh was available to us...

SG, mother a juvenile client

My son was charged with possession of Child Pornography P.C. 311.11(a) - a charge I did not realize a child could be guilty of! As parents were beside ourselves when we found this out, and contacted Katie Walsh. She listened to us, guided us through the...

SH- mother of juvenile client

From San Diego I contacted Ms. Walsh about sealing my juvenile record in Orange County regarding a Petty Theft charge. She was always very responsive to any of my questions, and consistently kept me updated. Even though probation said this would take...

XL, juvenile client

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