Robbery, Burglary, Theft and Embezzlement Attorney Serving Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, all of California and the U.S.
A conviction of theft, robbery, burglary, or embezzlement charges can have a permanent negative impact on a person’s life. In addition to the potential for a sentence involving jail time, people convicted of theft charges may face diminished employment opportunities and social stigmatization that make it nearly impossible to lead a normal life. Those who are not citizens of the United States will also face deportation charges and inadmissibility to the country if convicted of theft, robbery, or embezzlement. These offenses are considered crimes of moral turpitude that are deportable offenses under our nation’s immigration laws.
If you have been charged with robbery, embezzlement, or theft, attorney Sara Azari in Los Angeles will competently represent and defend your legal rights. Serving Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and all of California and the U.S., Ms. Azari will fight to ensure that you achieve the best possible defense and outcome in your case.
Robbery
Robbery occurs when a person takes someone else’s property through the use of force or fear. Common forms of robbery include convenience store hold-ups, purse snatchings, muggings, and bank robberies. Often, conduct that would customarily lead to a petty theft charge (for example, taking a small item of low value) leads to the filing of robbery charges if it is alleged that the accused used force when confronted by store security personnel. What distinguishes robbery from other charges such as burglary or theft is the involvement of confrontation and the use of force.
Robbery can be first-degree (in an inhabited dwelling, cab or bus, or at an ATM banking location) or second-degree (all other types of robbery) and can be further broken down into armed or aggravated robbery. Armed robbery involves the use of a weapon, while aggravated robbery involves the use of a deadly weapon or an object that might be construed as a deadly weapon, or a threat of bodily injury.
In most cases, a conviction of robbery leads to significant jail time followed by a long period of probation. Also, California treats robbery as a “strike” under the state’s get-tough-on-crime “Three Strikes and You’re Out” law. Ms. Azari successfully tries and wins robbery charges towards an acquittal. When a particular case does not merit a trial, in order to shield her clients from excessive penalties, Ms. Azari zealously argues for reduced charges, such as grand theft, petty theft, trespassing or similar crimes which do not carry as severe penalties as robbery.
Skilled robbery attorney Sara Azari, serving Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and all of California and the U.S., represents her valued clients against criminal charges all the way to a jury trial if one is necessary.
[ Back to top ]
Theft
Theft is characterized as the stealing or taking of another person's property with the intent to permanently deprive them of such property. In California, many similar crimes have been consolidated under the broader theft category, of which there are currently two classifications:
- Grand theft – When the total value of property taken exceeds $400, the crime qualifies as grand theft. Depending on the circumstances, a grand theft charge may be classified as either misdemeanor or felony. Punishment for grand theft can include probation or up to three years in state prison.
- Petty theft – If a theft does not rise to the level of grand theft described above, it is considered petty theft. Petty theft is most often classified as a misdemeanor and punishment can include fines or up to six months in jail. However, the crime is not to be taken lightly. Repeated petty thefts can be filed as felonies and count as “strikes” under the state’s Three Strikes Law. In fact, most California “three strikers” were locked up for life on a third strike of petty theft.
Convictions for theft crimes can have serious consequences for individuals, such as limiting their career choices (particularly those related to the financial industry and who are in positions of trust) and interfering with the ability to obtain professional certificates and licenses. It is important for individuals charged in theft crimes to be aggressively represented by an experienced attorney who will protect their rights. The advice of a skilled theft defense attorney, such as Los Angeles-area lawyer Sara Azari, can help clients understand their rights and the complexities of the legal process.
[ Back to top ]
Burglary
Burglary involves breaking into and entering onto a property, including a vehicle, belonging to someone else, with the intention of committing a felony. Residential burglaries require entry into homes, trailers, hotel rooms, camping tents and any other location that may be deemed habitable under the law. Under current laws, the “breaking into” a property has been broadened to include mere entry through an open door or window. As such, an actual “breaking in” is no longer required for the prosecution to establish the offense of burglary. Commercial burglaries require that an entry be made onto a business with the intent of committing a theft and/or felony. Theft from a retail store is a common example of commercial burglary.
[ Back to top ]
Embezzlement
The crime of embezzlement occurs when a person uses money or property that was legally entrusted to them by the owner in a way that was not authorized or intended. A typical embezzlement case involves a banker or accountant taking money from a client’s account and using it for his or herself. Another example involves the employee-employer relationship in which the employee misappropriates money from his/her employer. The key difference between embezzlement and other theft crimes is that the embezzler has legal possession of the property. It is the misuse of the property that is a crime. Embezzled property is not simply moved to another location. Its theft must also represent a serious interference and permanent loss to the true owner.
Embezzled gains may range in value from a few dollars to millions, and charges may carry severe penalties depending on the circumstances. In embezzlement cases, prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant:
- Took property or assets that he or she had a right to possess but not to misappropriate
- Had established a trusting relationship with the victim
- Used fraud or misappropriation
- Exercised intent
Embezzlement schemes can come in many forms, including:
- Falsification of records to conceal theft
- Under-reporting income and pocketing the difference
- Establishing false vendor accounts and supplying false bills for goods and services
- An employee who has access to an employer’s financial books or checks and takes money.
An experienced and aggressive embezzlement attorney such as Los Angeles lawyer Sara Azari can help clients raise reasonable doubt, leading to reduced charges, case dismissal, or acquittal after a trial.
[ Back to top ]
Contact an Aggressive Theft Attorney
The counsel of a skilled criminal defense lawyer can mean the difference between a sentence of the maximum penalty and a plea for lesser charges or even an absolute victory for the client. If you have been charged with theft, robbery, or embezzlement, attorney Sara Azari in Los Angeles is here to help you. Serving Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and all of California and the U.S., Ms. Azari will aggressively defend your rights to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Contact the Law Office of Sara Azari today to have your case evaluated at no charge.
[ Back to top ]
The best time to hire an attorney to handle your case is immediately after being arrested.
If you face embezzlement, robbery, or theft charges, defense attorney Sara Azari, serving Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and all of California and the U.S., will aggressively uphold your rights. Contact the Law Office of Sara Azari to schedule a free consultation.
8961 W. Sunset Blvd., Suite 2C
Los Angeles, California 90069
Toll Free: 866.421.4225
Fax: 310.246.0880
