Costa Mesa, Orange County - A 19 year old woman was arrested for shoplifting after allegedly trying to walk out with dozens of unpaid items from the South Coast Plaza and was later charged with petty theft last month.
Costa Mesa Police say security followed the suspect through the South Coast Plaza after receiving a call from a store employee who witnessed the woman allegedly putting items in her purse and coat pockets.
Irvine shoplifting defense attorney Michael L. Guisti explains petty theft under Penal Code (PC) 484 and PC 488 means unlawfully taking property valued under $950, regardless of how much property was allegedly taken.
Attorney Guisti says he has seen and dealt with many cases where people have allegedly shoplifted just one item from places like the South Coast Plaza and Fashion Island in Newport Beach and be charged with grand theft, which are items valued over $950, and in many of these cases the suspect stole a single $1,000 piece of clothing.
Basically, Irvine theft defense lawyer Guisti says, if you stole a thousand items and its value was worth only $700 you would still be charged with petty theft, and if you stole only one item, no matter how big or small, worth $1,000 you'll be charged with grand theft.
In this case, attorney Guisti goes on to say, since this is being charged as a petty theft the suspect has options.
Irvine criminal defense attorney Guisti explains her Orange County lawyer could make a deal with the Orange County District Attorney's Office to have her placed in a diversion program and possibly have the petty theft charges dismissed.
If you or somebody you know are facing similar charges it's very important to contact an Orange County criminal defense lawyer right away to ensure your rights, protect your reputation and keep you out of jail.
If you're facing any kind of theft or shoplifting charge call the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti right away at 714-530-9690.
