Bakersfield Felony Theft Lawyer

Seasoned Bakersfield Felony Theft Attorney

Theft is a crime against property in California. To prove it, the prosecutor must establish that your intent was to permanently deprive another person or entity of their property. No matter who you’ve been accused of stealing from, you can work with a Bakersfield felony theft lawyer to pursue a positive outcome in your case.

Hire a Felony Theft Lawyer

The Law Office of Victor Nasser has a vast array of experience that empowers you in and out of the courtroom to face the theft charges you are accused of. With our legal knowledge, you will have confidence that the defense strategy structured for your case will be based on the unique circumstances in front of you. Our team does not believe in a one-size-fits-all defense model. We examine the details, understand the circumstances, and build the right path forward.

The Bakersfield Police Department Organized Retail Theft Unit made 492 arrests in 2025, many of which were for grand Theft. Not all examples of grand Theft involve shoplifting from stores like those found at The Marketplace or The Shops at River Walk. Stealing from a person can also be charged as grand Theft.

If you’re facing charges for a recent crime, you can hire a felony theft lawyer to help you come up with an effective defense strategy. Your lawyer can stand by you at every stage in the legal process, from explaining the charges right after your arrest to pursuing an acquittal in court. We can handle all the details of your case, help you collect evidence, and find the most effective way to move forward and pursue a positive outcome.

What Is Theft?

Theft involves the specific intent to steal:

• Money
• Personal property
• Real property
• The value of labor or services

There are two forms of Theft in California: grand Theft, which is a felony, and petty Theft, a misdemeanor.

Differences Between Grand and Petty Theft

The difference between grand Theft and petty Theft pertains largely to the value of the goods or the amount of money being stolen. Under California Penal Code 487, grand Theft is committed when:

• Over $950 worth of property is stolen
• Over $250 worth of farm crops are stolen
• The property is taken from the person of another
• The property taken is a car or a firearm

The felony theft penalties associated with grand Theft are more significant than the misdemeanor penalties associated with petty Theft.

Grand Theft Penalties

Grand Theft is punished differently depending on the circumstances of the crime. Here’s what you can expect:

• Between 16 months and two or three years in state prison for grand Theft that involves stealing a firearm
• Up to one year of imprisonment in a county jail and a fine of up to $5,000 for grand Theft that involves the Theft of more than $950 of property
• Imprisonment in a county jail for not more than one year for other forms of grand Theft

Prior criminal convictions can increase the severity of your sentence or require imprisonment in a state prison instead of a county jail.

You can work with your felony theft attorney to minimize the penalties you could face by negotiating a plea deal or arguing for lesser included charges in court. In some cases, this is the most effective way to deal with a case in which the prosecution has strong evidence that you committed the crime.

Defenses to Theft Charges

Some possible defenses to theft charges include:

• Mistake of fact or law
• Owner’s consent
• Entrapment
• Claim of ownership
• Lack of intent

The exact defense we use in your case may depend on the specific circumstances surrounding it. An entrapment defense would only work if law enforcement enticed you into committing a felony theft when you would not otherwise have engaged in the act, for example, and a claim of ownership defense would only work if you can show that the property really was yours, to begin with.

FAQs

How Can You Beat a Felony Theft Charge?

You may be able to beat a felony theft charge with the help of a Bakersfield felony theft attorney. Your lawyer can evaluate the prosecution’s case against you, looking for weaknesses, and identify potential constitutional rights violations that could lead to evidence being suppressed. They can then come up with an effective defense strategy based on the specifics of your case.

What’s the Felony Amount for Theft in California?

The felony amount for Theft in California is $950 under California Penal Code 487. Under this statute, a theft in the amount of more than $950 is elevated to Grand Theft, which is a felony charge. Grand Theft can also be charged when crops or livestock worth more than $250 are stolen. It also applies to cars and firearms.

Can a Felony Be Dropped in California?

A felony can be dropped in California under specific circumstances. If your attorney can show that the prosecution does not have sufficient evidence to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, the charge may be dropped. This could happen if they are able to get evidence suppressed due to a violation of your constitutional rights or chain-of-custody errors.

How Much Does a Lawyer Cost for Theft?

How much a lawyer costs for Theft varies. Complex cases generally have higher legal fees, as do those that must go to court. Lawyers with more experience may charge more than those who only recently passed the bar exam. If you want a clear idea of how much it could cost to defend you against theft charges, contact our office to schedule a consultation.

Bakersfield Felony Theft Lawyer

If you’re facing felony charges for Grand Theft, the first thing you should do is hire a Bakersfield felony theft lawyer. The team here at The Law Office of Victor Nasser is here to help. Our lead attorney, Victor Nasser, is known for his commitment to protecting clients’ rights and his belief that everyone deserves a fair defense.

Our team can work tirelessly for you to deliver effective legal representation and protect your freedom. Contact us to schedule a consultation today.