Theft Lawyer in Long Beach, CA

A theft charge can change your life fast. Whether you're facing a shoplifting accusation in Lakewood, a grand theft arrest near the Port of Long Beach, or a burglary charge that could mean years in state prison, you need a criminal defense attorney who knows California law and fights hard. Attorney John Duran brings nearly four decades of courtroom experience to every case — and he's ready to put that record to work for you.
Call 424-777-0007 for a Free Consultation | Or submit your case online

Trusted Defense Across Los Angeles County

• Nearly 40 years of criminal defense experience
• Thousands of clients defended across Southern California
• Hall of Fame Inductee — Western University College of Law
• Former Mayor and Councilmember, City of West Hollywood
• Free consultations — call 424-777-0007

Facing a Theft Charge in Long Beach? Here's What's at Stake

A theft conviction in California carries consequences that reach far beyond jail time and fines. Your employment prospects, professional licenses, and immigration status can all be affected by a single conviction on your record. Theft charges in Long Beach are prosecuted at the Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse at 275 Magnolia Ave — and the prosecution team there is experienced and aggressive.

That's where The Duran Law Group comes in. Attorney John Duran has spent nearly four decades defending clients against criminal charges throughout Los Angeles County, from Signal Hill to San Pedro. He analyzes every case for weaknesses in the prosecution's argument and builds a defense strategy tailored to your specific situation.

Theft Charges The Duran Law Group Handles in Long Beach

California Penal Code 484 defines theft as the unlawful, intentional taking of property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner. Cases handled include:

• Petty Theft (PC 484): Items valued at $950 or less — typically a misdemeanor, carrying up to 6 months in county jail and a $1,000 fine.
• Grand Theft: Property valued above $950 — a felony carrying 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison.
• Shoplifting (PC 459.5): Entering a commercial establishment with intent to steal — often charged in Lakewood shopping centers and retail corridors throughout Long Beach.
• Burglary: First-degree (residential) can carry up to 6 years; second-degree (commercial) up to 3 years.
• Robbery: Taking property using force or fear — serious felony charges with significant prison exposure.
• Grand Theft Auto: A separate felony charge when a stolen vehicle is involved.
• Petty Theft with Prior (PC 666): A prior conviction can elevate a misdemeanor to a felony.

Why Long Beach Clients Choose Attorney John Duran

John Duran isn't just a criminal defense attorney — he's a proven trial lawyer with a record that speaks for itself. He has defended thousands of individuals across Southern California in cases ranging from first-time misdemeanor shoplifting to serious felony charges. Some of his most notable outcomes include:

• People v. Green (1996): All charges dismissed before trial in California's first felony assisted suicide prosecution in over a century.
• People v. Perkins (1997): All charges dismissed in California's landmark first medicinal marijuana defense case.
• People v. Yedinak (2025): Established published precedent in the California Court of Appeals affirming equal bail rights for all defendants.

John doesn't promise results he can't deliver. He gives you honest counsel, a clear-eyed strategy, and relentless advocacy — backed by a deep understanding of the Long Beach court system and the prosecutors who work inside it. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame of Western University College of Law in 2010 and earned his bachelor's degree from California State University, Long Beach — giving him genuine ties to this community.

How The Duran Law Group Handles Theft Cases

1. Free Consultation: Call 424-777-0007 or submit your information online. Attorney Duran listens to the details of your case without judgment.
2. Case Review: Every piece of evidence is examined — witness statements, police reports, surveillance footage, and procedural records — to identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case.
3. Defense Strategy: A tailored plan is built around the specific facts of your situation, whether that means pursuing a dismissal, negotiating a reduction under Proposition 47, seeking a Civil Compromise under PC 1377-1378, or taking the case to trial.
4. Courtroom Representation: If your case goes before a judge or jury at the Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse, Attorney Duran is ready to advocate fiercely on your behalf.
5. Resolution and Follow-Up: Whether the outcome is a dismissal, reduced charge, or acquittal, you'll understand every step of the process.

Frequently Asked Questions — Theft Charges in Long Beach

• What is the difference between petty theft and grand theft in California? Petty theft involves property valued at $950 or less and is generally charged as a misdemeanor. Grand theft involves property exceeding $950 and is charged as a felony with potential prison time.
• Can a first-time shoplifting charge be dismissed in Long Beach? Yes. For first-time offenders with no prior record, options such as Deferred Entry of Judgment or Civil Compromise under California Penal Code 1377-1378 may be available.
• What court handles theft cases in Long Beach? Theft cases in Long Beach are handled at the Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse, located at 275 Magnolia Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802.
• How does Proposition 47 affect theft charges in California? Proposition 47 reclassified many theft-related offenses from felonies to misdemeanors, potentially reducing penalties.

Long Beach Residents — Know Your Local Defense Options

The Long Beach area — from Bixby Knolls and the Downtown waterfront to Belmont Shore and Signal Hill — is served by multiple prosecutorial agencies within the Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse. Which agency handles your case depends on where you were arrested and the severity of the charge. The Duran Law Group serves clients throughout Los Angeles County, including Long Beach, Lakewood, San Pedro, and the surrounding communities.