San Francisco Grand Theft Lawyer
Experienced San Francisco Grand Theft Attorney: Defending Your Rights
Have you been charged with grand theft in San Francisco? These charges are serious and can lead to life-altering consequences, including jail time, steep fines, and a lasting criminal record. A conviction can also impact your reputation, career, and future opportunities for years to come.
Facing such high stakes without an experienced defense lawyer can leave you vulnerable. In these circumstances, you need an advocate who knows California theft laws, understands how San Francisco courts operate, and has a proven record of fighting property crime charges head-on.
At The Law Offices of Valery Nechay, we provide focused, strategic defense for individuals accused of theft-related offenses across San Francisco and the Bay Area. We understand what’s at stake in these cases, and you can trust us to provide the strategic defense you need when everything is on the line.
Legal support isn’t optional in cases like this—it’s critical. Prosecutors pursue theft cases aggressively, and trying to navigate the criminal justice system alone can put you at a severe disadvantage. With our firm by your side, you have a dedicated legal advocate who will protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and fight for the best possible outcome.
What Is Grand Theft Under California Law?
Grand theft in California is covered by § 487 of the California Penal Code. Under the Code, the offense occurs when someone unlawfully takes another person’s property under specific circumstances.
The most common scenario is value-based grand theft, which applies when the property taken—including physical goods, real estate, or labor—is worth more than $950.
Practice Areas
The alleged theft in these cases doesn’t have to have occurred in a single incident. In these cases, California law permits prosecutors to “aggregate” multiple acts of theft to meet the $950 threshold, even if each act alone wouldn’t qualify as grand theft. If the alleged conduct appears to span multiple related incidents involving the same defendant or follows a common plan, prosecutors may attempt to combine them into a single grand theft charge.
This can complicate your defense, especially when the charges involve multiple alleged victims or events across different jurisdictions. However, it also creates opportunities to challenge the case. For example, if the prosecution can’t show that the acts were truly part of one unified scheme or that the defendant acted with a single intent, the aggregation may not hold—potentially reducing the charge to multiple counts of petty theft, with lesser penalties.
Other Forms of Grand Theft
The California Penal Code also elevates the theft of certain types of property to grand theft regardless of their monetary worth. They include:
-
Automobiles and other motor vehicles
-
Firearms
-
Property taken directly from another person (such as pickpocketing)
In addition to these, certain conduct defined in subsections of Penal Code § 487 may qualify as grand theft, regardless of property value or even if the property value is below the typical threshold. These include:
-
Theft of a horse
-
Theft from a mine
-
Defrauding a housing program if at least $400
-
Wage theft
Each variation of grand theft carries different legal elements and potential penalties. For example, a case involving wage theft may require a different legal strategy than one involving stolen property or vehicle theft.
Understanding the specific grand theft charge you’re facing is essential to building an effective defense. At The Law Offices of Valery Nechay, we thoroughly assess the facts of each case—examining how the property was taken, its valuation, and whether the charge is based on value, type of property, or method of theft. This detailed approach allows us to challenge flawed evidence, expose legal weaknesses, and develop a targeted defense strategy aimed at reducing or dismissing the charges.
Penalties for Grand Theft in California
The penalties for grand theft in California depend on the specific form of grand theft involved.
Firearm-related grand theft is treated separately from other forms of grand theft. The offense is a felony and is punishable by 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison, depending on the circumstances.
In all other cases, grand theft is considered a wobbler offense. This means it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the case facts.
If charged as a misdemeanor, the penalties include:
-
Up to 1 year in county jail
-
Fines up to $1,000
If charged as a felony, the potential penalties are the same as with firearm-related cases: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in county jail or state prison in some cases.
In determining the specific term of imprisonment, the judge considers things like the value of the stolen property, whether it was taken by fraud or force, and whether the defendant has any prior convictions, especially for violent offenses. However, the law under Penal Code § 1170(h) also allows judges to offer alternative modes of sentencing such as:
-
Split sentence (some jail time followed by supervision)
-
Probation, in cases where leniency is appropriate
These options give your defense attorney room to argue for a reduced or alternative sentence based on the specific facts of your case if a conviction is inevitable. For example, if you have no prior criminal history, took responsibility early, or the value of the stolen property was relatively low, your lawyer may be able to persuade the judge to impose probation instead of jail. In some cases, a split sentence can allow you to serve part of your time under supervision rather than behind bars.
With a well-prepared defense, you may also be able to avoid a conviction and the penalties that follow altogether. A skilled theft lawyer can play a key role in guiding your case toward that outcome—protecting your rights and advocating for your best interests at every stage.
How We Can Help
At The Law Offices of Valery Nechay, we understand how overwhelming a grand theft charge can be—and how important it is to act quickly and decisively. Our firm brings years of experience in criminal defense and a deep commitment to protecting the rights and futures of those facing serious theft allegations.
From the moment you reach out, we prioritize your protection and peace of mind. We begin with a thorough assessment of your situation—reviewing police reports, evidence, and the events leading up to your arrest. We identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, investigate any procedural violations, and make sure you fully understand your rights at every step.
Our approach is always strategic and tailored. We craft a defense based on the specific facts of your case—whether that involves challenging the alleged intent, questioning the value of the property involved, or presenting evidence of mistaken identity or lawful ownership.
When appropriate, we work to resolve cases through plea negotiations or seek sentencing alternatives that reduce or eliminate jail time. If your case goes to trial, you can expect relentless advocacy and a defense built on experience, preparation, and determination.
Our goal in every case is clear: to avoid a conviction whenever possible—or minimize the impact on your life and future. Whether you’re being investigated, facing charges, or seeking relief after a conviction, we are ready to fight for your rights, your freedom, and your second chance.
Contact Us Today
A grand theft accusation in California can jeopardize your future, but with strong legal representation, you can protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome.
At The Law Offices of Valery Nechay, we take your case seriously—working tirelessly to build a defense that reflects your side of the story and challenges the charges against you.
If you’re facing grand theft charges or are under investigation, now is the time to act. Contact us today for a confidential consultation and take the first step toward defending your future.
Get a Free ConsultationAt the heart of The Law Offices of Valery Nechay is the belief that everyone deserves a criminal defense regardless of what they have been accused of. Contact Valery Nechay, the top criminal lawyer in San Francisco and the Bay Area, to begin your criminal defense today.