Legal Representation for Theft, Burglary, and Property-Related Offenses

Accused of theft or property damage? A conviction can follow you for life. We build aggressive, tailored defenses to protect your record, reputation, and freedom.

Don’t Let One Mistake Define Your Future

Defending Clients Against All Types of Property Crime Charges

Theft and property crime allegations can affect every part of your life—your job, your reputation, your financial stability, and your freedom. Even a misdemeanor charge like shoplifting can show up on background checks, disrupt your employment, and limit future opportunities. Felony charges carry even greater consequences, including prison, fines, and a permanent criminal record.


At Pedro L. Salim Law Firm, we defend individuals charged with theft, burglary, vandalism, embezzlement, and other property-related crimes. We know how to investigate the evidence, expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and negotiate for reduced or dismissed charges. Our defense strategies are tailored to your circumstances and focused on achieving the best possible outcome—whether that’s avoiding jail time, clearing your name, or protecting your career.


If you are also facing immigration consequences due to a theft charge, we coordinate with our immigration team to help you avoid inadmissibility or removal proceedings.

A white and blue triangle on a white background.

Property Crimes Can Be Complex—We Simplify and Defend

Investigating the Facts and Protecting Your Constitutional Rights

Many property crime charges involve allegations based on surveillance footage, eyewitness claims, or circumstantial evidence. We don’t take these accusations at face value—we dig into the details. In many cases, we can challenge the reliability of the evidence, argue for intent-based defenses, or demonstrate a lack of criminal conduct altogether.


We represent clients facing:


  • Petty theft and shoplifting
  • Grand theft (based on value of property)
  • Burglary (with or without forced entry)
  • Robbery (with or without a weapon)
  • Embezzlement and white-collar theft
  • Identity theft and fraud
  • Criminal mischief and vandalism
  • Possession of stolen property
  • Forgery and check fraud
  • Trespass and unlawful entry


If your property charge is tied to other allegations—such as drug possession, violent crimes, or domestic violence—we build a coordinated strategy to handle every aspect of your defense.

Petty Theft and Shoplifting

We often resolve minor theft charges through dismissal, pretrial diversion, or civil compromise to avoid lasting consequences.

Grand Theft (Felony Theft)

These charges depend on the value of the property involved and can lead to serious penalties. We fight to reduce felony theft to misdemeanor levels or achieve dismissal.

Burglary and Trespass

Entering property without permission—especially with intent to commit a crime—can result in felony charges. We challenge the state’s version of events and the element of intent.

Embezzlement and Employee Theft

We defend clients accused of misusing funds, corporate resources, or violating positions of trust. We also protect professionals from collateral damage to licensing or employment.

When force or threat is alleged, property crimes escalate quickly. We challenge use-of-force claims and fight to avoid enhanced sentencing.

Fraud, Forgery, and White-Collar Theft

Financial crimes often involve complex records and intent-based accusations. We work with forensic experts to undermine the prosecution’s case.

Immigration

What to Expect After a Theft or Property Crime Arrest

Protecting Your Future from the Very Start

A property crime conviction can create a ripple effect across your entire life—especially if you hold a professional license, are a noncitizen, or have prior offenses. We act fast to protect your rights, investigate your case, and explore opportunities to resolve charges early in the process.


Our defense services include:


  • Reviewing surveillance, electronic, and documentary evidence
  • Filing motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence
  • Negotiating with prosecutors for dismissal or charge reductions
  • Seeking civil compromise or restitution agreements
  • Helping first-time offenders enter diversion programs
  • Coordinating with our immigration team to avoid inadmissibility or deportability
  • Pursuing post-conviction relief if a prior property conviction now threatens your legal status or livelihood


Whether you’re a young person accused of shoplifting, a professional charged with fraud, or an immigrant facing serious consequences, we provide compassionate and tenacious representation.

Theft & Property Crimes FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Property Crime Defense

  • Can I go to jail for shoplifting?

    Yes—but many cases can be resolved without jail through diversion, civil compromise, or reduced charges. We work to keep your record clean.

  • What’s the difference between theft and robbery?

    Theft involves taking property. Robbery adds the use of force or threats. Robbery is almost always charged as a felony with harsher penalties.

  • Do I have to pay back the value of what I’m accused of stealing?

    In some cases, yes. We can negotiate restitution as part of a favorable resolution to avoid jail or a criminal record.

  • Can a property crime affect my immigration case?

    Absolutely. Theft, fraud, and related offenses can result in deportation or denial of immigration benefits. We coordinate closely with immigration lawyers to protect your future.

  • Will a conviction stay on my record forever?

    Possibly. But if your case is dismissed or resolved favorably, we may be able to pursue expungement or post-conviction relief to clear your record.