Shoplifting Attorney in Dublin

Former Prosecutor. 30+ Years of Defense. Fighting for Dublin Clients.

At the The Law Office Of Christopher A. Lamiero, we know that a shoplifting charge can feel overwhelming, and we know exactly how the other side builds its case. Located in Dublin, CA, our firm defends clients facing shoplifting charges throughout Alameda County, bringing over 30 years of criminal defense experience to every case.

Attorney Lamiero spent years as a state prosecutor before dedicating his practice to criminal defense. That background gives us a direct line of sight into how the Alameda County District Attorney’s office approaches these cases and how to counter their strategies effectively. We examine every detail of your case to build a defense designed to challenge the prosecution at every turn.

Work with a shoplifting attorney in Dublin backed by 30+ years of courtroom experience. We’re former prosecutors, and we’re available 24/7. Call (925) 259-3337 or reach out online now. Se habla español.

Understanding Shoplifting Laws in California

California’s shoplifting statute, Penal Code 459.5, was created by Proposition 47 in 2014. Before Prop 47, entering a store with the intent to steal could be charged as felony burglary. Proposition 47 carved out a separate, lower-level offense: shoplifting, defined as entering a commercial establishment during regular business hours with the intent to commit larceny, where the value of the property taken or intended to be taken doesn’t exceed $950.

Under PC 459.5, a shoplifting charge requires all three of the following elements:

• Entering a commercial establishment with intent to commit larceny.
• The establishment was open during regular business hours.
• The value of the property taken or intended to be taken does not exceed $950.

The intent element matters more than most people realize. If you walked into a store without any intent to steal and decided to pocket something once inside, you can’t be charged under PC 459.5. You could still face a charge of petty theft under PC 484 and 488, but that’s a legally distinct offense with different implications for your defense.

Shoplifting Charge Classifications & Penalties in California

Whether a shoplifting charge is filed as a misdemeanor or a felony depends on the value of the merchandise and your prior criminal history. Understanding that distinction matters from the moment you’re charged, and a Dublin shoplifting lawyer should assess your exposure right away.

Misdemeanor Shoplifting (Penal Code § 459.5)

When the merchandise value is $950 or less and you don’t have disqualifying prior convictions, shoplifting is a misdemeanor.

• Maximum Penalties: Up to six months in county jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.
• Common First-Offender Outcomes: Jail is possible but not automatic. Courts frequently impose fines, informal probation, community service, and mandatory anti-theft classes.

Felony Shoplifting (Penal Code § 459.5)

A shoplifting charge can be elevated to a felony in two situations. First, a prior conviction for a serious offense, such as one requiring sex offender registration or a felony enumerated under Penal Code section 667, can expose a defendant to felony treatment regardless of the value of property involved. Second, following the passage of Proposition 36 in November 2024, a third shoplifting or theft offense may be charged as a felony when a defendant has two or more prior theft-related convictions. Felony penalties can reach up to three years in state prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000.

Dublin shoplifting cases are heard at the East County Hall of Justice, the Alameda County Superior Court courthouse serving the Tri-Valley. Attorney Lamiero’s direct experience with how the Alameda County District Attorney’s office builds and prosecutes these cases at that courthouse shapes every defense strategy we develop.

Why Clients in Dublin Choose Our Firm

Attorney Lamiero’s time as a state prosecutor isn’t just a credential; it’s a tactical advantage. We know how charging decisions get made, what evidence prosecutors rely on, and where their cases are most vulnerable. That insight drives how we approach every shoplifting case we take.

Our practice focuses exclusively on defending individuals against criminal charges, including property crimes. We don’t split attention across civil litigation or unrelated practice areas. Our office is based in Dublin, so we know the local legal community, the courthouse dynamics, and the tendencies of the prosecutors and judges handling these cases in Alameda County. And because we offer bilingual services, Spanish-speaking clients can discuss their case in the language they’re most comfortable using.

Contact Us for a Shoplifting Defense Consultation

A shoplifting charge carries real consequences, but it doesn’t have to define your future. We defend your freedom, rights, and reputation with personalized legal strategy built around the facts of your case and the realities of how Alameda County prosecutes these charges.

Contact The Law Office Of Christopher A. Lamiero at (925) 259-3337 to schedule a consultation.