Theft by Trick

Although fraud is used to obtain the property in both theft by trick and theft by false pretense, in theft by false pretense, the thief obtains both possession and title to the property. For theft by trick, the thief gains only possession of the property.

In many of these cases, the defendant is accused of obtaining the owner’s consent to use the property for a specified purpose while intending to use it in a different way that constitutes fraud or deceit. Depending on the value of the property stolen, the crime of theft by trick can be charged as either a felony offense for grand theft or a misdemeanor offense for petty theft.

Attorney for Theft by Trick in San Francisco, CA

If you have been charged with theft by trick under Penal Code § 484, then contact an experienced criminal defense attorney in San Francisco, CA, at Ticket Crushers. We represent clients on a wide variety of theft and extortion cases throughout the greater San Francisco Bay Area.

Call us at 1 (866) 842-5384 to discuss your case and possible defenses today.

No Judgment, No Lectures, No Upsells.

We Treat You Like Family

We respond fast — usually the same business day.

One CAll one team

one outcome

Free consultation . Available 24/7

From intake to result, you talk to one firm.

I had an outstanding experience with Ticket Crushers. From the beginning, the entire process was stress-free and handled with complete professionalism. I did not have to worry about anything — they took care of every detail for me. Communication was excellent…

Alissa Kovaleva

This firm did an amazing job helping me through this long and emotional process. Without Ticket Crushers I probably would have been in a deeper hole than I was in. They helped me out with two cases and I could not ask for a better outcome for both. I would definitely…

Terence Hernandez

Wow! These folks are impressive. They invisibly took care of my Traffic Ticket. A very pleasant experience dealing with them. There was a change of date for court appearance and I didn’t have to bother them. When the ticket was settled, they informed me and all was taken care of! Happy ending for me.

Parag Kulkarni

I highly recommend The Ticket Crushers team! From start to finish, the process was professional, responsive, and stress-free. A special thank you to **Kat Nuñez** for her excellent communication, prompt updates, and guidance throughout my case..

Venky P

I had a disabled‑placard ticket in San Mateo, and the police officer charged me with a misdemeanor. I was very worried and stressed about the case. Ticket Crushers handled everything for me from the beginning. They went to court on my behalf, kept me updated…

Vijay Khokhar

Ticket Crushers Law Firm exceeded every expectation I had and then some! From the very first interaction, their communication was flawless. They were proactive, responsive, and incredibly clear about every step of the process. I always felt informed, confident, and completely taken care of…

Amit Sharma

Elements of Theft by Trick under Section 484

Under Penal Code § 484, the crime of theft by trick in violation of California Penal Code Section 484 can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. The elements of the crime include proof that:

The defendant obtained property that he or she knew was owned by someone else
The property owner consented to the defendant’s possession of the property because the defendant used fraud or deceit
When the defendant obtained the property, he or she intended to deprive the owner of it permanently or to remove it from the owner’s possession for so extended a period of time that the owner would be deprived of a major portion of the value or enjoyment of the property
The defendant kept the property for any length of time, and
The owner did not intend to transfer ownership of the property

The statutory scheme for fraud defines the term “agent” to mean “someone to whom the owner has given complete or partial authority and control over the owner’s property.” The standard jury instructions for theft by trick under Penal Code § 484 can be found at Judicial Council of California Criminal Jury Instruction 1805.

Distinguishing between Theft by Trick and Theft by False Pretense

False pretenses does not require that the title pass perfectly and the victim may even retain a security interest in the property transferred to the defendant. See People v. Counts, 31 Cal.App.4th 785, 789–792 (1995).

Finding an Attorney for Theft by Trick in San Francisco, CA

If you were charged with theft by trick in San Francisco, CA, then contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at Ticket Crushers. We represent clients after an arrest by an officer with the San Francisco Police Department.

Our offices are conveniently located on Geary Boulevard near Park Presidio in San Francisco, CA. We represent clients charged with theft crimes throughout the City of San Francisco and the surrounding areas, including Alameda County, Santa Clara County, San Mateo County, and Contra Costa County, CA.

For theft cases prosecuted in the Hall of Justice Building, the qualified attorneys at Ticket Crushers provide an aggressive defense to the charges. Call 1 (866) 842-5384 to discuss the case today.

See What We Can Do for Your Case

Get your flat-rate quote in minutes. Free, no obligation.