If it weren’t for Lindsey Lohan, and her criminal law debacles in Los Angeles, I would have a lot less blog content to contribute.  Yet again, this starlet’s name has popped up in the press, this time for some grand theft or larceny allegations.  Allegedly, a quite expensive piece of jewelry, estimated at $2,500, was stolen from a store in Venice.

Under new California criminal law, grand theft is now defined as the unlawful taking of another's property valued at $950 or more. If the property value is $950 or less it may be charged as a petty theft misdemeanor.  This is actually a significant change in the criminal laws of California because Grand Theft used to be defined as the unlawful taking of another’s property valued at $400 or more.

Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has been investigating the grand theft of this item of jewelry and apparently some videotape or photographic evidence came to light showing Ms. Lohan wearing the missing necklace inside the Venice Store.

Also, a Lohan “associate” allegedly returned the same necklace to LAPD’s Pacific Division station.  Nevertheless, investigators on the case obtained a search warrant and searched Lohan’s residence for her Venice residence.

Now the real question here is whether this necklace was loaned to her by the Venice store, as is often the case for celebrities attending high-end media events.  Clearly, if the necklace was lent to her then this is not a case of grand theft or larceny because she did not intend to take the property, rather the owner consented to loaning it.

Only time will tell...Lohan returns to court on February 25, 2011, and one thing remains certain: if the Judge believes that she committed grand theft, she will serve an additional 6 months in jail for the alleged probation violation.

If you or a loved one is charged with petty theft, grand theft, or another theft-related crime, then call the Law Offices of Karen L. Goldstein for a free, confidential consultation with an experienced theft crime defense attorney: (888) 445.6313.