Theft Lawyer Arcadia, CA. Nobody wants to be in a situation where they're facing criminal charges. You might even be facing multiple theft charges at once. On your own, it can feel impossible to win.
Even when you're at your lowest point, there is an option who will fight for you: The Law Offices of David S. Chesley. Our attorneys have the tools and training to fight against any theft and related charges. With a Arcadia, CA, theft crimes lawyer from our team defending your freedom, you're going to get honest advice on how to get the best outcome possible.
Speak with a lawyer right away at (800) 755-5174 or send us a note online for a free, confidential consultation. It's easy to get started, and acting fast can mean everything.
The Importance of a Theft Lawyer in Arcadia, CA
Theft charges need to be treated seriously, regardless of whether or not you're innocent. On your own, you're stuck trying to figure out a convoluted legal system and potentially set yourself up for the below consequences:
- Jail Sentence: Jail time is a common consequence for theft in Arcadia, CA.
- Financial Penalties: You can lose hundreds or thousands of dollars in addition to paying recompense to the alleged victim.
- Loss of Employmnet: Background checks can derail job applications, and you can lose access to professional licenses.
- Reputational Damage: Even if you make it past everything else, the reputation as a "criminal" can stick with you.
- And more.
A Arcadia, CA, theft crimes lawyer can protect your rights and fight against these outcomes. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley. Here's some of what sets us apart:
Why You Should Hire Our Arcadia, CA Theft Defense Lawyers
Not every criminal defense firm is created equal. Here's what you get when you call us — and why it matters for your theft case:
- Former District Attorneys & Judges — We have experience and insights from our time in other areas of the law. We use that inside knowledge to dismantle the prosecution's strategy.
- Extensive Court Relationships — With over 50 years of combined courtroom experience, we have built up relationships with the Arcadia, CA prosecutors and judges, which we will use when securing plea deals.
- Trial-Ready From Day One — Misdemeanor or felony, we build your defense to be trial-ready. Even if your case doesn't end up in trial, this gives us more leverage for negotiations.
- Expungement Services — We don't leave you behind after the verdict. You deserve to move forward with your life, and we can help you do it.
- Terrific Reputation – We deliver results, and are known for doing so.
- Always Availalbe — Arrests happen at all hours. So do we. If you need a theft crime attorney, you shouldn't need to wait for regular business hours. And with our team, you don't have to.
- Entirely Confidential — Everything you tell us is protected by attorney-client privilege. Speak freely — we need the full story to build the strongest possible defense for you.
Theft Charges We Defend in Arcadia, CA
Click any charge below to navigate directly to a full breakdown of the law, penalties, and additional information.
Attempted Burglary | Attempted Robbery | Bribery | Burglary (Residential) | Burglary of a Vehicle | Carjacking | Commercial Burglary | Credit Card Fraud | Elder Financial Abuse | Embezzlement | Extortion | Forgery | Fraud / False Pretenses | Grand Theft | Grand Theft Auto | Grand Theft of a Firearm | Health Care Fraud | Home Health Fraud | Home Invasion Burglary | Hospice Fraud | Identity Theft | Insurance Fraud | Joyriding | Looting | Medicare Fraud | Money Laundering | Perjury | Petty Theft | Petty Theft with a Prior | Possession of Stolen Vehicle | Receiving Stolen Property | Robbery | Shoplifting (PC 459.5) | Theft from an Elder | Trespassing | Vandalism | Vehicle Theft | Welfare Fraud | White Collar Crimes
Theft Charges We Fight in Arcadia, CA
With over 50 years of combined legal experience, we have what it takes to protect your rights. if you require a theft crimes lawyer in Arcadia, CA, don't wait: Reach out right away for a no obligation review of your case.
We cover all of the following types of charges and more:
Petty Theft Charges vs Grand Theft Charges
California breaks down most theft crimes into two categories: Petty theft and grand theft. You can face these charges for taking someone's possessions without their consent. The distinguishing factor is the amount that was supposedly taken: For anything $950 or less, the classification will ordinarily be petty theft, while any more will ordinarily be grand theft.
Defending petty theft allegations is typically more straightforward, as they are often (but not always) charged as misdemeanors. On the other hand, defending grand theft charges pose a greater obstacle, because they are frequently charged as felonies. In either case, it's always important to have a theft crimes lawyer in your corner to minimize the consequences.
Here's a breakdown of what distinguishes petty and grand theft:
| Alleged Violation | Petty Theft | Grand Theft |
|---|---|---|
| Value Taken | $950 or Less | More than $950 |
| Charge Type? | Usually Misdemeanor | Misdemeanor or Felony |
| Misdemeanor Penalties | Up to six months in jail, and up to $1,000 in fines | Up to one year in jail, and up to $1,000 in fines |
| Felony Penalties | Up to three years in prison, and up to $10,000 in fines | Up to three years in prison, and up to $10,000 in fines |
Shoplifting — Proposition 47 / Penal Code § 459.5
Proposition 47 was passed in 2014, defining and setting penalties for shoplifting. Prior to 2014, it was actually considered a form of burglary, instead of a distinct crime. A person commits shoplifting when they go into an open store in order to steal $950 or less worth of goods.
Before Prop 47, what we now call "shoplifting" was prosecuted as burglary — a felony. Since Proposition 47, most shoplifting charges are misdemeanors. That said, you could still face felony charges in some circumstances, such as if you have certain previous convictions on your record. Regardless of what level of charge you're facing, a local Arcadia, CA theft crimes lawyer can help protect you from the worst consequences.
Organized retail theft (either a crime ring or repeated instances of shoplifting) has been a target of recent California laws, and is prosecuted harshly in Arcadia, CA.
Shoplifting Possible Penalties:
- Jail Time: Up to 6 months
- Fines: Up to $1,000
- Civil Demand: Retailers may send civil demand letters
- Other: Probation, banned from store
Potential defenses include: Theft was unintentional, innocence, entrapment by loss prevention, unlawful search and seizure, and diversion programs for first-time offenders.
Petty Theft with a Prior — California Penal Code § 666
Petty theft charges are usually misdemeanors, but not always. Because of Penal Code § 666, a petty theft with a prior can be charged as a felony. This is one of the most common mechanisms used in Arcadia, CA, to increase exposure for repeat offenders, even when the underlying theft involves a modest amount.
To charge PC § 666, the prosecution must establish: (1) the defendant committed petty theft; and (2) the accused has at least one prior conviction for theft, robbery, carjacking, burglary, or a similar qualifying offense — particularly where the defendant served time in jail or prison for that prior. This law is applicable in many cases today, even after being limited in scope by Proposition 47 in 2014. While most of the applicable prior convictions are theft related, they also include some sexual and violent crimes.
Potential Penalties:
- Charge Type: Wobbler
- Misdemeanor Jail: Up to 1 year in county jail
- Felony Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
- Applicable Priors: Previous theft, burglary, robbery, or carjacking convictions
Vehicle Theft Charges We Fight in Arcadia, CA
Whatever Arcadia, CA, vehicle theft charge you're facing, we can help you fight it. An example that many people ask about is grand theft auto, but that's technically not a law of its own. Grand theft auto is defined in a subsection of the state's 'grand theft' law, which universally characterizes stealing a vehicle as 'grand theft', even if it wasn't worth more than $950.
Grand theft auto charges are usually used when the defendant allegedly didn't intend to return the vehicle. On the other hand, if the defendant did intend to return it, they're probably going to be charged with joyriding. While either joyriding or grand theft auto can be 'wobbler' offenses, in Arcadia, CA, grand theft auto is normally charged as a felony, while joyriding is normally a misdemeanor.
One final vehicle theft-related charge that some people underestimate is possession of a stolen vehicle. Similar to receiving stolen property, you don't have to have actually stolen anything to be convicted of this crime. Simply owning or keeping the vehicle can get you arrested for possession of a stolen vehicle.
When you contact our law firm, you'll work with a vehicle theft crimes lawyer who knows the ins and outs of each offense type, how to fight against them, and what deals are realistic. Reach out now to start defending your rights.
Grand Theft Auto — California Penal Code § 487(d)(1)
Grand theft auto is not a standalone California crime — instead, it is a subset of the general "grand theft" statute, which says that any automobile theft is considered grand theft. This means even stealing a beater worth $200 can result in a grand theft auto charge.
Grand theft auto and joyriding have a close relationship in Arcadia, CA, courts — grand theft auto only applies if you never intended to give the car back, but if you did, the lesser charge of joyriding would apply.
Potential Penalties:
- Charge Type: Wobbler (usually felony in Arcadia, CA)
- Felony Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
- Misdemeanor Jail: Up to 1 year
- Fines: Up to $10,000
Vehicle Theft — California Vehicle Code § 10851
Vehicle Code § 10851 is one of the main vehicle theft laws in California. This is because § 10851 applies whether or not the alleged offender was going to return the automobile. Simply taking or driving someone's vehicle without permission is enough.
This charge is popular in Arcadia, CA, courts as either a plea deal or as its own charge.
Joyriding — California Vehicle Code § 10851
Joyriding charges focus on intent. If you allegedly drove a car without permission, but brought it back afterwards, that would be joyriding. But if you did the same thing and planned to keep the vehicle, that would be grand theft. Despite the casual name, this is a serious criminal offense that is treated as a wobbler in California — it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony.
It's typical for joyriding to be treated as a misdemeanor in Arcadia, CA. However, prior criminal history or aggravating circumstances can push it to a felony.
| Joyriding | Grand Theft Auto | |
|---|---|---|
| Key Distinction | Return the vehicle afterwards | Keep the vehicle forever |
| Typical Charge | Misdemeanor | Felony |
| Misdemeanor Jail | Up to 1 year | — |
| Felony Prison | — | 16 months, 2, or 3 years |
Carjacking — California Penal Code § 215
Carjacking is one of the most serious vehicle-related charges in California. If you allegedly used force or threats to take someone's car directly from them, you can be charged with carjacking. Because this action involves violence, carjacking is always a felony and is often ineligible for probation.
The impacts of a carjacking conviction are far-reaching, as they include a "strike" on your record. This increases the penalty for future criminal convictions.
Potential Penalties:
- Prison: 3, 5, or 9 years in state prison
- Enhancements: Additional years for weapon use or injury
- Three Strikes: Yes — counts as a strike offense
- Fines: Up to $10,000
Possession of a Stolen Vehicle — California Penal Code § 496d
It may be hard to believe, but you can face vehicle theft related charges without committing theft. If you have or are storing a automobile when you knew or should have know it was stolen, PC § 496d still applies, regardless of your involvement in its theft.
This charge can sneak up on you, especially if you ever have purchased a vehicle outside of formal sales channels. The state must prove you had knowledge the vehicle was stolen — and that's often where your vehicle theft crimes lawyer can challenge the case.
Possible Penalties:
- Charge Type: Wobbler
- Felony Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
- Misdemeanor Jail: Up to 1 year
White Collar Crime Charges We Defend in Arcadia, CA
White collar crimes in Arcadia, CA, can be any one of a variety of charges, but each of them have a common trait: abuse of an organization for personal gain.
Many white collar crimes are non-violent, and even non-physical, forms of theft. Embezzlement is the theft of money someone was supposed to manage for others, like an investment banker taking from a client's account. Money laundering is taking money that was otherwise gotten illegally and trying to disguise it as something that was earned legally. Meanwhile, bribery doesn't just involve taking money, but instead consists of one person giving another money in exchange for some sort of benefit.
Not all white-collar crimes are transactional in nature, though (at least at face value). Forgery can be as simple as signing another person's signature without permission, and identity theft is the taking of another person's personal information. Note that no financial theft has to occur for a person to be charged with either of these.
Embezzlement, Identity Theft, Fraud & More
White collar crimes carry severe consequences even without physical violence — years in prison, massive fines, major career setbacks, and permanent reputational damage. To protect yourself against these consequences, it's critical to have a theft crimes lawyer with local experience and expertise in your corner.
White Collar Crimes — Overview
The term "white collar crime" describes non-violent financial offenses typically committed in business or professional settings. These charges will include the element of deceit, breach of trust, or abuse of a position for personal gain. Arcadia, CA, because of its proximity to major financial and entertainment centers, sees some of California's most complex white collar prosecutions.
These charges can seemingly come out of nowhere, as state investigators will take months to years to build a case before filing charges. Call us now if you have any reason to believe the police are looking into you. The sooner you bring in your legal defense, the better chance you have of a positive outcome.
Embezzlement — California Penal Code § 503
Embezzlement is when someone legally can use property for certain purposes, but uses it for different ones. The main feature is the pre-existing legal access — alleged embezzlement offenders had honest ways to access the supposedly stolen or misused goods.
Common contexts: An accountant siphoning company funds; a bookkeeper writing unauthorized checks to themselves; an employee overcharging customers and keeping the difference; A cashier voiding out a transaction but keeping the money; a non-profit director misusing donated funds.
Potential Penalties:
- Under $950: Misdemeanor — up to 6 months jail
- Over $950: Felony — up to 3 years prison
- High Amounts: Enhanced sentences up to 10+ years
- Additional: Repay alleged victims, loss of professional licenses
Money Laundering — California Penal Code § 186.10
Money laundering is the process of making illegally obtained money appear to have come from a legitimate source. It usually is made up of three stages: placement (introducing dirty money into the financial system), layering (in an attempt to confuse future investigators, the money is shifted through complicated financial trades and transfers), and integration (making the funds appear legitimate).
California's money laundering law is set to combat transactions of more than $5,000 when the alleged offender was aware that the money was dirty. You could also face federal money laundering charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1956, carrying sentences up to 20 years.
Possible Penalties (State):
- Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
- Fines: Up to $250,000 or double the laundered amount
- Federal Add-On: Up to 20 years federal prison
Bribery — California Penal Code § 67–68 / § 92
Bribery involves offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting something of value in exchange for influencing the actions of people in certain positions of power. California law criminalizes bribery in many contexts — government officials, judges, legislators, executive officers, witnesses, and even private commercial bribery. Whatever form of bribery you've been accused of, a Arcadia, CA, theft crimes lawyer is important to protect you from the prosecution.
Important: Both the person offering the bribe and the person accepting it can be charged in Arcadia, CA. Attempted bribery charges are even possible, if one person tries to bribe another, and the second person refuses it.
Possible Penalties:
- Charge Type: Felony
- Prison: 2, 3, or 4 years state prison
- Public Officials: Permanent ineligibility for office
- Federal: Up to 15 years (if federal officials involved)
Forgery — California Penal Code § 470
Forgery involves creating, altering, or using a false document with intent to defraud. California's forgery statute is broad and covers bills, receipts, contracts, vehicle titles, wills, warrants, prescriptions, lottery tickets, and many other types of written instruments.
What if I didn't use the forged document? Whether or not you allegedly did something with the forgery is irrelevant. Just the plan to commit fraud, combined with the act of creating or using the false item, is sufficient for a conviction.
Possible Penalties:
- Charge Type: Wobbler
- Felony Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
- Misdemeanor Jail: Up to 1 year
Identity Theft — California Penal Code § 530.5
In Arcadia, CA, identity theft is the unauthorized use of another person's personal identifying information — name, Social Security number, driver's license number, financial account numbers, or other data — to perform a restricted activity, including obtaining credit, goods, services, or medical information.
What if it didn't affect them financially? No financial loss to the victim has to occur for a conviction. Simply obtaining and using someone else's information without authorization is enough to warrant a crime under California law. Because of this, you need to hire an expert theft crimes lawyer regardless of the specifics of your situation.
Arcadia, CA, identity theft allegations are very serious, and frequently involve federal charges if the internet was involved, or the supposed victim and alleged offender were in different states.
Possible Penalties:
- Charge Type: Wobbler
- Felony Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
- Per Victim: Charges can stack — one count per victim
- Federal: Up to 15–30 years (aggravated cases)
Fraud Charges We Defend in Arcadia, CA
Fraud is a frequent white collar crime charge in Arcadia, CA, and can be divided into smaller categories of its own. Generally speaking, a person who commits theft by lying about something so that another person gives away their money voluntarily can be convicted of fraud. Theft by false pretenses is a basic type of this crime.
Insurance fraud is a specific variation where a person allegedly lies to an insurance company to collect more money than they are supposed to. As an example, if someone were to hide their valuable property and claim it was stollen, that person can be charged with insurance fraud.
A similar fraud charge is welfare fraud, where someone takes advantage of government assistance programs by providing false information to them. An example of this would be claiming a child as a dependent to receive financial support, when the child has in fact moved out.
Another popular form is credit card fraud. This one is a little different because instead of representing someone about themselves, for credit card fraud, normally a person is lying about the credit card they are using. If you allegedly took a credit card and used it without permission, you can face credit card fraud charges.
Because fraud cases can vary so much from each other, having a theft crimes lawyer with experience in all these areas is essential.
Different Kinds of Fraud, False Pretenses & Financial Deception
Fraud charges in Arcadia, CA, cover a vast range of conduct — from simple misrepresentations to elaborate financial schemes. These cases are often document-heavy and require a theft crimes lawyer who understands both the law and financial evidence.
Theft by False Pretenses / Fraud — California Penal Code § 532
Theft by false pretenses is one of the most common fraud charges in Arcadia. These allegations are used when one person tricks another person through disonest means, leading to the second person willingly giving away goods or services. The key element is that the victim willingly hands over the property as a result of being deceived.
Common examples: Lying about being a contest winner; misrepresenting credentials to get paid for work; creating fake invoices; lying about the condition of goods sold.
The charge level (misdemeanor vs. felony) depends on the value of the property obtained through fraud, using the same $950 threshold as petty/grand theft.
Insurance Fraud — California Penal Code § 550
Lying to an insurance company to receive a payout or other benefit is insurance fraud. Insurance fraud charges are always a big deal, and are often felonies in Arcadia, CA. An experienced theft crimes lawyer will fight the allegations and negotiation with the prosecutor to help you find the best outcome possible
Typical examples include: Staging or exaggerating auto accidents; filing false theft reports; exaggerating property damage; arson for insurance proceeds; fabricating injuries; double billing for a health service.
Potential Penalties:
- Felony Prison: 2, 3, or 5 years
- Fines: Up to $150,000 or double the fraud amount
- Restitution: Full repayment to insurer
- Additional: Loss of professional licenses
Credit Card Fraud — California Penal Code § 484e–484j
You can face credit card fraud charges in Arcadia, CA, for a variety of actions done with a credit or debit card. Charges can occur if someone is caught using another individual's card without permission, using a card that has been stolen or counterfeited, charging to an account when you don't have the card, or fraudulently acquiring or selling card account information.
Note on federal charges: Credit card fraud frequently triggers federal charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1029 in addition to state charges, particularly when accounts are used across state lines or some part of the alleged crime occurred online. Federal penalties are significantly more severe, and our team of theft crime lawyers has experience handling both state and federal fraud cases.
Potential Penalties (State):
- Charge Type: Wobbler
- Felony Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
- Misdemeanor Jail: Up to 1 year
- Federal Prison: Up to 15 years (federal charges)
Welfare Fraud — California Welfare & Institutions Code § 10980
Charges of welfare fraud in Arcadia, CA, can range widely in their specifics, but all have one thing in common: Deceiving the government in order to receive some kind of welfare benefit. Similar to other types of fraud, this could be part of an isolated individual incident or a widespread organized crime ring.
Common examples: Claiming income is less than it actually is; misrepresenting household composition; Trading or selling food stamps; pretending that a child is still a dependent when they are not; continuing to collect benefits after a qualifying event ends your eligibility.
Welfare fraud investigations are conducted by county district attorney welfare fraud units and can result in both criminal charges and demands for repayment of all benefits received. Your local Arcadia, CA, theft crimes lawyer can help show issues in the prosecution's case and find you alternative paths forward.
Possible Penalties:
- Under $950 (usually): Misdemeanor — up to 6 months jail
- Over $950: Felony — up to 3 years prison
- Repayment: Full restitution to the government
Additional: Loss of future benefit eligibility
Hospice Fraud — 18 U.S.C. § 1347 / California Penal Code § 550
Hospice fraud accusations in Arcadia, CA, are very serious. They are often applied to healthcare practitioners who create fake requests for payment or prescribe unneeded treatments related to hospice. To be eligible forMedicare hospice benefits, a patient must be predicted to pass away within half a year if nothing drastic changes in their health condition — it's common for the prosecution to allege that the patient's condition did not meet this criteria in these cases.
This type of fraud is more often alleged towards providers over patients. Because healthcare professionals have more access to control billing and provide diagnoses, they are at higher risk of being accused of hospice fraud. And as if it weren't bad enough going up against the Arcadia, CA, government, you're likely to face federal charges and accusations from federal investigators.
Important Note: If you've been accused of hospice fraud in criminal court, you can expect a civil suit to follow. A qui tam relator (whistleblower) can trigger a False Claims Act lawsuit resulting in treble damages and civil penalties entirely separate from any criminal indictment. Providers are often unaware that an investigation is underway until a search warrant is executed.
Potential Penalties:
- Federal Prison: Up to 10 years per count (18 U.S.C. § 1347)
- Civil FCA Liability: Treble damages plus $13,000–$27,000 per false claim
- State Charges: Up to 5 years (CA Penal Code § 550)
- Extra: Exclusion from Medicare/Medi-Cal programs; license revocation
Medicare Fraud — 18 U.S.C. § 1347 / 42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7b
Medicare fraud allegations go beyond that of a typical theft. As the name would suggest, these are accusations that someone took undeserved benefits from the government's Medicare program. In Arcadia, CA, Medicare fraud charges are normally conducted in federal court, rather than by the local prosecutor. You need a theft lawyer who operates at a high level to protect you from these charges.
While both providers and receivers of care can be convicted of medicare fraud, it's most often providers who are accused. This is especially devastating because of its career impact: you can lose your license and be excluded from working in a healthcare program. Medicare fraud investigations are especially tricky to detect, because they often involve datasets rather than on-the-ground investigators. This means that the first warning sign that you're being investigated can come too late to clear things up.
Critical Note: The United States also has a law (the Anti-Kickback Statute – 42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7b) which makes it a form of Medicare fraud to offer payment for Medicare-related referrals. You can be accused of breaking this law whether you gave or received the money.
Possible Penalties:
- Federal Prison: Up to 10 years per count (up to 20 if serious bodily injury results)
- Anti-Kickback Violations: Up to 10 years per violation
- Civil FCA Liability: Treble damages plus civil monetary penalties per claim
- Additional: Loss of eligibility for all federal health care programs
Health Care Fraud — 18 U.S.C. § 1347 / California Penal Code § 550
Health care fraud charges are normally related to a person providing false information on an insurance form, in order to receive an undeserved payout. As opposed to Medicare fraud, these charges can be made whether you allegedly defrauded the government's healthcare programs or a private insurance company.
Under California Penal Code § 550, health insurance fraud is independently criminalized at the state level. California's statute specifically addresses false or misleading statements made in connection with insurance claims, including the submission of multiple claims for a single loss and the preparation of false medical reports. Health care fraud cases in Arcadia, CA, are frequently complex, involving large volumes of billing records, expert testimony from medical billing specialists, and coordination between state and federal agencies. Physicians, billing organizations, office managers, and clerks have all faced prosecution depending on their level of involvement.
Potential Penalties:
- Federal Prison: Up to 10 years per count (18 U.S.C. § 1347)
- If Death Results: Up to life imprisonment (federal)
- State Felony: 2, 3, or 5 years (CA PC § 550)
- Fines: Up to $250,000 (individual) or $500,000 (organization)
- Additional: Restitution, professional license consequences
Home Health Fraud — 18 U.S.C. § 1347 / 42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7b
Home health fraud, at a fundamental level, it involves the same alleged act (lying in order to receive health care benefits). This one in particular is related to in-home health services — such as skilled nursing visits, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and home health aide services. In order to be eligible for Medicare reimbursement, the person receiving care must be homebound and require special care. Home health fraud exploits this framework in a variety of ways.
Common schemes include: billing for visits to patients who are not homebound and do not qualify; billing for services that were never provided; falsifying physician orders and certifications to manufacture eligibility; paying illegal kickbacks to recruiters, physicians, or patient cappers for referrals; and billing therapy services at inflated frequency levels unsupported by clinical documentation. Home health fraud charges in Arcadia, CA, are taken very seriously, and you need a theft defense lawyer who's ready to give your case the attention it deserves. Commonly accused individuals include physical therapists, administrative workers, and physicians performing the diagnoses.
Important: The United States' Stark Law makes it a crime for a doctor to refer a medicare patient to a home health company, if the doctor makes money from that company. Violations result in civil monetary penalties and Medicare exclusion entirely separate from any criminal prosecution — to make matters worse, you can be convicted of violating this law even if you unintentionally broke it.
Possible Penalties:
- Federal Prison: Up to 10 years per count
- Anti-Kickback Violations: Up to 10 years per violation
- Civil FCA Liability: Treble damages plus penalties per false claim
- Administrative: Exclusion from Medicare/Medi-Cal; agency decertification
Violent Theft Charges We Fight in Arcadia, CA
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you could be facing both theft charges and violent crime charges in Arcadia, CA. This can occur if you're charged with robbery. Robbery occurs when one person threatens or attacks someone in order to take something from them. Versus burglary, the alleged theft occurred away from the alleged victim. Carjacking can be compared to grand theft auto in the same way.
However, some thefts which did not start out violent can end up involving violence. Home invasion charges can start out as regular burglary, with the alleged offender not intending to commit violence, but that changes when they run into another person.
Extortion is a unique form of theft. If someone says they will hurt another person unless the alleged victim gives them money, that is extortion. The threats don't always have to consist of physical violence, but it can consist of any form of harm to the victim, including emotional or reputational. As an example, if a person would commit extortion if she saw a man commit a crime, and threatened to turn him in if he didn't pay her.
Robbery, Extortion & Force-Related Theft
If you allegedly threatened or attacked someone in the course of committing theft, your case is even more serious. Beyond the felony charges themselves, you could also be up against a strike on your record. It's essential to get a theft crimes lawyer in Arcadia, CA to protect your freedom.
Robbery — California Penal Code § 211
Many people confuse burglary and robbery, but they are actually very different crimes. Burglary generally occurs while the alleged victim is away, while in robbery cases, the supposed offender takes something from the alleged victim personally. Being convicted of robbery will likely result in a prison sentence as well as a strike.
California distinguishes between first-degree robbery (committed against someone in an inhabited structure, a taxi/rideshare driver, or while using an ATM) and second-degree robbery (all other cases). First-degree robbery carries significantly higher penalties.
Possible Penalties:
- 1st Degree Prison: 3, 4, or 6 years
- 2nd Degree Prison: 2, 3, or 5 years
- Weapon Use: +3 to 10 years
- Three Strikes: Yes — serious felony
Extortion (Blackmail) — California Penal Code § 518
Extortion occurs when someone threatens another person — with violence, property damage, accusation of a crime, or exposure of damaging information — in order to obtain money, property, or an official act. The threat does not have to be of physical violence; threatening to reveal embarrassing or damaging information is sufficient.
Common examples: Threatening to report someone to immigration authorities unless paid; threatening to release private photos unless money is provided; threatening to harm someone's reputation unless granted a professional favor.
Possible Penalties:
- Charge Type: Felony
- Prison: 2, 3, or 4 years
- Fines: Up to $10,000
Burglary Charges We Fight in Arcadia, CA
Burglary technically isn't always a theft crime, but it is closely related. In California, you can be charged with this crime if you break into a site to either commit theft or break a different law. This is commonly a structure, like a convenience store (which would make it commercial burglary), but not always. For example, if you allegedly broke a car window to steal a wallet sitting on the seat, that would fall under burglary of a vehicle.
Regardless of the specifics of your burglary charges, there is always an element of trespassing involved. Due to this, what you were allegedly planning to do in a location can be just as important as how you got access to it.
Burglary Related Charges
Shoplifting also involves the theft of items from a store, similar to commercial burglary. In fact, before 2014, what you think of as shoplifting would be classified as burglary under California law. But as we discussed above a new law Proposition 47 (officially the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act), a ballot initiative passed by California voters on November 4, 2014 that distinguishes shoplifting as specifically attempting to steal merchandise from a business during regular business hours. The differences in charges had a major impact for several offenses and penalties. One key reform was distinguishing shoplifting as a specific misdemeanor offense and preventing it from being charged as burglary (a "wobbler" that could be a felony) in qualifying cases.
Another related charge is vandalism. You can be charged with vandalism in California if you purposely damage another person's property, such as by breaking a window to in order to steal from the building. It's very likely that you'll be charged with both burglarizing and vandalizing a location together in Arcadia, CA, doubling the importance of working with an experienced theft crimes lawyer to fight for your freedom.
Finally, you can face theft charges in Arcadia, CA, even if you didn't steal anything yourself. How can this be? Receiving stolen property charges. This applies when someone supposedly buys, hides, or receives something that they know was taken unlawfully from another person.
Burglary, Home Invasion & Related Charges
Arcadia, CA burglary charges can be wildly different from one another, and may not even involve theft — these charges apply when someone tresspasses on a property while planning to break the law, though it doesn't have to be a theft law specifically.
Residential Burglary (First Degree) — California Penal Code § 459
In California, first-degree burglary, sometimes called residential burglary, involves going to someone's dwelling place while planning to commit a theft or any felony inside. You do not have to actually steal anything. The intent at the moment of entry is the key to burglary charges.
Residential burglary is always a felony and will add a strike to your record upon a conviction. This is one of the most serious theft-adjacent charges in California law, and Arcadia, CA courts are likely to give you a long sentence. Without the right theft crimes defense lawyer, you're fighting an uphill battle
Possible Penalties:
- Prison: 2, 4, or 6 years in state prison
- Three Strikes: Yes — serious felony strike
- Probation: Generally not an option for first-degree
- Fines: Up to $10,000
Commercial Burglary (Second Degree) — California Penal Code § 459
Second-degree burglary is someones called "commercial burglary" because it also involves entering a location with the intent to steal or commit a felony, but as opposed to first-degree burglary, the location is non-residential. You could face either misdemeanor or felony charges for this offense.
Your theft crimes lawyer in Arcadia, CA will need to be acutely aware of the difference between shoplifting and commercial burglary — this could be key in getting your charges reduced, if possible.
Possible Penalties:
- Felony Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
- Misdemeanor Jail: Up to 1 year
- Charge Type: Wobbler
Burglary of a Vehicle — California Penal Code § 459
Breaking into a car, truck, or other vehicle to steal something inside — or to commit any felony — constitutes vehicle burglary under California law. This charge commonly arises when someone smashes a car window to take items left inside. The details of this charge are different from case to case, because burglary of a vehicle could either be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor.
Key distinction: Stealing from an unlocked vehicle does not qualify for a burglary charge. An unlocked vehicle can still lead to theft charges, but the burglary enhancement requires that the vehicle was secured in some way.
Home Invasion Burglary With Violence — California Penal Code § 459 / § 211
A home invasion occurs when someone commits burglary of a residential structure while the occupants are present, often involving threats or violence. Arcadia, CA, prosecutors take these charges extremely seriously and often push for harsh punishments. It's even more important to hire an expert theft crimes lawyer than usual in these cases.
As with other burglary charges, home invasion burglary charges don't tend to exist in a vacuum — you're likely also facing other theft or violent crimes charges. If you are fighting home invasion charges, you need the most experienced criminal defense team available, and you need them right away.
Possible Penalties:
- Burglary Base: 2, 4, or 6 years
- Robbery Add-On: Additional 2–5 years
- Weapon Enhancement: Additional 3–10 years
- Three Strikes: Yes — multiple strikes possible
Property & Other Offenses
Receiving Stolen Property, Vandalism & Trespassing
While not theft charges in and of themselves, vandalism, trespassing, perjury, and receiving stolen property charges are closely associated and often charged together. You need a Arcadia, CA theft crimes lawyer who is prepared to fight every charge and stand by your side throughout the process.
Receiving Stolen Property — California Penal Code § 496
You don't have to steal something to face theft-related criminal charges. Under PC § 496, if you buy, receive, conceal, sell, or help conceal property that you know is stolen, you can be convicted — even if you had no role in the original theft.
These cases often hinge on your mental state — namely, whether or not you were (or should have been) aware that the item was stolen. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we often argue this point in these cases. Buying items at an unusually low price, without knowing their full history, or from unknown sellers, does not prove that you were aware the items were stolen.
Potential Penalties:
- Charge Type: Wobbler
- Felony Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
- Misdemeanor Jail: Up to 1 year
Vandalism — California Penal Code § 594
Instead of violently harming another person or animal, vandalism is focused on property harm. It occurs when one person marks or damages another person's property, without permission and for bad purposes. This is related to theft because in many cases, the accused will be alleged to have broken into a location as a part of the theft.
The threshold for felony vandalism in California is $400 or more in damage — a much lower bar than for theft offenses.
Potential Penalties:
- Under $400: Misdemeanor — up to 1 year jail
- Over $400: Wobbler — up to 3 years prison
- Restitution: Full repair/replacement cost to victim
- Additional: Graffiti cleanup, community service
Trespassing — California Penal Code § 602
Trespassing involves entering or remaining on another person's property without permission. Tresspassing is often charged alongside burglary, because the latter also involves entering a location without permission.
Without compounding charges, trespassing is most often charged as a misdemeanor or infraction. However, Arcadia, CA, prosecutors can also use it as a part of a case for more serious charges. Fighting these charges is often a matter of whether or not the alleged offender did in fact have permission or the right to be there.
Perjury — California Penal Code § 118
Perjury is making a false statement under oath, knowing it is false, in a legal proceeding or official document. While not a theft crime per se, perjury frequently arises in theft cases — for example, making false statements to police, lying in a court declaration, or providing false testimony at trial.
Do not make this mistake: Speaking to the police at all is a risk, and it's even worse if you lie to them. By keeping a theft crimes lawyer on hand, you can avoid perjury charges and build a strong defense.
Possible Penalties:
- Charge Type: Felony
- Prison: 2, 3, or 4 years state prison
Specialized & Enhanced Charges
Elder Theft, Firearm Theft, Looting & Attempted Crimes
Not all alleged thefts are treated equally; in the cases listed below, you can face harsher penalties and elevated charges. Your theft crimes lawyer will need to be prepared to battle for your freedom. And at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we are.
Grand Theft of a Firearm — California Penal Code § 487(d)(2)
California law treats firearms very seriously, restricting their availability and usage. Regarding theft, current statutes regarding firearm theft ignore the value of the device and always make it grand theft. This means the theft of even a low-value firearm results in a felony charge. Firearm theft can have long-lasting implications, beyond most other theft offenses — this is because it counts as a strike on your record.
To make things worse, you may also have to fight in federal court. The combination of state and federal exposure makes this one of the most legally complex theft charges you can face. And it's even more important to work with an attorney who is able to protect you from even the toughest opponents.
Possible Penalties:
- Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
- Strike: Serious felony — potential strike offense
- Federal: Additional federal charges possible
Theft from an Elder / Financial Elder Abuse — Welfare & Institutions Code § 15610.30
Vulnerable adults, notably people 65 and older, are given extra protection in the California legal system. You can be accused of financial elder abuse (also known as theft from an elder) if you were allegedly in a position of trust for an older adult, and took advantage of their money.
This offense is aggressively prosecuted in Arcadia, CA, and enhanced sentencing applies. This is further exacerbated if the alleged victim is 70 or older, which can lead to increased penalties. In addition to the legal penalties, you could also face a civil suit, and Adult Protective Services involvement can complicate cases further.
Common scenarios: Caregiver taking money from a client's account; family member using power of attorney to take money; contractor overcharging vulnerable seniors; impostor pretends to be a law enforcement official.
Potential Penalties:
- Base Sentence: Same as underlying theft offense
- Enhancement (65+): +1 year consecutive if loss $65,000–$200,000
- Enhancement (70+): Additional consecutive years for large losses
- Civil Liability: Up to 3× damages in civil court
Looting — California Penal Code § 463
During emergencies, stealing property can be charged as looting. California Penal Code § 463 treats looting as an aggravated form of the underlying theft or burglary offense, with mandatory enhanced penalties.
If the enhanced penalties weren't enough on their own, the Arcadia, CA, prosecuting attorney is likely going to go the extra mile for looting whenever possible. Looting is considered a way of taking advantage of Arcadia while it's at its most vulnerable, and judges are never pleased by this. If you allegedly broke into a business building during a wildfire and took some of its merchandise, you could face looting allegations.
Potential Penalties (Enhanced):
- Petty Theft → Looting: Misdemeanor with mandatory jail (no OR release)
- Commercial Burglary → Looting: Felony — 16 months to 3 years
- Residential Burglary → Looting: Felony — 2 to 6 years
- Bail: Often denied or set very high during emergency periods
Attempted Theft, Attempted Burglary & Attempted Robbery
Trying to steal something and failing is still a crime in Arcadia, CA. An attempt requires: (1) the desire to break the law, and (2) some form of action that furthers the criminal ends — whatever the outcome was.
The general rule is that attempted crimes are punished at half the sentence of the completed offense. So while residential burglary carries a prison sentence of 2, 4, or 6 years, attempted residential burglary would only carry a sentence of 1, 2, or 3 years. However, this is still a serious criminal conviction with lasting consequences.
California's Three Strikes law doesn't provide any leeway if someone attempted to commit a crime unsuccessfully — robbery attempts and burglary attempts are still strikes, whether or not they were successful. Our theft crime lawyers will fight against these charges to create reasonable doubt and position us for favorable negotiations.
For any of the charges above, or more, when you call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you can speak with an expert theft crimes lawyer in Arcadia, CA, who has the training and experience needed to find a path forward. As a team, we will craft a staunch defense against the allegations.
Facing Theft Allegations? These Are Your Next Steps
You need to take these accusations seriously. The Arcadia, CA, government is after you, the alleged victim is accusing you, and the collateral consequences could be devastating. Trying to handle it yourself, the odds can seem insurmountable.
But you have an ally. You have the Law Offices of David S. Chesley on your side. With one of our Arcadia, CA, theft crimes lawyers on your case, you'll get honest, personalized legal advice on how to achieve the best outcome possible. To get started, use the five steps below to protect your freedom and avoid common pitfalls:
1. Obey the Arresting Officer's Instructions
While it's reasonable to feel angry about being arrested, don't resist. Respectfully complying with the police officers will make the process go smoother. Fighting back can only make things worse.
2. Stay Calm and Stay Silent
It's common for police to interview you after an arrest – stay silent. In fact, don't even talk on the ride to the station. Your answers can later be used as evidence in the case, and you say something untruthful, you can be charged with perjury.
3. Contact a Arcadia, CA, Theft Crimes Defense Attorney ASAP
In California, people who have been arrested are given three phone calls. Be sure to contact a theft crimes lawyer with one of your calls. The sooner you hire an expert to help with your case, the better your chances are for a positive outcome. We are available at (800) 755-5174, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
4. Secure Bail for Release
Your lawyer can help argue for your release at a bail hearing. Our theft crimes defense attorneys will fight for your pre-trial release and lower bail requirements. You are innocent until proven guilty, and should enjoy your freedom while your case proceeds.
5. Work With Your Lawyer to Build Your Defense
Finally, you work with your attorney to craft a strong defense. A skillful theft crimes lawyer in Arcadia, CA, will hear your side of the story, negotiate with the prosecution, and fight for charges to be dismissed wherever possible.
Powerful Defense Strategies for Theft Charges
Your case is unique — and your defense strategy needs to be customized to the specific details, proof, and charges. Here are the major defense approaches our attorneys use to fight theft charges in Arcadia, CA.
Lack of Intent / Claim of Right Defense in Theft Cases
One of the most powerful defenses in any theft case is the absence of criminal intent. All theft offenses under California law require that the defendant acted with specific intent to steal — that is, to permanently deprive another person of their property. Where that intent cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, no theft conviction can stand regardless of the circumstances of the taking.
The claim of right defense applies when a defendant genuinely believed — even mistakenly — that they had a legal right to the property they took. If you genuinely believed you had the right to take the property — even if that belief was mistaken — it negates the criminal intent required for a theft conviction. Additional intent-based defenses consist of: mistake of fact (the accused took something that they thought was theirs); voluntary intoxication (this does not always apply, but can limit intent in some cases); and absence of permanence (the defendant intended to return the property, which may reduce or eliminate a grand theft charge even if another theft offense still applies).
Key point: This is a major hurdle for the prosecution in any theft case. This isn't merely a backup plan. It is often the strongest available defense, especially in cases involving disputes over ownership, employer-employee disagreements, family property conflicts, or transactions gone wrong.
Defense Application:
- Grand Theft: Negates specific intent to permanently deprive
- Embezzlement: Challenges the fraudulent conversion element
- Fraud / False Pretenses: Can apply when the defendant didn't know that what they were saying was false
- Receiving Stolen Property: Challenges knowledge that property was stolen
Illegal Search & Seizure in Theft/Burglary Cases
If police searched your car, home, or person without a valid warrant or legal justification, you may have been the victim of an illegal search and/or seizure. In many criminal cases, critical evidence — stolen property, alleged tools of the crime, communications, financial records — is frequently obtained through police searches. If the investigators violated constitutional requirements, the evidence can be suppressed and the state may not be able to move forward with your case.
Here are some of the reasons that evidence is thrown out in theft cases: warrantless searches of vehicles, homes, or persons without valid legal justification; searches resulting from a warrant that was based on false information; arrests without probable cause leading to an invalid search at the time of the arrest; GPS tracking or digital surveillance conducted without getting proper approval; and searches that go beyond the scope of a legal warrant. California Penal Code § 1538.5 gives defendants a statutory right to move to suppress evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment — this motion can be filed early on in your case, and has the potential to stop the state in its tracks.
When evidence is suppressed under the exclusionary rule, prosecutors often cannot proceed with charges at all. Even partial suppression — in cases where a subset of the evidence against the defendant is suppressed — can substantially change the outcome. Suppression motions are fully litigated in Arcadia, CA, courts, and are a standard component of aggressive defense in all property crime cases.
Suppression Scenarios:
- Warrantless Home Entry: Except in special circumstances, if evidence was taken from your home without a warrant, it can be thrown out
- Vehicle Searches: Require a warrant, permission, or a recognized exception such as probable cause
- Digital Evidence / Cell Phones: Require a warrant under Riley v. California (2014)
- Fruit of the Poisonous Tree: Evidence derived from an illegal search may also be excluded
False Accusation / Misidentification
Whether because of malice or a simple mistake, sometimes innocent people get accused of theft in Arcadia, CA. False accusations can result from personal arguments, witnesses mistaking the defendant for someone else, misunderstandings about ownership, errors in surveillance footage interpretation, or deliberate fabrication by a party with a motive to harm the accused. Being wrongly accused does not mean the charges will not proceed — aggressive and immediate defense is essential from the moment of accusation.
Eyewitness misidentification is one of the leading causes of wrongful convictions nationally. In theft, robbery, and burglary cases, the high intensity of the circumstances can lead to witnesses not remembering details clearly — most notably across racial lines, under poor lighting conditions, or when the perpetrator was briefly seen. Studies consistently show that witness confidence does not correlate with accuracy. While this can unfortunately lead to false accusations, the benefit is that it provides several defensive avenues in Arcadia, CA, court.
Defense strategies in false accusation cases include: providing evidence that proves the accused could not have been present because they were in another location; challenging the reliability of the identification procedure used by law enforcement (photo arrays, live lineups, show-ups); attacking the character of the accuser; presenting expert testimony on the science of human memory and eyewitness reliability; and demonstrating inconsistencies between different witnesses' versions of events.
If you have been falsely accused: Stay away from witnesses, do not try to collect evidence yourself, and do not talk to the police without your theft crimes lawyer present. You might make a mistake, or the police might misinterpret something you say. Whatever your circumstances, if you're facing theft charges, call our lawyers now for help.
Lack of Knowledge — For some charges, the state must prove you knew the property was obtained through theft. We challenge this element aggressively — many people unknowingly purchase stolen goods with no way to verify their origin.
Consent / Permission — Theft requires that property be taken without the owner's consent. In cases where the alleged offender did take the object or enter the property, but had the right to do so, this can be a highly effective defense.
Rights Violations — We won't presume that all the evidence collected for your case is legitimate — we'll review everything and look for opportunities to have the evidence against you removed.
Diversion Programs — Particularly for first-time offenders, California offers diversion programs that can protect you from a conviction. This is often a favorable outcome for our clients that we will fight to secure.
Disputing the Property Valuation — In many cases, your charges are determined by how much was allegedly taken. Lower amounts lead to lesser charges. We'll show the true value of the property and argue for lesser charges.
Theft Crime Expungement / Record Clearance — California Penal Code § 1203.4
Whatever your past is, you have a future. And we want to help you make the most of it. Under California Penal Code § 1203.4, individuals who have successfully completed probation for a misdemeanor or felony theft conviction may petition the court to dismiss the charges and withdraw their guilty or no contest plea — a process commonly called an expungement. To be eligible, the defendant generally must have: successfully completed all terms of probation, including fines and restitution; not have any pending criminal charges against you; and — following recent changes in the law — in several cases, must not have spent time in state prison (though SB 731 and related reforms have expanded relief options for some state prison cases).
If you were not given probation, there are still options for you — Penal Code § 1203.4a provides another form of conviction relief. Arguably, the best cases are those which were dismissed without any form of conviction. In these cases, instead of expunging the conviction, the arrest record can be sealed.
Expungement under § 1203.4 carries meaningful practical benefits: Of note, you won't have to note any convictions on private job applications. That said, there are still some restrictions in the expungement process — it doesn't allow gun ownership, doesn't prevent the conviction from impacting future cases, and does not affect most professional licensing decisions. Senate Bill 731 (effective July 1, 2023) provides additional expungement assistance for individuals in Arcadia, CA who don't break any other laws after finishing their sentence, if enough time has passed.
Critical Note: Expungement under § 1203.4 does not seal the record from law enforcement, licensing boards, or subsequent criminal proceedings. If your goal is the total removal of the record, restoration of firearm rights, or clearing a prior strike, you'll have to look into other ways to have your record sealed. Consulting with an experienced attorney before pursuing any post-conviction relief is strongly advisable.
Relief Options:
- PC § 1203.4: Charges dismissed after successful probation completion
- PC § 1203.4a: Relief for misdemeanors without probation (available 1 year after the conviction)
- PC § 851.91: Seal records of arrests which did not end in a conviction
- SB 731 (2023): Automatic relief for qualifying non-violent felony convictions
- Limitations: Does not restore firearm rights or remove record from law enforcement databases
Frequently Asked Questions About Theft Charges in Arcadia, CA
Is there a difference between petty theft and grand theft in Arcadia, California?
The primary distinction is the value of the property allegedly taken. Petty theft misdemeanors are typical for anything $950 and below. Anything over $950, guns, or vehicles all result in grand theft charges, which can either be a misdemeanor or a felony. Both require an attorney, but grand theft charges demand urgent and aggressive representation.
Is it possible to expunge a theft conviction in California?
Frequently, yes. California law lets you expunge several types of theft convictions (including felonies) from your record after completing probation. This will protect your record, prevent most of the public from being able to access it, and help you get a clean start. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared to help you expunge your record, whatever the circumstances of your conviction.
What happens if I'm charged with shoplifting for the first time in Arcadia, CA?
You will usually face misdemeanor charges for a first offense, as long as the amount alleged stolen is less than $950. Additionally, we can often secure alternative sentencing options which will keep you out of jail. Our theft crimes attorneys can make a major difference and help you with avoiding a conviction and protecting your record.
I didn't know the property was stolen. Can I still be convicted?
In many cases, being unaware of stolen property's origins can make for a strong defense. If you honestly weren't aware and had no reasonable basis to suspect it, that can form the basis of your defense. We often use this as a way to protect our clients from accusations. That said, circumstances like strangely good deal or no documentation of ownership can lessen the strength of your defense, which is why an attorney is essential.
How serious is a grand theft auto charge in Arcadia, CA?
Extremely. You're probably looking at felony charges, with higher prison time, fines, and long-lasting record impacts. If you have any prior convictions, you are at risk of harsher penalties. Call us as soon as possible if you're facing this charge.
What is a "wobbler" offense in California?
A wobbler is an offense that can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances and the prosecutor's discretion. Many theft-related offenses — such as grand theft, commercial burglary, receiving stolen property, and forgery — are wobblers. One of the most important things a theft crimes attorney can do is push for misdemeanor treatment of wobbler charges, which dramatically reduces potential consequences.
Will I go to jail for a theft charge?
You can avoid jail in many cases, actually. Arcadia, CA courts have sentencing alternatives that will give you an alternative to incarceration, particularly for misdemeanors and first-time offenders. Even felony charges often have options short of state prison. The specifics of your circumstances will play into this, and your attorney will fight for reduced (if not eliminated) jail time. Contact us to review what options are available to you.
Can I be charged with burglary if I didn't steal anything?
Unfortunately, yes. California defines burglary as entering a structure with the intent to commit theft or a felony inside. Whether or not you committed theft is irrelevant — the prosecution's goal is to show that you trespassed and had that event. This is why intent evidence — and how it's presented — is central to burglary defense.
Fighting Theft Allegations in Arcadia, CA? Call Our Firm to Protect Your Rights.
There is no such thing as a minor theft accusation. Our lawyers are prepared to defend you — no matter when you need us. Contact us now for a free, confidential case review.
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