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Theft Lawyer Beaumont, CA. Nobody wants to be in a situation where they're facing criminal charges. Theft charges in particular can be complex because of the wide variety of them. On your own, it can feel impossible to win.

Even when all hope seems lost, don't give up yet. You have a team who will defend your freedom: The Law Offices of David S. Chesley. Our team of legal experts has extensive experience defending clients against all manner of theft crime charges. With a Beaumont, CA, theft crimes lawyer from our team building your defense, every legal avenue will be explored to protect your rights.

Discuss your case with a lawyer right away at (800) 755-5174 or use our contact form for a free, confidential consultation. Waiting too long to reach out can cost you everything.

The Importance of a Theft Lawyer in Beaumont, CA

You should never take theft allegations lightly, no matter what the specifics are. On your own, you're stuck trying to decipher a complicated legal system and increase your risk of the following penalties:

1. Prison Sentence: Beaumont, CA, theft convictions can send you to prison, for years in some cases.
2. Financial Penalties: You can lose hundreds or thousands of dollars in addition to paying recompense to the alleged victim.
3. Loss of Employmnet: Background checks can derail job applications, and you can lose access to professional licenses.
4. Reputational Damage: You can face unfair and unjust labels that get in the way of your moving on with your life.
5. And more.

A Beaumont, CA, theft crimes lawyer can protect your rights and fight against these outcomes. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley . Look at what makes us the right attorneys for the job:

What Sets the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Apart

Not every criminal defense firm is created equal. Here's what you get when you call us — and how it will impact your case:

• Former District Attorneys & Judges — We know exactly how the state builds a theft case because some of our attorneys have done it themselves. We know what weaknesses to exploit.
• Longstanding Court Relationships — With more than five decades of total legal experience, the state knows how hard we will fight for our clients and we know how to make use of our relationships to earn better deals for our clients.
• Prepared to Fight Your Case at Trial — Misdemeanor or felony, we build your defense to be trial-ready. This not only ensures that we're prepared, but also helps us secure more favorable plea deals or get your case dismissed.
• Record Expungement Services — Even after the fact, we're still here to help. 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.
• Available 24/7 — We know that arrests don't happen on a schedule. You can reach a theft crimes attorney any time of day or night — because waiting until Monday morning can cost you critical opportunities.
• Totally Private — 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 Beaumont, CA

Click any charge below to jump directly to a full breakdown of the law, consequences, and how we defend it.

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

Beaumont, CA, Theft Allegations We Defend Against

At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we're experienced in defending against charges of theft. If you're looking for a theft crimes lawyer in Beaumont, CA, act fast: contact us right away for a free consult to go over your charges.

We cover all of the following types of charges and more:

Petty Theft Charges vs Grand Theft Charges

While there are many different theft case types in Beaumont, CA, odds are high you're facing one of these two: Petty theft and grand theft. Both consist of taking another person's property when you weren't allowed to. The distinguishing factor is the amount that was supposedly taken: For anything $950 or less, the charges will typically be petty theft, while higher values will generally be grand theft.

Defending petty theft charges is typically more straightforward, as they are often (but not always) charged as misdemeanors. On the other hand, defending grand theft charges is usually more challenging because it is more frequently charged as a felony. Regardless of what you're up against, the right theft crimes lawyer will improve your chances of reaching a positive outcome.

Below, we've written a table to summarize the differences between petty theft and grand theft:

Shoplifting — Proposition 47 / Penal Code § 459.5

Shoplifting used to be a type of commercial burglary, rather than its own offense. This changed after California passed Proposition 47 in 2014. A person commits shoplifting when they go into an open store in order to steal $950 or less worth of goods.

In the past, because shoplifting fell under burglary, it was more likely to be charged as a felony. Today, the majority of shoplifting cases are misdemeanors. That said, felony charges can still be applied in certain situations, like an organized shoplifting ring. Whether you're up against a felony or misdemeanor charge, a local Beaumont, CA theft crimes lawyer can help you maximize your chances of a positive outcome.

Organized retail theft (multiple defendants or repeat offenses coordinated to steal from retailers) is an elevated form of shoplifting that has been a recent focus in California, and is often charged as a felony.

Shoplifting Possible Penalties:

• Jail Sentence: 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: No intention to steal, wrong identity, entrapment by loss prevention, Fourth Amendment violations during detention, and diversion programs for first-time offenders.

Petty Theft with a Prior — California Penal Code § 666

Don't underestimate a petty theft charge — it can become a felony under Penal Code § 666 if charged as a petty theft with a prior. Beaumont, CA prosecutors can use this law against you to turn even a small-time theft allegation into a wobbler — meaning that you could be facing years in prison.

If you're facing petty theft with a prior allegations, the prosecution must establish: (1) the suspect is guilty of petty theft; and (2) the suspect has previously been found guilty for certain crimes, mostly theft related — particularly where the defendant served time in jail or prison for that prior. Proposition 47 (2014) significantly narrowed the statute's reach, but did not eliminate it. Defendants with certain prior serious or violent felonies, prior sex offense registration requirements, or prior burglary convictions under PC § 459 remain fully exposed to felony enhancement even for minor shoplifting incidents.

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 Defend in Beaumont, CA

Whatever Beaumont, CA, vehicle theft charge you're facing, we can help you fight it. One of the ones people commonly think of is grand theft auto, but that's actually not its own charge. Grand theft auto is a smaller part of California's 'grand theft' law, which makes the theft of a vehicle always 'grand theft,' even if it was under $950 in value.

If the prosecution is stating that someone took the vehicle and was planning to keep it for themselves, not return it, they're likely going to face grand theft auto charges. If the defendant did intend to return it, they're more likely to face charges of joyriding. While each of these vehicle crimes are 'wobbler' offenses, in Beaumont, CA, grand theft auto is normally charged as a felony, while joyriding is normally a misdemeanor.

You can even face criminal charges without having committed an act of theft; How so? Through "possession of a stolen vehicle". In the same vein as receiving stolen property, you don't have to have actually stolen anything to be convicted of this crime. Just owning or keeping the vehicle can get you arrested for possession of a stolen vehicle.

At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you'll partner 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. Contact us today to start protecting your freedom.

Grand Theft Auto — California Penal Code § 487(d)(1)

Despite what popular culture would have you believe, there isn't a specific "grand theft auto" law in California — all automobile thefts fall under the umbrella of "grand theft" in the state. 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 Beaumont, 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.

Possible Penalties:

• Charge Type: Wobbler (usually felony in Beaumont, 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. Unlike grand theft auto, this statute does not require intent to permanently deprive the owner. Simply taking or driving someone's vehicle without permission is enough.

This charge is popular in Beaumont, 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. Even though it's not normally as bad as grand theft auto, it can still be charged as a felony. To protect your freedom, you need an experienced Beaumont, CA, vehicle theft crimes lawyer to build you a solid defense.

It's typical for joyriding to be treated as a misdemeanor in Beaumont, CA. That said, you could face felony charges if you have a criminal record, or the prosecutor thought the action was particularly bad.

Carjacking — California Penal Code § 215

If you had to pick the worst vehicle theft crime to be charged with, carjacking would be a leading contender. It is defined as taking a motor vehicle from another person through force or fear — essentially a robbery of a car. Because of the violent element, carjacking is always a felony and is not eligible for probation in many circumstances.

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.

Possible 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

In Beaumont, CA, the prosecution can charge you with a related crime even if you didn't steal the vehicle. If you are in possession of a automobile when you knew or should have know it was stolen, you can be charged under PC § 496d — even if you had no role in the original theft.

This charge frequently catches people who buy vehicles through informal channels, accept a vehicle as a gift, or borrow a car without fully investigating its ownership history. The state must prove you had knowledge the vehicle was stolen — your vehicle theft crimes lawyer can argue that you didn't.

Potential 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 Beaumont, CA

White collar crimes in Beaumont, CA, can look very different from each other, but all of them have one thing in common: abuse of an organization for personal gain.

Most white collar crimes center around taking or hiding money in some way. Embezzlement is a good example of this: For this alleged crime, someone would legally be in charge of a person's or organization's money, but would take from it for personal use. Money laundering an attempt to hide illegal money as legal income. For example, if someone made money from a drug deal, then pretended to have another person pay them for a job, that would be money laundering. Meanwhile, bribery occurs when someone gives another person a gift in order to receive a favor, in a way that violates laws or regulations.

Not all white-collar crimes involve financial exchanges, though (at least at face value). Forgery occurs when one person makes a fake document to later use for fraud, and identity theft involves stealing another person's personal information. In both forgery and identity theft cases, you don't need to have stolen someone else's money to be found guilty.

Embezzlement, Identity Theft, Bribery & More

Despite there being no physical harm involved, white collar charges are treated harshly by the law — years in prison, massive fines, major career setbacks, and long-lasting 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 — Synopsis

Individual "white collar crimes" can look very different from each other. What unites these offenses is the element of deception, breach of trust, or abuse of a position for personal gain. It's common for white collar crime cases in Beaumont, CA, to require specialized experts on both the prosecution and defensive sides.

In contrast to other crime categories (like DUIs, where police may cite you immediately at a checkpoint), state investigators can spend a long time building a case before you are formally accused. Call us now if you have any reason to believe the police are looking into you. In some cases, we can intervene early and prevent charges from even being filed.

Embezzlement — California Penal Code § 503

Embezzlement occurs when someone who has been entrusted with property fraudulently converts that property for their own use. The main feature is the pre-existing lawful access — embezzlers have legitimate control over the money or property they steal.

Hypothetical examples: 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.

Possible Penalties:

• Under $950: Misdemeanor — up to 6 months jail
• Over $950: Felony — up to 3 years prison
• Large Amounts: Enhanced sentences up to 10+ years
• Additional: Financial recompensation, 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 ordinarilly consists of three steps: placement (bringing the illegally-obtained money into the economy), layering (disguising the trail through complex transactions), and integration (investing the funds into something legal, or using another method to extract them into seemingly-legitimate assets).

California's money laundering statute specifically targets transactions higher than $5,000 conducted with knowledge that the money was obtained through criminal activity. You could also face federal money laundering charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1956, carrying sentences up to 20 years.

Potential Penalties (State):

• Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
• Fines: Up to $250,000 or twice the amount laundered
• 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 order to affect the actions of a public official, juror, witness, or business partner. California law targets multiple forms of bribery — that of elected officials, judges, legislators, business executives, witnesses, and even private commercial bribery. Whatever form of bribery you've been accused of, a Beaumont, CA, theft crimes lawyer is important to protect you from the prosecution.

What if they didn't accept the bribe? Whether you offered or accepted a bribe, you could face charges in Beaumont, CA. Even an attempt to bribe can result in criminal charges, regardless of whether the other party accepts.

Potential Penalties:

• Charge Type: Felony
• Prison: 2, 3, or 4 years state prison
• Public Officials: Permanent disqualification from office
• Federal: Up to 15 years (if federal officials involved)

Forgery — California Penal Code § 470

Beaumont, CA, forgery charges don't directly involve theft, but instead the creation or modification of a document in order to aid with a future fraud attempt. California Penal Code § 470 is broad and covers checks, receipts, contracts, deeds, power of attorney documents, court orders, notary public symbols, lottery tickets, and many other types of written instruments.

What if I didn't use the forged document? The forgery charges are independent of any related fraud charges, so anyone can be charged even if they didn't use the forged item. Just the plan to commit fraud, in addition to the creation or use of the forged document, 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

You can face identity theft allegations in Beaumont, CA if you use someone else's personal information without permission to perform a restricted activity, including obtaining credit, goods, services, or medical information.

Crucially: No financial loss to the victim has to occur for a conviction. Simply obtaining and using another individual's information without authorization is enough to warrant a crime under California law. This makes it critical to work with an expert theft crimes lawyer regardless of the specifics of your case.

Identity theft accusations are aggressively prosecuted in Beaumont, CA, and frequently result in federal charges when conducted online, across state lines, or at scale.

Potential 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 Beaumont, CA

Fraud is a frequent white collar crime charge in Beaumont, CA, and can be divided into smaller categories of its own. Broadly speaking, a person who commits theft by acting dishonestly so that another person gives away their money voluntarily can be convicted of fraud. Theft by false pretenses is the most ordinary version of fraud.

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, a person who intentionally burns down their house then tells the insurance company that it was an accident is guilty of 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 variation is credit card fraud. This type of fraud involves dishonesty about the credit card and/or how it was acquired. If the card is counterfeit or expired, but you allegedly try to use it anyways, you can face these charges.

An expert theft crimes lawyer in Beaumont, CA, can help you navigate the differences between all of these fraud charges, and try to find a deal that gives you the best outcome possible.

Different Kinds of Fraud, False Pretenses & Financial Deception

You could face accusations of fraud in Beaumont, CA, for a wide variety of actions — from simple misrepresentations to elaborate financial schemes. Because the evidence can be very complex and there can be a large amount of it, you need an expert theft crimes lawyer who can effectively navigate all of the intricacies.

Theft by False Pretenses / Fraud — California Penal Code § 532

Theft by false pretenses is one of the most common fraud charges in Beaumont. These allegations are used when a person lies to someone else, leading to the second person willingly giving away goods or services. As opposed to forceful or unknowing theft, theft by false prestenses involves the alleged victim deliberately parting with their goods because of the deception.

Common examples: Selling a product that doesn't exist; pretending to be a tech support assistant; pitching investments based on false information; lying about the condition of goods sold.

Because the amount defrauded can vary, so does the penalty. It 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

You can face insurance fraud charges for making untruthful statements in reports to your insurance agency, so that they will provide you with a benefit you are not supposed to receive. The Beaumont, CA, prosecution takes insurance fraud extremely seriously, and the state has a dedicated Insurance Fraud Division that actively investigates these cases. An experienced theft crimes lawyer will fight the allegations and negotiation with the prosecutor to help you find the best outcome possible

Common examples include: Claiming existing auto damage is newly occuring; filing false theft reports; exaggerating property damage; arson for insurance proceeds; fabricating injuries; double billing for a health service.

Potential Penalties:

• Felony Prison Sentence: 2, 3, or 5 years
• Fines: Up to $150,000 or double the fraud amount
• Restitution: Full repayment to insurer
• Additional: Career and job restrictions/penalties

Credit Card Fraud — California Penal Code § 484e–484j

You can face credit card fraud charges in Beaumont, CA, for a variety of actions done with a credit or debit card. Charges can occur if someone is caught using another person's card without permission, using a fake card or one acquired by theft, using an account number without physical possession of the card, or illegally acquiring or selling card account information.

Regarding federal charges: It's common in California credit card fraud cases for there to also be federal charges, especially when cards are used across state lines or 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

Welfare fraud involves making false statements or omissions to receive government assistance benefits — including CalWORKs, Medi-Cal, CalFresh (food stamps), General Relief, or other public aid programs — that you are not eligible for, or to receive more than you are entitled to.

Common examples: Failing to report income; misrepresenting household composition; using another person's EBT card; falsely claiming a dependent child; continuing to collect benefits after a qualifying event ends your eligibility.

Penalties for welfare fraud, if convicted, can result in fines, prison time, and required repayment of the value taken. Your leading Beaumont, CA, theft crimes lawyer can dissect the prosecution's case and greatly improve your case's outlook.

Potential Penalties:

• Under $950 (typically): Misdemeanor — up to 6 months jail
• Over $950: Felony — up to 3 years prison
• Repayment: Full restitution to the government

Additional: Lose your right to receive benefits in the future

Hospice Fraud — 18 U.S.C. § 1347 / California Penal Code § 550

Hospice fraud accusations in Beaumont, 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 qualify forMedicare hospice benefits, the recipient must have a projected lifespan of six months or less if their current health conditions progress in a typically expected manner — many hospice fraud cases are the result of these predictions being inaccurate.

While highly unfortunate, hospice fraud allegations can arise from misunderstandings on the part of the patient's family. Grieving family members can erroneously blame health care professionals who were dedicated to helping their patients. And as if it weren't bad enough going up against the Beaumont, CA, government, you're likely to face federal charges and accusations from federal investigators.

Critical Note: If you've been accused of hospice fraud in criminal court, you can expect a civil suit to follow. If someone reaches out to the authorities, they may share their findings in order to allow for a civil suit. Providers are often unaware that an investigation is underway until a search warrant is executed.

Possible 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)
• Additional: 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. Because Medicare is a federal program, these charges are almost exclusively prosecuted at the federal level — typically by the U.S. Attorney's Office with support from the FBI, HHS Office of Inspector General, and the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which maintains an active presence in Beaumont, CA.

Medicare fraud convictions are particularly bad because they can prevent you from ever receiving Medicare or Medi-Cal benefits in the future. This is on top of other consequences, like the loss of professional licensing. Because Medicare billing data is centrally maintained, federal agents can identify statistical anomalies and billing patterns across thousands of claims — meaning investigations often begin long before a provider is aware they are being scrutinized.

Warning: It's possible to be accused of Medicare fraud even when all forms of medical care were honest and legitimate. This can occur if a provider offers money to someone in exchange for accessing Medicare-sponsored services through that provider. Providers and referrers are both at risk of prosecution under these circumstances.

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: Mandatory exclusion from all federal health care programs

Health Care Fraud — 18 U.S.C. § 1347 / California Penal Code § 550

Health care fraud, under United States federal law, is when an individual lies to either their insurance agency or the government to receive some kind of benefit related to health care. Critically, the statute applies to all health benefit programs, not just Medicare and Medicaid — including private commercial insurers.

You can face federal charges in some cases, but it's more common for these to be state charges. California law specifically targets situations where a person lies or embellishes insurance claims, such as filing multiple claims in situations where only one would apply. Without an expert Beaumont, CA theft lawyer, you could be stuck trying to sift through mountains of medical billing records and other specialized evidence on your own. Physicians, billing organizations, office workers, and clerks have all been accused of this violation at various points in time.

Possible 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 Beaumont, 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.

Critical Note: There are special restrictions placed on doctors to prevent home health fraud. For example, the United States' Stark Law makes it illegal for a doctor to send a patient to a home health services provider that the physician financially benefits from. Outside of the criminal case, you can face fines, need to pay restitution, and be excluded from Medicare — to make matters worse, you can be convicted of violating this law even if you unintentionally broke it.

Potential 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 Defend in Beaumont, CA

There is often a crossover between theft and violent crime charges in Beaumont, CA. This can be the case when you're accused of robbery. A person commits robbery when they take something directly from another person by force. This is in contrast to burglary, where the alleged victim is not present during the act. Carjacking can be compared to grand theft auto in the same way.

That said, sometimes what started out as a burglary can end up with violent crime charges. Home invasion charges can take place when a person allegedly breaks into a location to commit a burglary, but finds people inside and threatens them with violence.

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

Many theft crimes we outlined above do not involve violence. For charges that do, though, it's common to see much harsher sentencing. Beyond the felony charges themselves, you could also be up against a strike on your record. Immediate Beaumont, CA, legal counsel is non-negotiable.

Robbery — California Penal Code § 211

Robbery is a violent form of theft that involves either threatening or assaulting someone in order to take their belongings. All robbery charges in California are felonies.

The state of California divides robbery charges into two degrees:

• First-Degree Robbery: This is charged when the alleged offense took place:
  1. In someone's house, vehicle, or other building,
  2. In a taxi, or
  3. While the alleged victim was using an ATM
• Second-Degree Robbery: This is charged in any other circumstances

The penalties are usually worse for first-degree robbery.

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

A person can be convicted of extortion if they coerce someone using threats, rather than force. The goal of extortion is normally to acquire some sort of benefit, either financial or through an action of the victim. While extortion does always involve a threat of some kind, it doesn't need to be personal violence, like with robbery. In many cases, it is instead property damage, or to publicly humiliate someone.

Common examples: Threatening to report someone to immigration authorities unless paid; threatening to post compromising photos of someone online if they leave; threatening to harm someone's reputation unless granted a professional favor.

Potential Penalties:

• Charge Type: Felony
• Prison: 2, 3, or 4 years
• Fines: Up to $10,000

Burglary Charges We Defend in Beaumont, CA

Burglary charges in Beaumont, CA, are distinct from theft, but often go hand-in-hand. In California, you can be charged with this crime if you break into a site to either commit theft or break a different law. In most cases, this is a building, like a storefront (in which case it would be commercial burglary), but not always. For example, if you supposedly 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, defenses to burglary charges can hinge on whether or not you had permission to be in the structure, and what your intentions were while you were there.

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 that all changed with the passage of Proposition 47 in 2014, which made shoplifting a separate crime, applicable when the alleged offender was attempting theft from a store while it is open for operations. These changes had an immediate impact, even for people who had already been convicted. Today, shoplifting is no longer a subset of burglary offenses in Beaumont, CA, and faces more lenient penalties if convicted.

Vandalism also shares many qualities with burglary. You can be charged with vandalism in California if you purposely damage another person's property, such as by kicking in a door to burglarize someone's home. It's common to face burglary and vandalism charges together in Beaumont, CA, making it all the more important to get an experienced theft crimes lawyer to fight for your freedom.

Finally, even if you don't commit a theft, you can face related charges in Beaumont, CA. What can lead to this? 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

California burglary law is broader than most people realize — 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

First-degree burglary involves entering an inhabited dwelling — someone's home, apartment, or any place where people live — for the purpose of committing a theft or any felony inside. This means that you can be found guilty even without actually committing theft. Your motivation for entering the location 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 Beaumont, CA courts treat it extremely harshly because it involves violation of someone's home. Without the right theft crimes defense lawyer, you're fighting an uphill battle

Possible Penalties:

• Prison Term: 2, 4, or 6 years in state prison
• Three Strikes: Yes — serious felony strike
• Probation: Generally not eligible for first-degree
• Fines: Up to $10,000

Commercial Burglary (Second Degree) — California Penal Code § 459

Although less serious than first-degree burglary, second-degree burglary (AKA commercial burglary) charges are still not to be taken lightly. Unlike residential burglary, commercial burglary is a wobbler and can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony.

Since Proposition 47, entering a store during business hours to steal $950 or less is shoplifting (PC 459.5), not commercial burglary. But entering after hours, or with intent to steal more than $950, is still prosecuted as commercial burglary.

Potential 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. A typical example of this would be an alleged offender breaking into a car to steal a backpack or wallet within. Unlike residential burglary, vehicle burglary is a wobbler.

Important note: The vehicle must be locked for a burglary charge to apply. This is still against the law, but for it to be burglary, the vehicle must have been protected.

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. Beaumont, CA, prosecutors take these charges extremely seriously and often push for harsh punishments. If you're up against these charges, it's not good enough to settle for second-best — you need a leading theft crimes lawyer on your side.

While it's possible to be charged with home invasion on its own, it's rare — more often, they'll be accompanied with additional theft and/or violence charges. If you are up against home invasion charges, you need a law firm with a track record of success, and you need them right away.

Potential 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 no criminal theft charges are truly 'simple,' they are made far more complex when they are compounded with related or adjacent charges. Understanding how they interact is critical to building an effective defense.

Receiving Stolen Property — California Penal Code § 496

This charge applies to some people who are indirectly involved in a theft. 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.

Receiving stolen property charges can fall apart if you can prove you weren't aware that the item was stolen. This knowledge element is often where we can mount an effective defense. Buying items at a great deal, without receipts, or from unknown sellers, does not automatically mean you had knowledge of theft.

Possible Penalties:

• Charge Type: Wobbler
• Felony Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
• Misdemeanor Jail: Up to 1 year

Vandalism — California Penal Code § 594

Vandalism charges are about more than just graffiti; if Beaumont, CA, you can be accused of vandalism for damaging someone else's property. This relates to theft if you allegedly caused property damage in the process of stealing something (for example, kicking in the door).

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
• Other Common Penalties: Graffiti cleanup, community service

Trespassing — California Penal Code § 602

Trespassing is another property crime, though it doesn't involve stealing (directly). Trespassing is when one person goes onto someone else's property when they aren't supposed to be, and/or refuses to exit. In many cases, because thefts often involve entering a location where one is not supposed to be, trespassing is charged alongside other offenses.

Standing alone, trespassing is usually charged as a misdemeanor or infraction. However, Beaumont, CA, prosecutors can also use it as a part of a case for more serious charges. Defenses often hinge on whether permission was given or reasonably believed to exist.

Perjury — California Penal Code § 118

Intentionally providing false information to the authorities can result in a perjury charge. While this is not a theft crime per se, it's frequently charged in conjunction with them. This is because it's common for alleged offenders to be dishonest about information that could make them look guilty, not realizing that misleading the police can actually make things worse in the end.

Do not make this mistake: Anything you say during an investigation or prosecution can be used to support a perjury charge if it's later shown to be false. This is why we always advise clients to say nothing without a theft crimes attorney present.

Possible Penalties:

• Charge Type: Felony
• Prison: 2, 3, or 4 years state prison

Specialized & Enhanced Charges

Elder Theft, Firearm Theft, Looting & Attempted Crimes

Sometimes, two very similar theft offenses can receive very different charges. This can hinge on details such as what was allegedly stolen and/or who the alleged victim was.

Grand Theft of a Firearm — California Penal Code § 487(d)(2)

Stealing a gun is extra serious in California — while the usual threshold for stealing something to be considered 'grand theft' is $950, there is no minimum value if the item stolen was a gun. Because of this stealing even a nearly worthless firearm will end up with a felony charge. Grand theft of a firearm is considered a serious felony and can count as a strike under California's Three Strikes law.

As if fighting the charges in your local Beaumont, CA court weren't bad enough, you could also find yourself up against federal charges. When you're fighting in two courts, it becomes substantially more complicated to avoid a guilty plea. And it's even more important to work with an attorney who is able to protect you from even the toughest opponents.

Potential 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

If the alleged victim was 65 or older, you might be up against elevated penalties. Financial elder abuse (also known as theft from an elder) is similar to embezzlement, in that it's possible the alleged offender had legitimate access to the property. If someone either misused the property or manipulated an elderly person to give it to them, that would violate this law.

This offense is aggressively prosecuted in Beaumont, CA, and enhanced sentencing applies. Prison sentences can be increased even further if the alleged victim was 70 years or older. In addition to the legal penalties, you could also face a civil suit, and Adult Protective Services involvement only makes things more complex.

Examples: Caregiver overcharging for services; family member doesn't provide an agreed upon level of care; fake contractor promises work but never completes it; fraudulent investment schemes targeting retirees.

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.

These charges are often looked upon very negatively in Beaumont, CA. The state will often pursue looting charges beyond what it would have for ordinary burglary or theft offenses. Looting is considered a way of taking advantage of Beaumont while it's at its most vulnerable, and judges are never pleased by this. Looting of a business that is closed due to a civil disturbance, or taking property from an evacuated residence, commonly triggers these charges.

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

Even if the supposed burglary or robbery failed, attempted theft charges will still apply. Attempted theft, burglary, or robbery in California needs to include: (1) the specific intent to commit the crime, and (2) some form of action that furthers the criminal ends — even if the attempt failed or was interrupted.

Most of the time, the punishment for an attempt is half of what it would have been, if it were completed. 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. We frequently challenge attempted charges by contesting the intent element or the nature of the "direct act" alleged.

Regardless of what charge you're facing, when you reach out to the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you can speak with an expert theft crimes lawyer in Beaumont, CA, who has the training and experience needed to find a path forward. Together, we will defend your rights and your freedom.

What to Do if You're Accused of Theft

Being charged with theft can be intimidating. The Beaumont, CA, government is after you, not everyone will believe your side of the story, and the collateral consequences could be devastating. When you're alone, the odds can seem insurmountable.

But you have another option. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is here to help. A Beaumont, CA, theft crimes lawyer from our team will guide you on how to navigate your case. If you're up against theft crime accusations, here are our recommendations:

1. Do Not Resist Arrest

Nobody wants to be arrested. However, 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

There's a chance you'll be interviewed or interrogated – don't talk. Simply say "I decline to answer any questions and am invoking my right to an attorney." Anything you say can be used as evidence against you, and you say something untruthful, you can be accused of perjury.

3. Contact a Beaumont, CA, Theft Crimes Defense Attorney Right Away

In California, after you are processed for arrest, you get 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

Before you can leave the jail, you'll probably have to go through a bail hearing. Our firm's 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 skilled theft crimes lawyer in Beaumont, CA, will hear your side of the story, negotiate for deals with the state, and fight for charges to be dismissed wherever possible.

Theft Lawyer Defensive Strategies

Your case is unique — and your defense strategy must be adapted to the specific facts, proof, and allegations. If you're up against theft allegations in Beaumont, CA, here are some of the main defensive strategies your theft crimes lawyer should consider. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we have experience with all of them.

Lack of Intent / Claim of Right Defense in Theft Cases

Lack of intent is a common criminal defense strategy, and is particularly applicable in theft cases. Your mindset is key to this defense. Unintentionally taking another person's goods does not qualify as theft, generally. In many cases, especially if the physical evidence indicates the defendant took the item, everything will center around intent.

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 a defendant sincerely believed the property was theirs, owed to them as payment, or that they had permission to take it, this can negate the required criminal intent. The belief does not have to be correct; it only has to be genuine. More related defenses include: mistake of fact (the accused took something that they thought was theirs); voluntary intoxication (which may negate specific intent in limited circumstances); and absence of permanence (joyriding is a good example of this: it comes into play when a person took property away from its owner, but planned to return it).

Key principle: You don't have to prove your intentions, but you may have to defend them against the prosecution. It's on the state to show that you did have the intent to commit theft at the time of the alleged crime. Challenging the intent element is not simply a fallback strategy. This is a key part of nearly all theft defenses, especially in cases involving property disputes, family conflicts, and many civil debt situations.

Defense Application:

• Grand Theft: Charges may not apply if there was no intention to keep the allegedly stolen item
• Embezzlement: Challenges the fraudulent conversion element
• Fraud / False Pretenses: Attacks the knowing misrepresentation element
• 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, how the evidence was obtained is just as important as what it is. If the investigators disobeyed regulations, the evidence can be thrown out and the prosecution may need to drop charges.

Here are some of the reasons that evidence is thrown out in theft cases: searches conducted without either a warrant or just cause; searches conducted under a warrant obtained through false or misleading information in the supporting affidavit; arrests without probable cause leading to an invalid search incident to arrest; GPS tracking or digital surveillance conducted without appropriate legal authority; and searches that exceeded the limits of a valid 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.

If this applies to your case, it can be a major win for your defense. Even partial suppression — in cases where a subset of the evidence against the defendant is suppressed — can make a big difference. Suppression motions are fully litigated in Beaumont, 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: If illegally obtained evidence leads to future evidence that was legally obtained, it's possible that all of it can be thrown out

False Accusation / Misidentification

Innocent people are charged with theft crimes more often than the public realizes. False accusations can stem from personal disputes, witnesses mistaking the defendant for someone else, mistaken assumptions about ownership, errors in surveillance footage interpretation, or false accusations coming from a person who wants to cause you harm. You can't rely on your innocence to get you out of trouble — without a strong defensive strategy, you're gambling with your freedom.

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 — particularly across racial lines, in scenarios of poor visibility, or when the perpetrator was briefly seen. No matter how confident the eyewitness is, there is always room for error. California courts have increasingly recognized this science, and jury instructions now require courts to instruct juries on the inherent limitations of eyewitness identification evidence.

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 alleged victim; presenting expert testimony on the science of human memory and eyewitness reliability; and challenging inconsistencies between different witnesses' versions of events.

If you are falsely accused: Stay away from witnesses, do not attempt to gather evidence independently, and do not tell your side of the story to the police without your theft lawyer present. You might make a mistake, or the police might misinterpret something you say. Contact defense counsel immediately and say nothing.

Lack of Knowledge — For some charges, the state must prove you knew the property was obtained through theft. We will challenge whether or not you had this knowledge — it's common for people to make purchases without being aware of how the seller got the item.

Consent / Permission — Consent regarding your use of the property is a strong defense in Beaumont, CA, theft cases. 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 — From Miranda rights violations to due process claims, we examine your case for every constitutional protection that may have been violated — and use those violations to suppress evidence, challenge the prosecution's case, or secure a dismissal.

Sentencing Alternatives — Especially for offenders with no prior offenses, California offers sentencing alternatives that can result in charges being dismissed after completing community service, restitution, or counseling. If you are eligible, we will explore it as an option to protect your freedom.

Arguing the Value of Property — The difference between petty theft and grand theft — misdemeanor vs. felony — can hinge on the dollar value of what was allegedly stolen. We challenge inflated or unsupported property valuations, which can dramatically reduce the charges you face.

Theft Crime Expungement / Record Clearance — California Penal Code § 1203.4

A theft conviction does not have to define you for life. Under California Penal Code § 1203.4, as long as you've finished probation, you can ask for a guilty or no contest plea to be removed — a process commonly called an expungement. To be eligible, the defendant generally must have: successfully done all that was asked of you as a part of probation, including fines and restitution; not currently be charged with, on probation for, or serving a sentence for any other offense; and — in a newly added requirement — in many 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.

When you work with a theft lawyer to clear your record, you can look forward to the following perks: In particular, 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, does not prevent the conviction from being used in subsequent criminal proceedings, and doesn't restore health care or other professional licenses. Senate Bill 731 (effective July 1, 2023) created expanded automatic record relief for many non-violent and non-serious felony convictions in California, allowing eligible individuals to obtain relief without filing a petition after completing their sentence and remaining crime-free for a specified period.

Important: Even after typically California expungement proceedings under § 1203.4, your criminal record can still be seen by the police and certain other organizations. If your goal is the total removal of the record, restoration of firearm rights, or clearing a prior strike, a more comprehensive post-conviction strategy is required. Consulting with an experienced attorney before pursuing any post-conviction relief is strongly advisable.

Relief Options:

• PC § 1203.4: Dismissal after successful probation completion
• PC § 1203.4a: Relief for misdemeanors without probation (1 year post-conviction)
• PC § 851.91: Arrest record sealing where no conviction resulted
• SB 731 (2023): Automatic relief for qualifying non-violent felony convictions
• Limitations: Does not restore firearm rights or remove record from law enforcement databases

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Common Theft Crimes Questions in Beaumont, CA

What's the difference between petty theft and grand theft in Beaumont, California?


What you are charged with is primarily determined by how much whatever was supposedly taken was worth. Anything $950 and under should be a petty theft charge, which is often a misdemeanor. Grand theft is usually the result of thefts over $950, but can also be triggered in special circumstances (such as if the supposedly stolen item was a gun or a car). Grand theft can either be a misdemeanor or a felony. Both require an attorney, but grand theft charges demand urgent and aggressive representation.

Can a theft charge be expunged from my record 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. Our firm offers full expungement services.

What happens if I'm charged with shoplifting for the first time in Beaumont, CA?


While this is still serious, you don't need to panic just yet — you will probably only face misdemeanor charges. Additionally, we can often secure alternative sentencing options which will keep you out of jail. Our theft crimes attorneys can significantly improve your odds of avoiding a conviction and keeping your record clean.

I didn't know the property was stolen. Can I still be convicted?


If the charge you are facing is one of receiving stolen property, as a part of securing a conviction the prosecution needs to prove that you knew (or should have known) that the property was stolen. If you sincerely 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. Keep in mind, though, that circumstances like an unusually low price or no documentation of ownership can lessen the strength of your defense, making it imperative that you hire a skillful theft crimes lawyer.

How serious is a grand theft auto charge in Beaumont, CA?


Very serious. In Beaumont, CA, grand theft auto is almost always prosecuted as a felony, which means potential prison time (up to three years), fines up to $10,000, and a felony record that can affect employment, housing, and immigration status. If you have a criminal record, you could be up against increased sentences. Get in touch with one of our theft crimes lawyers right away 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. A large portion of 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?


Not necessarily. Beaumont, CA courts have sentencing alternatives that will give you an alternative to incarceration, particularly for misdemeanors and first-time offenders. While felony charges can be harder to avoid prison for, it is still possible in some cases. Your lawyer can make a major difference in this regard, and working with an experienced one is essential. Contact us to understand what options are available to you.

Can I be charged with burglary if I didn't steal anything?


Yes. In California, you can be convicted of burglary for trespassing for the purposes of committing theft or a felony. Whether you actually took anything is irrelevant — the prosecution's goal is to show that you trespassed and had that event. This is why intent evidence — and arguments surrounding it — is critical to burglary defense.

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Need a Theft Lawyer in Beaumont, CA? Call Our Firm to Defend Your Freedom.

Without a theft crimes lawyer, it's easy to make mistakes that put you at a disadvantage. Our firm is ready to defend you — whenver you need help. Call now for a no-obligation consult on your case.

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