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Theft Lawyer Bellflower, 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. It might look like all hope is lost.

Even when you're up against the toughest battle of your life, you have a path forward: The Law Offices of David S. Chesley. Our team of legal experts has what it takes to guard your freedom against the prosecution. With a Bellflower, CA, theft crimes lawyer from our team on your side, you're going to get honest advice on how to get the best outcome possible.

Talk to a theft crimes lawyer now at (800) 755-5174 or send us a message about your case for a free, confidential consultation. Waiting too long to reach out can cost you everything.

The Importance of a Theft Lawyer in Bellflower, CA

You should never take theft allegations lightly, regardless of whether or not you're innocent. Without a lawyer, you're stuck trying to navigate a convoluted legal code and increase your risk of the following penalties:

1. Jail Sentence: Jail time is a common consequence for theft in Bellflower, CA.
2. Fines: You can lose hundreds or thousands of dollars in addition to paying recompense to the alleged victim.
3. Career Setbacks: Background checks can derail job applications, and you can lose access to professional licenses.
4. Damaged Character: Regardless of the facts and circumstances surrounding your case, some people will only look at the conviction.
5. And more.

A Bellflower, 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:

What Sets the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Apart

Picking the right Bellflower, CA theft crimes defense lawyer can make all the difference for your case. Here's what set us apart — 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 use that inside knowledge to dismantle the prosecution's strategy.
• Extensive 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 — No matter what the charge is, we prepare as if for a trial. 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. Don't let an arrest or criminal record hold you back — speak with one of our Bellflower, CA, criminal defense attorneys to discuss expungement options.
• Terrific Reputation – We are renowned professionally and by clients.
• Available 24/7 — 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.
• Completely 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 Bellflower, CA

Use the links below to jump directly to a full explanation of the law, penalties, 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

Bellflower, CA, Theft Allegations We Defend Against

At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we're experienced in defending against charges of theft. Should you need a theft crimes lawyer in Bellflower, 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

In Bellflower, CA, many theft accusations fall under one of these two charges: Petty theft and grand theft. At a basic level, these are almost the same act: taking someone else's money or items when you weren't allowed to. The distinguishing factor is the amount that was supposedly taken: For values $950 and under, the classification will typically be petty theft, while any more will normally be grand theft.

Fighting petty theft allegations often lead to more positive outcomes, in part because they are often misdemeanors. On the other hand, defending grand theft charges normally is a greater challenge, because it is more likely to be a felony. Whichever type of charge you're facing, the right theft crimes lawyer will improve your chances of reaching a positive outcome.

Here's a breakdown of what distinguishes petty and grand theft:

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. Shoplifting is defined as entering a business during normal business hours with the intent to steal merchandise valued at $950 or less.

Before Prop 47, what we now call "shoplifting" was prosecuted as burglary — a felony. Today, the majority of shoplifting cases are misdemeanors. That said, repeat offenders, organized retail theft, or amounts over $950 can still result in felony charges. Whether you're up against a felony or misdemeanor charge, a local Bellflower, CA theft crimes lawyer can help protect you from the worst consequences.

Organized retail theft (multiple defendants or repeat offenses coordinated to steal from retailers) has been a target of recent California laws, and is prosecuted harshly in Bellflower, CA.

Shoplifting Possible Penalties:

• Misdemeanor Jail: Up to 6 months
• Fines: Up to $1,000
• Civil Demand: Retailers may send civil demand letters
• Other: Probation, banned from store

Potential defenses consist of: Theft was unintentional, innocence, 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. This is one of the most common mechanisms used in Bellflower, CA, to increase exposure for repeat offenders, even when the underlying theft involves a modest amount.

If you're facing petty theft with a prior allegations, the Bellflower, CA, district attorney 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 — especially if the sentence included incarceration. 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: Prior theft, burglary, robbery, or carjacking convictions

Vehicle Theft Charges We Fight in Bellflower, CA

We will fight against all sorts of vehicle theft crimes in Bellflower, CA. An example that many people ask about is grand theft auto, but that's actually 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 alleged offender wasn't going to keep it, they're probably going to be charged with joyriding. While each of these vehicle crimes are 'wobbler' offenses, joyriding charges are almost always better to face in Bellflower, CA, because they're likely to be charged as misdemeanors, versus grand theft auto felonies.

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. Simply owning or keeping the vehicle can result in these charges.

When you contact our law firm, you'll get a vehicle theft crimes lawyer who has the experience necessary to combat these charges and dissect the state's case. Reach out now to start building your defense.

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 — 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 charges often hinge on your intentions during the alleged theft — if you were going to bring it back, then it wasn't technically a theft, it was joyriding.

Possible Penalties:

• Charge Type: Wobbler (usually felony in Bellflower, 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 commonly charged with or in place of grand theft auto. 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.

Grand theft auto is a more serious offense, but is also harder for prosecutors to secure convictions for. Because of this, they often use § 10851 instead.

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 Bellflower, CA, vehicle theft crimes lawyer to build you a solid defense.

In most circumstances, Bellflower, CA, joyriding cases are handled as misdemeanors. However, 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

Carjacking is one of the most serious vehicle-related charges in California. It is defined as taking a motor vehicle from another person through force or fear — essentially a robbery of a car. Due to the violent nature of the crime, carjacking is always a felony and often has a mandatory prison sentence, as probation is not an option.

A carjacking conviction will also add a "strike" to your criminal record, which can increase future prison sentences.

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

In Bellflower, CA, the prosecution can charge you with a related crime even if you didn't steal the vehicle. If you have a automobile when you knew or should have know it was stolen, PC § 496d still applies, regardless of your involvement in its theft.

We see this charge often in cases where someone borrowed or bought a car without having access to its full history. The state must prove you had knowledge the vehicle was stolen — a skillful vehicle theft crimes lawyer may use a strategy that raises doubts as to your knowledge.

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 Fight in Bellflower, CA

White collar crimes in Bellflower, CA, can be any one of a variety of charges, but they all have a common trait: taking advantage of one's position within an organization to benefit oneself, illegally.

Several white collar crimes center around taking or hiding money in some way. Embezzlement is when one person steals money that they were in charge of, but was not their own. Money laundering is taking money that was otherwise gotten illegally and trying to disguise it as something that was earned legally. 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 are transactional in nature, though (at least not directly). Forgery occurs when one person makes a fake document to later use for fraud, 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, Money Laundering, Bribery & More

Despite there being no physical harm involved, white collar charges are treated harshly by the law — prison sentences, financial penalties, professional license revocation, and permanent stains on your reputation. These cases require attorneys with deep financial and legal sophistication.

White Collar Crimes — Synopsis

Individual "white collar crimes" can look very different from each other. For an alleged crime to qualify, it should feature the element of deception, breach of trust, or abuse of a professional for personal gain. Bellflower, CA, because of its proximity to major financial and entertainment centers, sees some of California's most complex white collar prosecutions.

White collar cases are often investigated for months or even years before charges are filed. If the police have reached out to you for questioning, don't talk to them alone. An attorney is essential as soon as you find out you're under investigation. Pre-charge representation can sometimes prevent an indictment entirely.

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.

Common contexts: An accountant siphoning company funds; a payroll professional creating fake employees and taking their salaries; a financial advisor moving client funds to personal accounts; an employee skimming from cash registers; a charity collector taking cash donations while leaving other types alone.

Potential 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: Repay alleged victims, employment restrictions

Money Laundering — California Penal Code § 186.10

Money laundering involves taking money gained from a different crime and disguising it as being honestly earned. It commonly is made up of three steps: placement (bringing the illegally-obtained money into the economy), layering (the dirty money is moved multiple times within the financial system to make it hard to follow), and integration (using the funds for legitimate purchases, to further disguise them).

California's money laundering law aims at financial actions higher 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 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 government officials, judges, lawmakers, business executives, witnesses, and even private commercial bribery. Regardless of what position you're in, a Bellflower, CA, theft crimes lawyer is important to give you insights into successful defense strategies.

Who can face bribery charges? Both the person offering the bribe and the person accepting it could face charges in Bellflower, CA. Attempted bribery charges are even possible, if one person tries to bribe another, and the second person refuses it.

Potential 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

You can be charged with forgery in Bellflower, CA, if you allegedly changed or made a fake document to trick someone into giving you money or other valuables. California Penal Code § 470 is broad and covers checks, receipts, stock certificates, deeds, wills, court orders, notary public symbols, identification documents, and many other types of written instruments.

What if I didn't steal anything with it? The forgery charges are independent of any related fraud charges, so anyone can be charged even if they didn't use the forged item. The intent to defraud, in addition to the creation or use of the false document, is enough to be convicted.

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 Bellflower, 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 — for any unlawful purpose, such as 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. Just obtaining and using another individual's information without permission is enough to trigger criminal charges under California law. Because of this, you need to hire an expert theft crimes lawyer whatever the specifics of your case.

Bellflower, CA, identity theft allegations are very serious, and increasingly involve federal charges when conducted online, across state lines, or at scale.

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 Bellflower, CA

Fraud is one of the most common white collar crimes in Bellflower, CA, and it has several subcategories. Broadly speaking, someone 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 one of the most common types of fraud. It involves lying on an insurance claim to increase their benefit. For example, a person who intentionally burns down their house then tells the insurance company that it was an accident commits insurance fraud.

A similar fraud charge is welfare fraud, where a person lies about their current circumstances to receive extra assistance from the government. An example of this would be pretending that one's income is lower than it actually is in order to receive food stamps.

Another common form is credit card fraud. This type of fraud involves dishonesty about the credit card and/or how it was acquired. If you allegedly took a credit card and used it without permission, you can face credit card fraud charges.

When you're on your own, trying to figure out what fraud charges you're facing can feel impossible. With a leading Bellflower, CA theft crimes lawyer, you have someone who can help you navigate through the complexity.

Different Kinds of Fraud, False Pretenses & Financial Deception

There are many types of fraud allegations in Bellflower, CA — in most cases, it's a small, individual action, but there have been massive systems of fraud as well. Your theft crimes lawyer will need to have experience not only with the state law, but also following financial trails.

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

Theft by false pretenses is one of the most common fraud charges in Bellflower. These allegations are used when one person intentionally deceives another through false statements or misrepresentations, causing them to voluntarily transfer money or property. Theft by false pretenses is distinct because the supposed victim intentionally parts with their valuables, as opposed to robbery, where they are taken by force.

Common examples: Selling a product that doesn't exist; misrepresenting credentials to get paid for work; pitching investments based on false information; collecting donations for a nonexistent charity.

Because the amount defrauded can vary, so does the penalty. It depends on the how much was stolen — if the total value was more than $950, you are likely looking at grand theft (and possible felony) charges.

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 Bellflower, CA. An expert theft crimes lawyer will defend your freedom and negotiation with the prosecutor to help you find the best outcome possible

Typical examples include: Claiming existing auto damage is newly occuring; filing false theft reports; exaggerating property damage; arson for insurance proceeds; workers' compensation fraud; health insurance billing fraud.

Possible Penalties:

• Felony Prison Sentence: 2, 3, or 5 years
• Fines: Up to $150,000 or twice what was defrauded
• Restitution: Give the amount defrauded back to the alleged victim
• Additional: License revocation for professionals

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

In Bellflower, CA, credit card fraud covers a wide range of conduct involving fraudulent use of credit or debit cards. This includes using someone else's card without approvel, using a fake card or one acquired by theft, charging to an account when you don't have the card, or illegally obtaining or selling card account information.

What to know about federal charges: Credit card fraud frequently triggers federal charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1029 in addition to state charges, especially when accounts are used across state lines or the internet is involved. You're more likely to face harsh penalties from the federal charges, increasing the importance of having a leading theft crimes lawyer who knows the ins and outs of both state and national law.

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

A person commits welfare fraud if they lie about or misrepresent themselves in order to get access to benefits from the government, such as food stamps or medical benefits.

Common examples: Failing to report income; using fake identities to collect extra benefits; 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.

Penalties for welfare fraud, if convicted, can result in fines, prison time, and required repayment of the value taken. A leading Bellflower, CA, theft crimes lawyer can push back against the prosecution's case and find you alternative paths forward.

Possible 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: Loss of future benefit eligibility

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

Hospice fraud occurs when a hospice provider bills Medicare, Medi-Cal, or private insurers for services that were not rendered, were medically unnecessary, or were provided to patients who did not actually qualify for hospice care. To legally receiveMedicare hospice benefits, a patient must be predicted to pass away within half a year if their current health conditions progress in a typically expected manner — it's common for the prosecution to allege that the patient's condition did not meet this criteria in these cases.

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. Bellflower, CA, and Southern California have been identified by federal investigators as high-risk regions for hospice fraud, and the Department of Justice and HHS Office of Inspector General have conducted coordinated multi-agency enforcement actions targeting hospice agencies operating in this area.

Warning: Hospice fraud investigations frequently involve parallel criminal and civil proceedings. 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. These investigations can go on for extended periods of time without your knowledge, until the state is ready to file charges.

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)
• Additional: Exclusion from Medicare/Medi-Cal programs; license revocation

Medicare Fraud — 18 U.S.C. § 1347 / 42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7b

Medicare fraud encompasses a broad range of conduct involving the submission of false or fraudulent claims to the Medicare program. And as if regular theft crime allegations weren't bad enough, Medicare fraud is often tried at the federal level. If you want to protect your freedom, you'll need an expert Bellflower, CA theft lawyer who has your back.

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. The federal prosecutor is supported by an equally strong federal team of investigators, who can conduct their job very quietly. If you find out that you're under investigation for Medicare fraud, it's urgent that you contact your Bellflower, CA theft lawyer immediately.

Important: The Anti-Kickback Statute (42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7b) makes it a federal crime to offer, pay, solicit, or receive anything of value to induce referrals of Medicare-covered services. Violations can arise even when the underlying medical service was legitimately provided. You can be accused of breaking this law whether you gave or received the money.

Potential 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: Ineligibility 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. These allegations apply in broader situations than Medicare, including when a non-governmental insurance agency is involved.

Under California Penal Code § 550, health insurance fraud is independently criminalized at the state level. California law specifically addresses situations where a person lies or embellishes insurance claims, such as filing multiple claims in situations where only one would apply. Without an expert Bellflower, CA theft lawyer, you could be stuck trying to sift through mountains of medical billing records and other specialized evidence on your own. Doctors, billing organizations, office managers, and clerks have all faced prosecution depending on their level of involvement.

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, like other health care fraud types, also consists of making false statements to an insurance or government health care entity. The difference is that it describes specific types of healthcare services — such as skilled nursing visits, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and home health aide services. In order to be eligible for Medicare benefits, the care recipient must be homebound and require skilled care. Because of the particulars of the definition, these cases can vary wildly from one another.

A patient could be accused of this if they had a less serious condition, but claimed it was more dire, in order to receive in-home assistance. Meanwhile, a provider could be charged if a health service team member performs unneeded medical services in order to drive up bills. Southern California has historically been one of the country's highest-risk regions for home health fraud, and federal task forces have conducted simultaneous multi-agency takedowns targeting dozens of home health agencies in Bellflower, CA. Commonly accused individuals include physical therapists, administrative workers, and physicians performing the diagnoses.

Important: 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. Violations result in civil monetary penalties and Medicare exclusion entirely separate from any criminal prosecution — even if you broke the law accidentally.

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 Bellflower, CA

Depending on the circumstances of your case, you could be facing both theft charges and violent crime charges in Bellflower, CA. One common example is robbery. A person commits robbery when they take something directly from another person by force. This is in contrast to burglary, the alleged theft occurred away from the alleged victim. 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 relies more on threats than actual violence to commit a 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 the threat should be to harm the alleged victim in some form or fashion. For example, if one person had a compromising photo of another and threatened to release it if not given money, that would be extortion.

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. Immediate Bellflower, CA, legal counsel is non-negotiable.

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. Robbery is always a felony and always a strike offense.

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 release private photos unless money is provided; threatening to deny someone a rightful certification unless special favors are given.

Potential Penalties:

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

Burglary Charges We Defend in Bellflower, CA

Burglary technically isn't always a theft crime, but it is closely related. California defines burglary as entering a location without permission in order to steal something or commit another crime. Ordinarily, this is a building, like a retail store (in which case it would be commercial burglary), but not always. For example, if you supposedly smashed a car window to take something from the glovebox, that would be considered burglary of a vehicle.

Regardless of the specifics of your burglary charges, there is always an element of trespassing involved. Due to this, these cases can often hinge on if you were allowed to be in the location or not.

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. However, after Proposition 47's passing in 2014, shoplifting was reclassified as its own offense. It took effect immediately and made several changes to reduce penalties for certain nonviolent property and drug crimes. Today, shoplifting is no longer a subset of burglary offenses in Bellflower, CA, and faces more lenient penalties if convicted.

Another related charge is vandalism. California defines vandalism and the intentional harming of someone else's property with permission, such as by breaking a window to burglarize someone's home. It's common to face burglary and vandalism charges together in Bellflower, CA, doubling the importance of working with an experienced theft crimes lawyer to protect your rights.

Finally, there is a theft charge you can be accused of in Bellflower, CA, even if you didn't steal something. What can lead to this? Receiving stolen property charges. If you allegedly buy or take something that you know is stolen, or help the person who stole it hide the property, you can face these charges.

Burglary, Home Invasion & Related Charges

People commonly think of burglary as entering someone's house to commit theft, but that's not how Bellflower, CA law works — 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 for the purpose of committing a theft or any felony inside. You do not have to actually steal anything. Your motivation for entering the location is what matters.

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

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

Second-degree burglary covers entering any non-residential structure with the intent to commit theft or a felony — stores, offices, warehouses, garages, and other commercial buildings. Unlike residential burglary, commercial burglary is a wobbler and can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony.

Commercial burglary is closely related to shoplifting, and used to be the same offense. However, the passage of Proposition 47 in 2014 distinguished the two, and it's possible your theft crimes lawyer will use this to advantage in your case.

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. 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.

Common misconception: Stealing from an unlocked vehicle does not qualify for a burglary charge. 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

If you're accused of breaking into a home and threatening or hurting the people inside, that would fall under home invasion charges. This is treated as one of the gravest offenses in the California penal code, and prosecutors pursue maximum penalties. 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 defense attorneys that can give you top-quality service, and you need them as soon as possible.

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 & Related 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. Your Bellflower, CA, theft crimes lawyer will need to balance all of the allegations and form a narrative to defeat them.

Receiving Stolen Property — California Penal Code § 496

While theft-related, receiving stolen property cases are their own challenge. 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 an unusually low price, without receipts, 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.

Vandalism can either be a misdemeanor or a felony in California: For damage under $400, it's a misdemeanor, while for anything over, it's a felony.

Possible 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

You can be convicted of trespassing if you allegedly entered a location without permission, or if you stayed there after being told to leave. Tresspassing is often charged alongside burglary, because the latter also involves entering a location without permission.

Standing alone, trespassing is typically charged as a misdemeanor or infraction. However, when combined with other charges (particularly burglary), the trespassing element can be used to establish elements of more serious offenses. 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

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: You don't want to dig a deeper hole for yourself — if you're in a situation where you don't want to give an honest answer, just stay silent and ask for your theft crimes lawyer to help you out.

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)

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 results in a felony charge. On top of that, a grand theft of a firearm felony can count for a strike on your criminal record if convicted.

As if fighting the charges in your local Bellflower, 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 essential to find an attorney that has wide resources and strong legal skills.

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

Vulnerable adults, notably people 65 and older, are given extra protection in the California legal system. 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.

The prosecution in Bellflower, CA, does not take these charges lightly and usually pursues harsh penalties. 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 only makes things more complex.

Examples: Caregiver taking money from a client's account; family member exerting undue influence over an elder's finances; contractor overcharging vulnerable seniors; 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. While theft and burglary are the root charges behind the action, looting increases the penalties significantly.

In Bellflower, CA — a city prone to wildfires, earthquakes, and civil unrest events — looting charges have been prosecuted with particular vigor. Looting is considered a way of taking advantage of Bellflower while it's at its most vulnerable, and judges are never pleased by this. An example might be breaking into someone's home during a riot and grabbing valuables to run away with.

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

Under California law, you can be charged with a crime even if the theft, burglary, or robbery was never completed. An attempt requires: (1) a mental state of deliberate criminal activity, and (2) a tangible step is taken towards breaking the law — whatever the outcome was.

Under most circumstances, in California, if you are convicted of attempting a crime you will be given half the sentence of the underlying 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. We frequently challenge attempted charges by contesting the intent element or the nature of the "direct act" alleged.

For any of the charges above, or more, when you call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you can talk to an expert theft crimes lawyer in Bellflower, CA, who will listen to your side of the story and build a defense around that. Together, we will craft a staunch defense against the allegations.

5 Steps to Take When Accused of Theft

You need to take these accusations seriously. There could be a warrant out for your arrest, not everyone will believe your side of the story, and a conviction could derail your life. Without help, the odds can seem insurmountable.

But you're not alone. You have the Law Offices of David S. Chesley on your side. A Bellflower, CA, theft crimes lawyer from our team will guide you on how to navigate your case. Here are the steps we recommend taking:

1. Do Not Resist Arrest

While it's reasonable to feel angry about being arrested, don't resist. Be polite and respectful during the process. Resisting can only make things worse.

2. Act Calm and Don't Talk

It's common for police to interview you after an arrest – invoke your right to remain silent. Simply say "I decline to answer any questions and am invoking my right to an attorney." Your answers can later be used as evidence in the case, and you say something untruthful, you can be charged with perjury.

3. Reach Out to a Bellflower, 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

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. Your rights and freedom matter, no matter what you've been accused of.

5. Coordinate With Your Attorney to Build Your Defense

Finally, you work with your attorney to craft a strong defense. An expert theft crimes lawyer in Bellflower, CA, will hear your side of the story, negotiate for deals with the prosecution, and fight for a dismissal whenever possible.

Theft Lawyer Defensive Strategies

As expert theft crime attorneys, we know that each case's defense strategy must be tailored to the specific facts, circumstances, and allegations. Below, you can read about some of the popular ways we will fight theft cases in Bellflower, CA.

Lack of Intent / Claim of Right Defense in Theft Cases

If you've been accused of stealing, you should discuss intent as a possible defense with your theft lawyer. 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. In many cases, especially if the physical evidence indicates the defendant took the item, everything will center around intent.

Claim of right is a related defense — if the accused didn't know that they were stealing a piece of property because they thought that they had permission to take it, they would lack the intent needed for a conviction. 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. Similar defenses include: mistake of fact (the defendant 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: 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. May defenses against stealing allegations will incorporate intent to some degree, especially in cases involving disputes over ownership, employer-employee disagreements, family property conflicts, or transactions gone wrong.

Using This Defense:

• Grand Theft: Negates specific intent to permanently deprive
• 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

The state needs to follow rules when building its case. One critically important one is the 4th Amendment, which stops authorities from performing illegal searches and seizures. In many criminal cases, the Bellflower, CA, police department will gather evidence through searches. If the authorities didn't follow the rules, the evidence can be suppressed and the district attorney may not be able to move forward with your case.

Common suppression issues in theft and property crime cases include: 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 resulting in an invalid search incident to arrest; GPS tracking or digital surveillance conducted without getting proper approval; and searches that go beyond the limits of a legal warrant. In Bellflower, CA, your defense attorney can file a motion to throw out any evidence the prosecution acquired through improper means — a motion that can be brought at the preliminary hearing stage and can effectively end a prosecution before trial if granted.

When evidence is suppressed under the exclusionary rule, prosecutors often cannot proceed with charges at all. Even partial suppression — eliminating a single piece of highly damaging evidence — can be the difference between a conviction and acquittal. Suppression motions are fully litigated in Bellflower, CA, courts, and are an essential tool for the defense when facing theft charges.

Suppression Scenarios:

• Warrantless Home Entry: Evidence obtained from inside a home is generally suppressible absent an exception
• 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

Innocent people are charged with theft crimes more often than the public realizes. False accusations can arise from personal arguments, cases of mistaken identity, 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.

False accusations in Bellflower, CA, often aren't the result of malice, but of a witness making an error. In theft, robbery, and burglary cases, witnesses under stress frequently misidentify suspects — most notably across racial lines, under poor lighting conditions, 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: showing that the defendant was elsewhere at the time of the crime; challenging the reliability of the identification procedure used by law enforcement (photo arrays, live lineups, show-ups); exposing bias or motive on the part the accuser; presenting expert testimony on the science of human memory and eyewitness reliability; and challenging inconsistencies between witness statements made at different points in time.

If you are innocent: Do not confront witnesses, do not try to collect evidence yourself, and do not attempt to explain your innocence to police without your theft lawyer present. Statements made to investigators — even truthful ones — can be mischaracterized, taken out of context, or used in unexpected ways. Before speaking to the police, call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley. We're here to protect your rights and defend your innocence.

Lack of Knowledge — If you merely were holding property that turned out to be stolen, the Bellflower, CA, prosecutor 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 is the defining feature behind many theft charges; if you didn't have permission to use take an item, you could be found guilty. 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.

Constitutional 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.

Sentencing Alternatives — In many cases with first-time offenders, California offers diversion programs that can protect you from a conviction. We identify every diversion opportunity available in your specific case.

Contesting the Value of Property — If you're up against grand theft charges, but the supposedly stolen property didn't reach the $950 value threshold, we will fight to have the charges reduced. You shouldn't face charges that are disproportionate to the alleged act.

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, certain individuals with theft convictions can ask for their pleas 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, such as paying fines and restitution; not have any pending criminal charges against you; and — as a more recent restriction — 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. For those whose cases were dismissed without conviction, a separate petition under Penal Code § 851.91 may be available to seal the underlying arrest record entirely.

When you work with a theft lawyer to clear your record, you can look forward to the following perks: Of note, an expunged conviction generally does not need to be disclosed on private employment applications under state law. That said, expungement does not seal a criminal record from all access — it does not restore firearm rights, does not prevent the conviction from being used in subsequent criminal proceedings, and does not affect most professional licensing decisions. Senate Bill 731 (effective July 1, 2023) even automates part of the expungement process in some cases, if there haven't been any subsequent criminal cases.

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: Charges dismissed after successful probation completion
• PC § 1203.4a: Relief for misdemeanors without probation (1 year post-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

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Bellflower, CA, Theft Crimes Frequently Asked Questions

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


How much was allegedly stolen determines the specific theft charge. Petty theft misdemeanors are typical for anything $950 and below. 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. Grand theft charges will require elite legal representation in particular, though you will always need a theft crimes lawyer to defend you, regardless of the specifics.

Can a theft charge be expunged from my record in California?


Frequently, yes. California Penal Code § 1203.4 allows for expungement of misdemeanor and many felony theft convictions after successful completion of probation. Expungement removes the conviction from your public record and allows you to truthfully say you have not been convicted of that crime in most circumstances. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared to help you expunge your record, whatever the circumstances of your conviction.

What should I expect from first-time shoplifting charges in Bellflower, CA?


While this is still serious, you don't need to panic just yet — you will probably only face misdemeanor charges. Frequently, you can participate in a diversionary program instead of serving a jail sentence, and if you are successful, the charges will be dismissed. Working with a criminal defense lawyer 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 genuinely didn't know and didn't have a reason to suspect it, you can build the foundation of your defense upon that fact. This is a strategy we frequently lean on in receiving stolen property cases. Keep in mind, though, that circumstances like strangely good deal or no documentation of ownership can be used against you, making it imperative that you hire a skillful theft crimes lawyer.

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


Extremely. In Bellflower, 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 are at risk of harsher penalties. Get in touch with us right away at (800) 755-5174.

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. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we take these charges seriously and will argue for misdemeanor options.

Will I go to jail for a theft charge?


Not necessarily. Many theft cases — especially misdemeanors and first offenses — can be resolved without jail time through diversion programs, probation, community service, or fines. Even felony charges often have options short of state prison. The answer depends heavily on your specific charge, criminal history, and the quality of your legal representation. Contact us to understand what options exist in your case.

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


Yes. In California, the actions you take after unlawfully entering a location don't determine a burglary charge. Instead, the state defines burglary as going into a building in order to steal something or break a felony law. Whether you actually took anything is irrelevant — the prosecution's goal is to show that you trespassed and had that event. Because of this, intent evidence — and arguments surrounding it — is critical to burglary defense.

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Need a Theft Lawyer in Bellflower, CA? Call Now.

Without a theft crimes lawyer, it's easy to make mistakes that put you at a disadvantage. Our lawyers are ready to defend you — whenver you need help. You can call our attorneys today to start building your defense.

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