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Theft Lawyer Century City, CA

Theft Lawyer Century City, CA. Nobody wants to be in a situation where they're facing criminal charges. Theft accusations in particular can be scary, because they are often layered with multiple charges. Without help, it's easy to find yourself in a spot where you feel hopeless.

Even when all hope seems lost, you have a path forward: The Law Offices of David S. Chesley. Our legal team has the tools and training to fight against any theft and related charges. With a Century City, 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 use our contact form for a free, confidential consultation. It's easy to get started, and acting fast can mean everything.


The Importance of a Theft Lawyer in Century City, CA

Theft charges need to be treated seriously, no matter what the specifics are. Without a lawyer, you're stuck trying to figure out a complicated legal code and increase your risk of the following penalties:

  1. Prison Sentence: Century City, CA, theft convictions can send you to prison, for years in some cases.
  2. Financial Penalties: Fines are commonly assigned as penalties in theft laws, plus you could lose more money in civil court.
  3. Loss of Employmnet: Having a criminal record can negatively affect your future career goals.
  4. Stained Reputation: Even if you make it past everything else, the reputation as a "criminal" can stick with you.
  5. And more.

If you want to avoid all of this, you need a distinguished Century City, CA, theft crimes lawyer. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley . Look at what makes us the right attorneys for the job:

Top Qualities of Our Century City, CA Theft Defense Attorneys

Picking the right Century City, CA theft crimes defense lawyer can make all the difference for your case. Here's what set us apart — and why it matters for your theft case:

  • A Team Of Former District Attorneys & Judges — We have experience and insights from our time in other areas of the law. We use that inside knowledge to dismantle the prosecution's strategy.
  • Deep Court Relationships — Decades of practice in Century City, CA, courts means we know the judges, the prosecutors, and the local procedures — and we leverage that for better outcomes for every client.
  • 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.
  • Expungement Services — We don't leave you behind after the verdict. We offer record clearing and expungement services to help you move on and protect your future career and opportunities.
  • Stellar Reputation – well-respected amongst both clients and peers.
  • Ready for Your Call Right Away — Arrests happen at all hours. So do we. If you need help or an update, you can get a hold of us, whenever it is.
  • Fully Confidential — You can trust us with everything about your case. We won't judge — we're just here to build the strongest case possible.

Theft Charges We Defend in Century City, CA

Click any charge below to jump directly to a full breakdown of the law, consequences, and additional information.

Attempted Burglary | Attempted Robbery | Bribery | Burglary (Residential) | Burglary of a Vehicle | Carjacking | Commercial Burglary | Credit Card Fraud | Elder Financial Abuse | Embezzlement | Extortion | Forgery | Fraud / False Pretenses | Grand Theft | Grand Theft Auto | Grand Theft of a Firearm | Health Care Fraud | Home Health Fraud | Home Invasion Burglary | Hospice Fraud | Identity Theft | Insurance Fraud | Joyriding | Looting | Medicare Fraud | Money Laundering | Perjury | Petty Theft | Petty Theft with a Prior | Possession of Stolen Vehicle | Receiving Stolen Property | Robbery | Shoplifting (PC 459.5) | Theft from an Elder | Trespassing | Vandalism | Vehicle Theft | Welfare Fraud | White Collar Crimes


Major Century City, CA, Theft Crimes We Defend Against

With over 50 years of combined legal experience, we have what it takes to protect your rights. If you're looking for a theft crimes lawyer in Century City, CA, don't wait: Reach out now for a free, confidential consultation.

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 Century City, CA, odds are high you're facing one of these two: Petty theft and grand theft. You can face these charges for taking someone's possessions when you weren't allowed to. The distinguishing factor is the amount that was supposedly taken: If it was $950 or less, the charges will normally be petty theft, while any more will normally be grand theft.

Defending petty theft charges is usually easier because the potential penalties are less severe (it's normally charged as a misdemeanor). However, defending grand theft charges normally is a greater challenge, because it is more likely to be a felony. In either case, it's always important to have a theft crimes lawyer in your corner to minimize the consequences.

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

Theft ChargesPetty TheftGrand Theft
Value Taken$950 or LessMore than $950
Charge Type?Often MisdemeanorMisdemeanor or Felony
Misdemeanor PenaltiesUp to six months in jail, and up to $1,000 in finesUp to one year in jail, and up to $1,000 in fines
Felony PenaltiesUp to three years in prison, and up to $10,000 in finesUp to three years in prison, and up to $10,000 in fines

Shoplifting — Proposition 47 / Penal Code § 459.5

Proposition 47 was passed in 2014, defining and setting penalties for shoplifting. Prior to 2014, it was actually considered a form of burglary, instead of a distinct crime. 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. Since 2014, the majority of shoplifting cases are misdemeanors. That said, felony charges can still be applied in certain situations, like an organized shoplifting ring. Regardless of what level of charge you're facing, a local Century City, CA theft crimes lawyer can help you maximize your chances of a positive outcome.

Organized retail theft (either a crime ring or repeated instances of shoplifting) is increasingly prosecuted aggressively by Century City, CA, prosecutors following recent state legislation.

Shoplifting Potential Penalties:

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

Potential defenses are: Lack of intent 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

Petty theft with a prior — sometimes abbreviated PTWP — allows prosecutors to elevate what would ordinarily be a misdemeanor petty theft charge into a wobbler when the defendant has a qualifying prior conviction on their record. This is one of the most common mechanisms used in Century City, CA, to increase exposure for repeat offenders, even when the underlying theft involves a modest amount.

To charge PC § 666, the Century City, CA, district attorney must establish: (1) the defendant engaged in petty theft; and (2) the defendant has at least one prior conviction for theft, robbery, carjacking, burglary, or a similar qualifying offense — particularly where the defendant served time in jail or prison for that prior. This law is applicable in many cases today, even after being limited in scope by Proposition 47 in 2014. Even if you have a non-theft prior conviction, you can still see your petty theft charge upgraded to a wobbler — several violent crime and sex crime convictions are also eligible.

Possible 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 Defend in Century City, CA

Whatever Century City, 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 technically not a law of its own. Grand theft auto is a smaller part of the state'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 alleged offender wasn't going to keep it, they're probably going to face charges of joyriding. While grand theft auto and joyriding are both 'wobbler' offenses, in Century City, 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". As a parallel to the charge of receiving stolen property, you can be convicted even if you didn't take an active part in the theft. Just owning or holding onto the car or truck can get you arrested for possession of a stolen vehicle.

When you work with us, you'll work with a vehicle theft crimes lawyer who knows the ins and outs of each offense type, how to fight against them, and what deals are realistic. Contact us 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 — all automobile thefts fall under the umbrella of "grand theft" in the state. The law doesn't even specify if the vehicle needs to be working — stealing a nearly worthless broken down car would still qualify as grand theft.

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.

Potential Penalties:

  • Charge Type: Wobbler (usually felony in Century City, CA)
  • Felony Prison Sentence: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
  • Misdemeanor Jail Sentence: 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. It covers situations where the alleged offender both did and didn't intend to return the vehicle. If you deprive someone of their vehicle with any intentions, this law applies.

This charge is popular in Century City, 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. It may not sound like a big deal to borrow a car without permission and bring it back, but a joyriding conviction can be a felony in Century City, CA, making it critical to get an expert vehicle theft crimes lawyer to defend you.

In Century City, CA, joyriding is most commonly charged as a misdemeanor, making it significantly less severe than grand theft auto. However, you can still face felony charges. This mostly applies to individuals with a criminal history, but not always.

JoyridingGrand Theft Auto
Main DifferenceReturn the vehicle afterwardsKeep the vehicle forever
Normal ChargeMisdemeanorFelony
Misdemeanor JailUp to 1 year
Felony Prison16 months, 2, or 3 years

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. 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.

Carjacking is also a "strike" offense under California's Three Strikes law. A conviction can have lifelong consequences beyond just the immediate sentence.

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

Many people are shocked to learn they can be convicted of a theft-related crime without actually having stolen anything. If you are in possession of a automobile that you knew or should have known was stolen, you can be charged under PC § 496d — even if you had no role in the original theft.

This charge can sneak up on you, especially if you ever have purchased a vehicle outside of formal sales channels. The prosecution must prove you had knowledge the vehicle was stolen — your vehicle theft crimes lawyer can argue that you didn't.

Possible Penalties:

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

White Collar Crime Charges We Defend in Century City, CA

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

Most white collar crimes are defined by how money is transferred. Embezzlement is the theft of money someone was supposed to manage for others, like an investment banker taking from a client's account. Money laundering 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 are transactional in nature, though (at least at face value). Forgery can be as simple as signing another person's signature without permission, and identity theft involves stealing another person's personal information. You can face either of these charges without having taken money from the alleged victim.


Embezzlement, Identity Theft, Fraud & More

White collar crimes carry severe consequences even without physical violence — prison sentences, massive fines, major career setbacks, and long-lasting stains on your reputation. These cases require attorneys with deep financial and legal sophistication.


White Collar Crimes — Synopsis

The term "white collar crime" describes non-violent financial offenses typically committed in business or professional settings. These charges will include the element of deception, breach of trust, or abuse of a position for personal gain. Century City, CA, because of its proximity to major financial and entertainment centers, sees some of California's most complex white collar prosecutions.

These charges can seemingly come out of nowhere, as state investigators will take months to years to build a case before filing charges. Call us now if you have any reason to believe the police are looking into you. The sooner you bring in your legal defense, the better chance you have of a positive outcome.


Embezzlement — California Penal Code § 503

Embezzlement is different from other forms of theft. For an embezzlement charge, the alleged offender would have lawful access to the property, just not for personal use. The main feature is the pre-existing lawful access — alleged embezzlement offenders had honest ways to access the supposedly stolen or misused goods.

Hypothetical examples: An accountant siphoning company funds; a payroll professional creating fake employees and taking their salaries; an employee overcharging customers and keeping the difference; an employee skimming from cash registers; a charity collector taking cash donations while leaving other types alone.

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: Full restitution, loss of professional licenses

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 involves three steps: placement (introducing dirty money into the financial system), layering (in an attempt to confuse future investigators, the money is shifted through complicated financial trades and transfers), and integration (using the funds for legitimate purchases, to further disguise them).

California's money laundering statute specifically targets financial actions over $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, which tends to have much harsher penalties.

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 government officials, judges, legislators, business executives, witnesses, and even private commercial bribery. Regardless of what the specifics of your case, a Century City, CA, theft crimes lawyer is essential to protect you from the prosecution.

What if they didn't accept the bribe? Both the person offering the bribe and the person accepting it could face charges in Century City, CA. Even an attempt to bribe can result in criminal charges, regardless of whether the other party accepts.

Possible Penalties:

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

Forgery — California Penal Code § 470

Century City, 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. State law is broad and covers bills, money orders, stock certificates, vehicle titles, wills, warrants, prescriptions, identification documents, and many other types of written instruments.

Who can face forgery charges? 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, combined with the act of creating or using the false item, is enough for a conviction.

Possible Penalties:

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

Identity Theft — California Penal Code § 530.5

In Century City, 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, property, services, or medical information.

Important factor: You can be found guilty even if the alleged victim didn't lose any money. Simply taking and using another person's information without authorization is enough to trigger criminal charges under state law. This makes it critical to hire an expert theft crimes lawyer regardless of the details of your case.

Identity theft accusations are aggressively prosecuted in Century City, CA, and increasingly result in federal charges if the internet was involved, or the supposed victim and alleged offender were in different states.

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 Fight in Century City, CA

Fraud is one of the most common white collar crimes in Century City, CA, and it has several subcategories. Generally speaking, someone who commits theft by acting dishonestly so that another person gives away their money voluntarily can be charged with fraud. Theft by false pretenses is a basic type of this crime.

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 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 notable variation is credit card fraud. This one is a little different because instead of representing someone about themselves, for credit card fraud, normally a person is lying about the credit card they are using. If you allegedly took a credit card and used it without permission, you can face credit card fraud charges.

Because fraud cases can vary so much from each other, having a theft crimes lawyer with experience in all these areas is essential.


Fraud, False Pretenses & Financial Deception

You could face accusations of fraud in Century City, CA, for a wide variety of actions — it could be as little as a seemingly white lie or as major as large an organized insurance fraud ring. 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 Century City. These allegations are used when one person lies to someone else, leading to the second person willingly giving away goods or services. The key element is that the victim willingly hands over the property as a result of being deceived.

Common examples: Selling a product that doesn't exist; pretending to be a tech support assistant; creating fake invoices; collecting donations for a nonexistent charity.

The charge level (misdemeanor vs. felony) 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. If you're facing insurance fraud charges in Century City, CA, it's possible that you'll go to prison for several years if convicted. A leading theft crimes lawyer will protect your rights and consider multiple defenses to help you find the best outcome possible

Common examples include: Staging or exaggerating auto accidents; filing false theft reports; exaggerating property damage; arson for insurance proceeds; fabricating injuries; double billing for a health service.

Potential Penalties:

  • Felony Prison Sentence: 2, 3, or 5 years
  • Fines: Up to $150,000 or twice what was defrauded
  • Restitution: Full repayment to insurer
  • Additional: Loss of professional licenses

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

You can face credit card fraud charges in Century City, CA, for a variety of actions done with a credit or debit card. This includes using someone else's card without authorization, using a fake card or one acquired by theft, using an account number without physical possession of the card, or fraudulently 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. Federal penalties are significantly more severe, and our team of theft crime lawyers has experience handling both state and federal fraud cases.

Possible Penalties (State):

  • Charge Type: Wobbler
  • Felony Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
  • Misdemeanor Jail: Up to 1 year
  • Federal Prison: Up to 15 years (federal charges)

Welfare Fraud — California Welfare & Institutions Code § 10980

Charges of welfare fraud in Century City, CA, can range widely in their specifics, but all have one thing in common: Deceiving the government in order to receive some kind of welfare benefit. Similar to other types of fraud, this could be part of an isolated individual incident or a widespread organized crime ring.

Common examples: Claiming income is less than it actually is; misrepresenting household composition; using another person's EBT card; pretending that a child is still a dependent when they are not; not reporting new circumstances that would end benefits eligibility.

These crimes often have special investigation teams that target alleged offenders. If convicted, you could be looking at years in prison and serious financial consequences. A local Century City, CA, theft crimes lawyer can help show issues in the prosecution's case and find you alternative paths forward.

Possible Penalties:

  • Under $950 (commonly): 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.

Common schemes include: enrolling patients who do not meet the terminal illness threshold; billing for higher levels of care than were actually provided; "recycling" patients by discharging and re-enrolling them to reset billing cycles; paying illegal kickbacks to nursing facilities or physicians for patient referrals; and falsifying medical records to manufacture eligibility. These accusations are particularly dangerous because they are often charged in federal court in Century City, CA, meaning you're up against very difficult odds.

Important Note: Hospice fraud investigations frequently involve parallel criminal and civil proceedings. If someone reaches out to the authorities, they may share their findings in order to allow for a civil suit. 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 charges have particularly far-reaching consequences. 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 Century City, 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 Century City, CA theft lawyer immediately.

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. Both the person paying and the person receiving a kickback can face prosecution.

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 charges are normally related to a person providing false information on an insurance form, in order to receive an undeserved payout. As opposed to Medicare fraud, these charges can be made whether you allegedly defrauded the government's healthcare programs or a private insurance company.

Under California Penal Code § 550, health insurance fraud is independently criminalized at the state level. California law specifically addresses false or misleading statements made in connection with insurance claims, including the submission of multiple claims for a single loss and the preparation of false medical reports. Without an expert Century City, 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 managers, and clerical staff have all been accused of this violation at various points in time.

Potential Penalties:

  • Federal Prison: Up to 10 years per count (18 U.S.C. § 1347)
  • If Death Results: Up to life imprisonment (federal)
  • State Felony: 2, 3, or 5 years (CA PC § 550)
  • Fines: Up to $250,000 (individual) or $500,000 (organization)
  • Additional: Restitution, professional license consequences

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

Home health fraud is a subcategory of Medicare and Medicaid fraud that specifically targets the fraudulent billing for in-home health services — such as skilled nursing visits, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and medical social services. To qualify for Medicare reimbursement, the care recipient must be homebound and require skilled care. Home health fraud exploits this framework in a variety of ways.

One example would be a patient who lied about being homebound in order to receive special benefits. A counterexample would be a home service provider who submitted claims to Medicare for services that were never provided. Home health fraud charges in Century City, CA, are taken very seriously, and you need a theft defense lawyer who's ready to give your case the attention it deserves. Owners, administrators, therapists, and referring physicians have all been prosecuted.

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. Violations result in civil monetary penalties and Medicare exclusion entirely separate from any criminal prosecution — to make matters worse, you can be convicted of violating this law even if you unintentionally broke it.

Possible Penalties:

  • Federal Prison: Up to 10 years per count
  • Anti-Kickback Violations: Up to 10 years per violation
  • Civil FCA Liability: Treble damages plus penalties per false claim
  • Administrative: Exclusion from Medicare/Medi-Cal; agency decertification

Violent Theft Charges We Defend in Century City, CA

Violent crime charges and theft charges often go hand in hand in Century City, 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. Versus 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 start out as regular burglary, with the alleged offender not intending to commit violence, but that changes when they run into another person.

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 alleged offender doesn't necessarily need to threaten physical violence, but the threat should be to harm the alleged victim in some form or fashion. As an example, if a person threatened to attack their manager unless they were given a favorable schedule, that person could be accused of 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. You're almost guaranteed to be facing felony charges. Your Century City, CA theft crimes lawyer should be someone who knows how to fight violent crime charges as well — at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we have experience successfully defending against both.


Robbery — California Penal Code § 211

Robbery is taking property from another person directly, using force or fear. This is the key distinction from burglary — the victim must be present. Robbery is always a felony and always a strike offense.

Your robbery charge in Century City, CA, could either be first-degree or second-degree. These are differentiated based on the location and the alleged victim. First-degree robbery is charged in cases where the alleged robbery occurred in someone's dwelling place, against the passenger or driver of a taxi/rideshare vehicle, or while the supposed victim was at an ATM.

Potential 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

If it's alleged that you threatened someone in order to make them give you money or favors, you are likely facing extortion charges. Not every extortion case involves threats of violence; several involve threats to harm someone's reputation instead.

Common examples: Threatening to report someone for a crime unless paid; threatening to damage someone's storefront unless they pay "protection money;" 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 Century City, CA

Burglary is often charged along with theft in Century City, CA. California defines burglary as entering a location without permission in order to steal something or commit another crime. This is commonly a building, like a convenience store (in which case it would be commercial burglary), but not always. For example, if you supposedly smashed a car window to steal a wallet sitting on the seat, that would fall under burglary of a vehicle.

No matter what kind of burglary you're charged with, you can almost always be charged with trespassing, too. Due to this, what you were allegedly planning to do in a location can be just as important as how you got access to it.

Burglary Related Charges

Shoplifting is closely related to commercial burglary. In fact, before 2014, what you think of as shoplifting would be classified as burglary under California law. But as we discussed above a new law Proposition 47 (officially the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act), a ballot initiative passed by California voters on November 4, 2014 that distinguishes shoplifting as specifically attempting to steal merchandise from a business during regular business hours. It took effect immediately and made several changes to reduce penalties for certain nonviolent property and drug crimes. Because it made shoplifting a separate charge from burglary, shoplifting attempts are no longer felonies in Century City, CA (except in extreme cases).

Vandalism also shares many qualities with burglary. California defines vandalism and the intentional harming of someone else's property with permission, such as by kicking in a door to burglarize someone's home. It's very likely that you'll be charged with both burglarizing and vandalizing a location together in Century City, CA, heightening your need for an experienced theft crimes lawyer to defend you.

Lastly, you can face theft charges in Century City, CA, even if you didn't steal anything yourself. How does this happen? 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

Century City, CA burglary charges can be wildly different from one another, and may not even involve theft — these charges apply when someone tresspasses on a property while planning to break the law, though it doesn't have to be a theft law specifically.


Residential Burglary (First Degree) — California Penal Code § 459

The different degrees of burglary depend on the location of the alleged crime. You can be convicted of first-degree burglary if you break into someone's residence while planning to commit a theft or any felony inside. Nothing actually needs to be stolen. 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 Century City, CA courts are likely to give you a long sentence. Without the right theft crimes defense lawyer, you're fighting an uphill battle

Potential Penalties:

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

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

Second-degree burglary is someones called "commercial burglary" because it also involves entering a location with the intent to steal or commit a felony, but as opposed to first-degree burglary, the location is non-residential. 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. 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.

Important note: Taking something out of an open vehicle, although it would still be stealing, would not qualify for a burglary charge. This would still likely be prosecuted as theft, 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. Century City, CA, prosecutors take these charges extremely seriously and often push for harsh punishments. It's even more important to hire an expert theft crimes lawyer than usual in these cases.

As with other burglary charges, home invasion burglary charges don't tend to exist in a vacuum — you're likely also facing other theft or violent crimes charges. If you are facing home invasion charges, you need a law firm with a track record of success, and you need them immediately.

Possible Penalties:

  • Burglary Base: 2, 4, or 6 years
  • Robbery Add-On: Additional 2–5 years
  • Weapon Enhancement: Additional 3–10 years
  • Three Strikes: Yes — multiple strikes possible

Property & Other Offenses

Receiving Stolen Property, Vandalism & Trespassing

These offenses are frequently charged alongside primary theft crimes and can significantly compound the penalties you face. Understanding how they interact is critical to building an effective defense.


Receiving Stolen Property — California Penal Code § 496

While theft-related, receiving stolen property cases are their own challenge. California law makes it illegal to hide, purchase, sell, or otherwise possess stolen property, regardless of whether or not you're the one who stole it.

The prosecution must prove you knew — or had reason to know — the property was stolen. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we often argue this point in these cases. Buying items at an unusually low price, without receipts, or from unknown sellers, does not make you guilty.

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 is the malicious defacement, damage, or destruction of another person's property. It is often charged alongside burglary when, for example, a window is broken to gain entry to a home or vehicle. It also applies to graffiti, which is one of the most commonly prosecuted forms of vandalism in Century City, CA.

While many theft charges become felonies if more than $950 is stolen, a vandalism charge can become a felony if just $400 or more worth of damage is done.

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
  • Other Common Penalties: 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. In the context of theft crimes, trespassing charges frequently accompany burglary or other property offense charges — because burglary inherently involves unauthorized entry.

Without compounding charges, trespassing is ordinarilly 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

Perjury charges aren't unique to theft crimes, but are commonly seen alongside them. You can be found guilty of perjury if you lie to the police or during a trial. In theft cases, this can occur if you were interviewed by the police and stated you did not know where any of the stolen property was, even if you did.

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

These charges often carry enhanced penalties beyond standard theft offenses, and require attorneys with specific knowledge of the statutes involved.


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 low-value 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.

To make things worse, you may also have to fight in federal court. When you're fighting in two courts, it becomes substantially more complicated to avoid a guilty plea. And it's even more critical to have 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

California law provides special enhanced protections for victims aged 65 or older (and dependent adults). 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 Century City, CA, and enhanced sentencing applies. This is further exacerbated if the alleged victim is 70 or older, which can lead to increased penalties. In addition to the legal penalties, you could also face a civil suit, and Adult Protective Services involvement can complicate cases further.

Common scenarios: Caregiver overcharging for services; family member using power of attorney to take money; fake contractor promises work but never completes it; phising emails that impersonate loved ones.

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

Disasters can be a time of panic. If, during the confusion, someone attempts to get away with theft, they may face looting charges. While theft and burglary are the root charges behind the action, looting increases the penalties significantly.

In Century City, CA — a city prone to wildfires, earthquakes, and civil unrest events — looting charges have been prosecuted with particular vigor. These acts are viewed as particularly heinous, and penalties can be severe. 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. Attempted theft, burglary, or robbery in California needs to include: (1) the desire to break the law, and (2) a direct, unequivocal act toward committing it — even if the attempt failed or was interrupted.

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.

Attempted burglary and attempted robbery are still strike offenses in California. Our theft crime lawyers will fight against these charges to create reasonable doubt and position us for favorable negotiations.


No matter what you've been accused of, when you reach out to our firm, you can connect with an expert theft crimes lawyer in Century City, CA, who will listen to your side of the story and build a defense around that. As a team, we will craft a staunch defense against the allegations.

Steps to Take When Accused of Theft

Being charged with theft can be intimidating. You're up against the Century City, CA, prosecutor's office, you could be facing major legal consequences, and the collateral consequences could be devastating. Without help, it can seem impossible.

But you're not alone. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is here to help. When you work with us, you will get a Century City, CA, theft crimes lawyer who will listen to your story and advocate for your rights. Here are the steps we recommend taking:

1. Do Not Resist Arrest

Nobody wants to be arrested. However, don't resist. If you act civilly, it will make things go faster and easier. Resisting can only lead to additional charges.

2. Keep Calm and Don't Talk

There's a chance you'll be interviewed or interrogated – stay silent. In fact, don't even talk on the ride to the station. Your answers can later be used as evidence in the case, and if anything you say is untruthful, you can be charged with perjury.

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

In California, after you are processed for arrest, you get three phone calls. One of these should be to your theft crimes lawyer. Acting fast is important to protect your freedom. We are available at (800) 755-5174, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

4. Secure Bail for Release

In most cases, you'll need to go through a bail hearing. Our firm's theft crimes defense attorneys will argue against the prosecution for your release. We believe that protecting your freedom now is a part of protecting it for the long term.

5. Work With Your Attorney to Make a Personalized Defense

With the right attorney by your side, it's time to create a strategy to fight the charges. A skillful theft crimes lawyer in Century City, CA, will listen to your story, negotiate with the state, and argue for a dismissal whenever possible.


Powerful Defense Strategies for Theft Charges

Every theft case is different — and every defense strategy must be adapted to the specific facts, evidence, and accusations. Below, you can read about some of the popular ways we will fight theft cases in Century City, CA.

Lack of Intent / Claim of Right Defense in Theft Cases

One of the most powerful defenses in any theft case is the absence of criminal intent. Your mindset is key to this defense. Unintentionally taking another person's goods does not qualify as theft, generally. Where that intent cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, no theft conviction can stand regardless of the circumstances of the taking.

The claim of right defense applies when a defendant genuinely believed — even mistakenly — that they had a legal right to the property they took. If you genuinely believed you had the right to take the property — even if that belief was mistaken — it negates the criminal intent required for a theft conviction. Additional intent-based defenses consist of: mistake of fact (the accused took something that they thought was theirs); voluntary intoxication (which may negate specific intent in limited circumstances); and absence of permanence (applicable in cases where someone took an item without permission, but also planned to bring it back).

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. It is often the strongest available defense, particularly in cases involving property disputes, family conflicts, and many civil debt situations.

Defense Application:

  • Grand Theft: Negates specific intent to permanently deprive
  • Embezzlement: Challenges the fraudulent conversion element
  • Fraud / False Pretenses: Can apply when the defendant didn't know that what they were saying was false
  • Receiving Stolen Property: Challenges knowledge that property was stolen

Illegal Search & Seizure in Theft/Burglary Cases

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 theft and burglary cases, how the evidence was obtained is just as important as what it is. If the investigators broke the law, the evidence can be thrown out and the state may be unable to proceed.

Here are some of the reasons that evidence is thrown out in theft cases: searches conducted without either a warrant or just cause; searches resulting from a warrant that was based on false information; arrests without probable cause leading to an invalid search incident to arrest; GPS tracking or digital surveillance conducted without getting proper approval; 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 Century City, CA, courts, and are a standard component of aggressive defense in all property crime cases.

Suppression Scenarios:

  • Warrantless Home Entry: Evidence obtained from inside a home is generally suppressible absent an exception
  • Vehicle Searches: Require a warrant, valid consent, 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

The Century City, CA, investigators and prosecution aren't perfect: Sometimes, they get the wrong guy. False accusations can arise from personal arguments, cases of mistaken identity, mistaken assumptions about ownership, ambiguous surveillance footage, or false accusations coming from a person who wants to cause you harm. Being wrongly accused does not mean the charges will not proceed — aggressive and immediate defense is essential from the moment of accusation.

False accusations in Century City, 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 — particularly across racial lines, if they didn't have a clear sightline, or when the perpetrator was briefly seen. Even if the witness is sure, they could be mistaken. While this can unfortunately lead to false accusations, the benefit is that it provides several defensive avenues in Century City, CA, court.

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 person making the allegations; presenting expert testimony on the science of human memory and eyewitness reliability; and challenging inconsistencies between different statements and testimony between witnesses.

If you are facing false allegations: Stay away from witnesses, do not try to build your defense on your own, and do not talk to the police without your theft lawyer present. You might make a mistake, or the police might misinterpret something you say. Whatever your circumstances, if you're facing theft charges, call our lawyers now for help.

Lack of Knowledge — If you merely were holding property that turned out to be stolen, the prosecution must prove you were aware that the property was stolen. We challenge this element aggressively — many people unknowingly purchase stolen goods with no way to verify their origin.

Consent / Permission — Theft requires that property be taken without the owner's consent. It's not illegal to use someone else's property if you had permission.

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.

Diversion Programs — In many cases with first-time offenders, California offers diversion programs that can result in charges being dismissed after completing community service, restitution, or counseling. We identify every diversion opportunity available in your specific case.

Challenging 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. 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. Before you can do so, you will likely have to have fit the following critera: successfully completed all terms of probation, such as paying 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. 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: In particular, you won't have to note any convictions on private job applications. However, there are still some restrictions in the expungement process — it does not restore firearm rights, doesn't prevent the conviction from impacting future cases, 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.

Critical Note: While expungement under § 1203.4 offers many benefits, it doesn't make the record go away entirely; it can still be viewed by the police, licensing boards, and be used in future criminal cases. If your goal is the total removal of the record, to be able to legally own a gun again, or clearing a prior strike, you will need a different method of expungement. When you work with an expert theft crimes lawyer, you'll be able to explore other options for protecting yourself.

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: Still restricted from owning guns, and the police can still review these records

  • Century City, CA, Theft Crimes Frequently Asked Questions

    Is there a difference between petty theft and grand theft in Century City, California?

    The primary distinction is the value of the property allegedly taken. 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. 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?

    Often, 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 Century City, 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 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?

    In many cases, being unaware of stolen property's origins can make for a strong defense. If you genuinely didn't know and had no reasonable basis to suspect it, that can form the basis of your defense. Our attorneys challenge the "knowledge" element aggressively in these cases. Keep in mind, though, that circumstances like strangely good deal or no documentation of ownership can erode your case, which is why an attorney is essential.

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

    Extremely. You're probably looking at felony charges, with higher prison time, fines, and long-lasting record impacts. If you have a criminal record, you could be up against increased sentences. Call one of our attorneys 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 — including 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. While felony charges can be harder to avoid prison for, it is still possible in some cases. The answer depends heavily on your specific charge, criminal history, and the quality of your legal representation. Contact our firm to understand what options are available to you.

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

    Unfortunately, yes. California defines burglary as entering a structure with the intent to commit theft or a felony inside. Whether you stole something or not is irrelevant — if prosecutors can prove you entered with criminal intent, you can be convicted of burglary even if you left empty-handed. Because of this, intent evidence — and arguments surrounding it — is central to burglary defense.


    Looking for a Century City, CA, Theft Lawyer? Call Right Away.

    Every theft allegation is a big deal. Our firm is ready to defend you — whenver you need help. Your first consultation is completely free and confidential.

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  • Our client faced multiple serious charges in Los Angeles County, including Penal Code § 211 (Robbery), § 245(a)(1) (Assault with a Deadly Weapon), and § 245(a)(4) (Assault with Force Likely to Cause Great Bodily Injury). Unlike a co-defendant represented by another firm who pled to a felony conviction with a "strike," our legal team pursued a different strategy. Through the submission of a comprehensive mitigation package to the District Attorney, we successfully negotiated a complete dismissal of all charges.
  • Our client faced serious charges under Penal Code section 211 for alleged felony robbery involving force and fear in Riverside County (Murrieta Court) . The prosecution argued that probation was not appropriate due to our client’s prior felony convictions in San Bernardino County, including a previous robbery in April 2021 and grand theft in November 2019. Despite the severity of these allegations, our legal team successfully demonstrated insufficient evidence during the preliminary hearing. As a result, all charges were dismissed. This outcome allowed our client to move forward without the burden of a new conviction.
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