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Theft Lawyer Compton, CA. There are few things tougher than facing the Compton prosecutor alone. It's easy to feel lost when you're up against theft charges. Without help, it's easy to find yourself in a spot where you feel hopeless.

Even when you're up against the toughest battle of your life, don't give up yet. You have a team who will defend your freedom: The Law Offices of David S. Chesley. Our team of legal experts has what it takes to guard your freedom against the prosecution. With a Compton, CA, theft crimes lawyer from our team building your defense, you'll have someone by your side from day one until you get justice.

Talk to a theft crimes lawyer now at (800) 755-5174 or use our contact form for a private review of your case at no cost. Delays can cost you your freedom, and we're ready to fight for you today.

The Importance of a Theft Lawyer in Compton, 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 complex legal code and potentially set yourself up for the below consequences:

1. Prison Sentence: Jail time is a common consequence for theft in Compton, CA.
2. Fines: Fines are commonly assigned as penalties in theft laws, plus you could lose more money in civil court.
3. Career Setbacks: Having a criminal record can negatively affect your future career goals.
4. Damaged Character: You can face unfair and unjust labels that get in the way of your moving on with your life.
5. And more.

If you want to avoid all of this, you need a distinguished Compton, CA, theft crimes lawyer. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley. Here's some of what sets us apart:

Top Qualities of Our Compton, CA Theft Defense Attorneys

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

• Former Prosecutors & 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 — Decades of practice in Compton, CA, courts means we know the judges, the prosecutors, and the local procedures — and we leverage that for better outcomes for every client.
• Defenses Built for Trial — We prepare every case as if it's going to trial. Even if your case doesn't end up in trial, this gives us more leverage for negotiations.
• Expungement Services — Even after the fact, we're still here to help. You deserve to move forward with your life, and we can help you do it.
• Superb Reputation – We deliver results, and are known for doing so.
• Always Availalbe — Arrests happen at all hours. So do we. If you need a theft crime attorney, you shouldn't need to wait for regular business hours. And with our team, you don't have to.
• Fully Private — 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 Compton, CA

Use the links below to navigate directly to a full explanation 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

Compton, CA, Theft Allegations We Defend Against

With over 50 years of combined legal experience, we have what it takes to protect your rights. When you need a theft crimes lawyer in Compton, CA, don't wait: Reach out now for a no obligation review of your case.

Below are some of the main theft crime accusations we fight against in Compton, CA:

Petty Theft Charges vs Grand Theft Charges

California breaks down most theft crimes into two categories: Petty theft and grand theft. At a basic level, these are almost the same act: taking someone else's money or items without their consent. The distinguishing factor is the amount that was supposedly taken: For values $950 and under, the classification will generally be petty theft, while any more will typically be grand theft.

Fighting petty theft allegations is usually easier because the potential penalties are less severe (it's normally charged as a misdemeanor). However, fighting grand theft charges normally is a greater challenge, because it is more likely to be a felony. Regardless of what you're up against, the right theft crimes lawyer will improve your chances of reaching a positive outcome.

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

Shoplifting — Proposition 47 / Penal Code § 459.5

Following the passage of Proposition 47 in 2014, shoplifting became its own distinct offense separate from commercial burglary. A person commits shoplifting when they go into an open store in order to steal $950 or less worth of goods.

In the past, because shoplifting fell under burglary, it was more likely to be charged as a felony. Today, the majority of shoplifting cases are misdemeanors. However, felony charges can still be applied in certain situations, like an organized shoplifting ring. Whether you're up against a felony or misdemeanor charge, a local Compton, 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 Compton, CA, prosecutors following recent state legislation.

Shoplifting Potential Penalties:

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

Defense options include: Theft was unintentional, wrong identity, entrapment by loss prevention, unlawful search and seizure, 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 Compton, 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 prosecution must establish: (1) the suspect is guilty of petty theft; and (2) the defendant has at least one prior conviction for theft, robbery, carjacking, burglary, or a similar qualifying offense — especially if the sentence included incarceration. This law is applicable in many cases today, even after being limited in scope by Proposition 47 in 2014. 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
• Qualifying Priors: Prior theft, burglary, robbery, or carjacking convictions

Vehicle Theft Charges We Defend in Compton, CA

There are several vehicle theft charges we defend in Compton, CA. 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 California's 'grand theft' law, which universally characterizes stealing a vehicle as 'grand theft', even if it wasn't worth more than $950.

Grand theft auto charges are usually used when the defendant allegedly didn't intend to return the vehicle. On the other hand, if the defendant did intend to return it, they're probably going to face charges of joyriding. While each of these vehicle crimes are 'wobbler' offenses, it's almost always better to be charged with joyriding in Compton, CA, since the prosecution is more likely to assign that as a misdemeanor.

If you're caught in possession of a stolen vehicle, you can face criminal charges for that, too. Similar to receiving stolen property, you don't have to have actually stolen anything to be convicted of this crime. Simply owning or having the vehicle can result in these charges.

When you contact our law firm, you'll work with a vehicle theft crimes lawyer who knows the ins and outs of each offense type, how to fight against them, and what deals are realistic. Call today to start defending your rights.

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

Despite what popular culture would have you believe, there isn't a specific "grand theft auto" law in California — all automobile thefts fall under the umbrella of "grand theft" in the state. This means even stealing a beater worth $200 can result in a grand theft auto charge.

The critical element prosecutors must prove is that you intended to permanently deprive the owner of the vehicle. If you intended to return it, the charge is more likely joyriding (see below).

Potential Penalties:

• Charge Type: Wobbler (usually felony in Compton, 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 — sometimes called "joyriding" broadly — is often charged alongside or instead of grand theft auto. It covers situations where the alleged offender both did and didn't intend to return the vehicle. Simply taking or driving someone's vehicle without permission is enough.

This is one of the most broadly written vehicle theft statutes in California, and prosecutors use it frequently because it's easier to prove than grand theft auto.

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 Compton, CA, making it critical to get an expert vehicle theft crimes lawyer to defend you.

In Compton, CA, joyriding is most commonly charged as a misdemeanor, making it significantly less severe than grand theft auto. That said, prior criminal history or aggravating circumstances can push it to a felony.

Carjacking — California Penal Code § 215

All vehicle theft crime charges are a big deal, but carjacking in particular is a major one. It is defined as taking a motor vehicle from another person through force or fear — essentially a robbery of a car. Because this action involves violence, carjacking is always a felony and is not eligible for probation in many circumstances.

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

Possible Penalties:

• Prison: 3, 5, or 9 years in state prison
• Enhancements: Additional years for weapon use or injury
• Three Strikes: Yes — counts as a strike offense
• Fines: Up to $10,000

Possession of a Stolen Vehicle — California Penal Code § 496d

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

We see this charge often in cases where someone borrowed or bought a car without having access to its full history. The prosecution 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.

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 Fight in Compton, CA

White collar crimes in Compton, CA, vary widely in context and action, but all of them share one thing in common: taking advantage of one's position within an organization to benefit oneself, illegally.

Most white collar crimes are non-violent, and even non-physical, forms of theft. Embezzlement is when one person steals money that they were in charge of, but was not their own. 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 first glance). Forgery occurs when one person makes a fake document to later use for fraud, and identity theft is the taking of someone's personal information. In both forgery and identity theft cases, you don't need to have stolen someone else's money to be found guilty.

Forgery, Identity Theft, Fraud & More

It's easy to think that white collar accusations aren't taken as seriously as violent crimes in Compton, CA, but you'd be wrong. The punishments can be dire — years in prison, financial penalties, major career setbacks, and permanent stains on your reputation. If you want to fight back against these consequences, you need a financial theft crimes lawyer who knows the ins and outs of California white collar crime law.

White Collar Crimes — Synopsis

The term "white collar crime" describes non-violent financial offenses typically committed in business or professional settings. What unites these offenses is the element of deception, breach of trust, or abuse of a position for personal benefit. These cases are some of the most complicated in Compton, CA, and normally require highly experienced representation to defend.

These charges can seemingly come out of nowhere, as state investigators will take months to years to build a case before filing charges. 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 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 legal access — embezzlers have legitimate control over the money or property they steal.

Hypothetical examples: A company credit card holder using it for personal purchases; a bookkeeper writing unauthorized checks to themselves; an employee overcharging customers and keeping the difference; A cashier voiding out a transaction but keeping the money; a non-profit director misusing donated funds.

Possible Penalties:

• Under $950: Misdemeanor — up to 6 months jail
• Over $950: Felony — up to 3 years prison
• High Amounts: Enhanced sentences up to 10+ years
• Additional: Financial recompensation, professional consequences

Money Laundering — California Penal Code § 186.10

Money laundering is the process of making illegally obtained money appear to have come from a legitimate source. It commonly involves three steps: placement (introducing dirty money into the financial system), layering (disguising the trail through complex transactions), and integration (investing the funds into something legal, or using another method to extract them into seemingly-legitimate assets).

California's money laundering law is set to combat 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, risking up to two decades of prison time.

Potential Penalties (State):

• Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
• Fines: Up to $250,000 or double the laundered amount
• Federal Add-On: Up to 20 years federal prison

Bribery — California Penal Code § 67–68 / § 92

You can face bribery charges for offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting something of value in exchange for influencing the actions of a public official, juror, witness, or business partner. California law targets multiple forms of bribery — that of government officials, judges, legislators, executive officers, witnesses, and even private commercial bribery. Regardless of what form of bribery you've been accused of, a Compton, 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 Compton, 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

You can be charged with forgery in Compton, 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, money orders, contracts, vehicle titles, power of attorney documents, warrants, prescriptions, lottery tickets, and many other types of written instruments.

What if I didn't use the forged document? Whether or not you allegedly did something with the forgery is irrelevant. The intent to defraud, in addition to the creation or use of the false item, is enough to be convicted.

Potential 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 Compton, 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, including obtaining credit, property, services, or medical information.

What if it didn't affect them financially? You can be found guilty even if the alleged victim didn't lose any money. Simply taking and using another individual's information without permission is enough to trigger criminal charges under state law. This makes it critical to hire an expert theft crimes lawyer regardless of the particular of your situation.

Compton, CA, identity theft allegations are very serious, and increasingly result in federal charges for more serious, widespread, or online cases.

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 Compton, CA

Fraud is a frequent white collar crime charge in Compton, CA, and can be divided into smaller categories of its own. Broadly speaking, someone who commits theft by acting dishonestly in order to get another person to give away 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. As an example, if someone were to hide their valuable property and claim it was stollen, that person commits insurance fraud.

A similar fraud charge is welfare fraud, where someone takes advantage of government assistance programs by providing false information to them. An example of this would be claiming a child as a dependent to receive financial support, when the child has in fact moved out.

Another popular form is credit card fraud. This one is a little different because instead of representing someone about themselves, for credit card fraud, normally a person is lying about the credit card they are using. Maybe it's stolen, expired, or fake, but the bottom line is that the card was not supposed to be used in this way.

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

Types of Fraud, False Pretenses & Financial Deception

There are many types of fraud allegations in Compton, CA — from simple misrepresentations to elaborate financial schemes. 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 Compton. These allegations are used when one person intentionally deceives another through false statements or misrepresentations, 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; pitching investments based on false information; lying about the condition of goods sold.

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

Insurance fraud involves knowingly making a false or misleading statement to an insurance company to obtain benefits, payments, or compensation you are not entitled to receive. Insurance fraud charges are always a big deal, and are often felonies in Compton, CA. An experienced theft crimes lawyer will fight the allegations and consider multiple defenses to help you find the best outcome possible

Typical forms include: Staging or exaggerating auto accidents; filing claims for injuries that didn't occur; inflating repair cost claims; deliberately damaging your property for a payout; 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: Full repayment to insurer
• Additional: Career and job restrictions/penalties

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

In Compton, CA, credit card fraud covers a wide range of conduct involving fraudulent use of credit or debit cards. You could be accused of using another person's card without consent, using a card that has been stolen or counterfeited, charging to an account when you don't have the card, or illegally taking or selling card account information.

Regarding 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 online. Federal penalties are significantly more severe, and our team of theft crime lawyers has experience handling both state and federal fraud cases.

Potential Penalties (State):

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

Welfare Fraud — California Welfare & Institutions Code § 10980

Charges of welfare fraud in Compton, 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: Failing to report income; using fake identities to collect extra benefits; using another person's EBT card; falsely claiming a dependent child; not reporting new circumstances that would end benefits eligibility.

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

Possible Penalties:

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

Additional: Lose your right to receive benefits in the future

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

Hospice fraud accusations in Compton, CA, are very serious. They are often applied to healthcare practitioners who create fake requests for payment or prescribe unneeded treatments related to hospice. To qualify forMedicare hospice benefits, the person being treated must be predicted to pass away within half a year if nothing drastic changes in their health condition — many hospice fraud cases are the result of these predictions being inaccurate.

This type of fraud is more often alleged towards providers over patients. Because healthcare professionals have more access to control billing and provide diagnoses, they are at higher risk of being accused of hospice fraud. These accusations are particularly dangerous because they are often charged in federal court in Compton, CA, meaning you're up against very difficult odds.

Critical Note: If you've been accused of hospice fraud in criminal court, you can expect a civil suit to follow. If someone reaches out to the authorities, they may share their findings in order to allow for a civil suit. 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)
• Extra: Exclusion from Medicare/Medi-Cal programs; license revocation

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

Medicare fraud charges vary in scope, but all consist of attempts to defraud the government's Medicare program in one form or another. Because Medicare is a federal program, these charges are almost exclusively prosecuted at the federal level — typically by the U.S. Attorney's Office with support from the FBI, HHS Office of Inspector General, and the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which maintains an active presence in Compton, CA.

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

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

Possible Penalties:

• Federal Prison: Up to 10 years per count (up to 20 if serious bodily injury results)
• Anti-Kickback Violations: Up to 10 years per violation
• Civil FCA Liability: Treble damages plus civil monetary penalties per claim
• Additional: Ineligibility for all federal health care programs

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

Health care fraud under federal law is defined as knowingly and willfully executing — or attempting to execute — a scheme to defraud any health care benefit program, or to obtain money or property from a health care benefit program by means of false or fraudulent pretenses. As opposed to Medicare fraud, these charges can be made whether you allegedly defrauded the government's healthcare programs or a private insurance company.

You can face federal charges in some cases, but it's more common for these to be state charges. 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 Compton, 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 companies, office workers, and support staff have all faced prosecution depending on their level of involvement.

Potential Penalties:

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

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

Home health fraud, at a fundamental level, it involves the same alleged act (lying in order to receive health care benefits). This one in particular is related to in-home health services — such as skilled nursing visits, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and home health aide services. In order to be eligible for Medicare reimbursement, the person receiving care must be homebound and require skilled care. Because of the particulars of the definition, these cases can vary wildly from one another.

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 Compton, 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.

Warning: The United States' Stark Law makes it a crime for a doctor to refer a medicare patient to a home health company, if the doctor makes money from that company. Outside of the criminal case, you can face fines, need to pay restitution, and be excluded from Medicare — to make matters worse, you can be convicted of violating this law even if you unintentionally broke it.

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 Compton, CA

Violent crime charges and theft charges often go hand in hand in Compton, CA. This can occur if you're charged with robbery. A person commits robbery when they take something directly from another person by force. As opposed to burglary, the alleged theft occurred away from the alleged victim. Carjacking is similar to this—it involves the forceful taking of a vehicle, as opposed to grand theft auto which does not require violence or threats.

However, some thefts which did not start out violent can end up involving violence. Home invasion charges can start out as regular burglary, with the alleged offender not intending to commit violence, but that changes when they run into another person.

Extortion relies more on threats than actual violence to commit a theft. When one person commits extortion, they threaten another in order to get something from them. The alleged offender doesn't necessarily need to threaten physical violence, but it can consist of any form of harm to the victim, including emotional or reputational. As an example, if a person would commit extortion if she saw a man commit a crime, and threatened to turn him in if he didn't pay her.

Robbery, Extortion & Force-Related Theft

When theft involves force, fear, or coercion, the penalties increase dramatically. These charges are always felonies and often carry strike designations. Immediate Compton, 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. All robbery charges in California are felonies.

California distinguishes between first-degree robbery (committed against someone in an inhabited structure, a taxi/rideshare driver, or while using an ATM) and second-degree robbery (all other cases). First-degree robbery carries significantly higher penalties.

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

Extortion occurs when someone threatens another person — with violence, property damage, accusation of a crime, or exposure of damaging information — in order to obtain money, property, or an official act. 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.

Possible Penalties:

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

Burglary Charges We Fight in Compton, CA

Burglary is often charged along with theft in Compton, CA. California defines burglary as entering a location without permission in order to steal something or break a different law. In most cases, this is a building, like a storefront (in which case it would be commercial burglary), but not always. For example, if you allegedly smashed a car window to take something from the glovebox, that would fall under burglary of a vehicle.

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

Burglary Related Charges

Shoplifting also involves the theft of items from a store, similar to commercial burglary. In fact, before 2014, what you think of as shoplifting would be classified as burglary under California law. But as we discussed above a new law Proposition 47 (officially the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act), a ballot initiative passed by California voters on November 4, 2014 that distinguishes shoplifting as specifically attempting to steal merchandise from a business during regular business hours. It took effect immediately and made several changes to reduce penalties for certain nonviolent property and drug crimes. One key reform was distinguishing shoplifting as a specific misdemeanor offense and preventing it from being charged as burglary (a "wobbler" that could be a felony) in qualifying cases.

Another related charge is vandalism. You can be charged with vandalism in California if you purposely damage another person's property, such as by 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 Compton, CA, making it all the more important to get a top quality theft crimes lawyer to fight for your freedom.

Lastly, even if you don't commit a theft, you can face related charges in Compton, CA. 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

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

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

In California, first-degree burglary, sometimes called residential burglary, involves going to someone's dwelling place with the intent to commit a theft or any felony inside. This means that you can be found guilty even without actually committing theft. The intent at the moment of entry is the key to burglary charges.

This charge is always a felony and will add a strike to your record upon a conviction. Outside of violent crimes, first-degree burglary is one of the worst theft charges you can face in California, and Compton, CA courts treat it extremely harshly because it involves violation of someone's home. Without the right theft crimes defense lawyer, you're fighting an uphill battle

Possible Penalties:

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

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

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

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

Potential Penalties:

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

Burglary of a Vehicle — California Penal Code § 459

Vehicle burglary is similar to residential or commercial burglary — it also involves unlawfully entering a location, but in this case, that location is a vehicle. A typical example of this would be an alleged offender breaking into a car to steal a backpack or wallet within. The details of this charge are different from case to case, because burglary of a vehicle could either be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor.

Key distinction: Stealing from an unlocked vehicle does not qualify for a burglary charge. This is still against the law, but the burglary enhancement requires that the vehicle was secured in some way.

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. Compton, CA, prosecutors take these charges extremely seriously and often push for harsh punishments. Without the help of an experienced theft crimes lawyer, you could be looking at over a decade in prison.

While it's possible to be charged with home invasion on its own, it's rare — more often, they'll be accompanied with additional theft and/or violence charges. If you are up against home invasion charges, you need defense attorneys that can give you top-quality service, and you need them right away.

Potential Penalties:

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

Property & Related 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 that are cheaply listed, without knowing their full history, or from unknown sellers, does not make you guilty.

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.

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

Trespassing is another property crime, though it doesn't involve stealing (directly). Trespassing is when one person goes onto someone else's property when they aren't supposed to be, and/or refuses to exit. In the context of theft crimes, trespassing charges frequently accompany burglary or other property offense charges — because burglary inherently involves unauthorized entry.

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

Perjury — California Penal Code § 118

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: Speaking to the police at all is a risk, and it's even worse if you lie to them. By keeping a theft crimes lawyer on hand, you can avoid perjury charges and build a strong defense.

Potential Penalties:

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

Specialized & Enhanced Charges

Elder Theft, Firearm Theft, Looting & Attempted Crimes

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

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

Stealing a gun is extra serious in California — while the usual threshold for stealing something to be considered 'grand theft' is $950, there is no minimum value if the item stolen was a gun. This means the theft of even a low-value firearm results in a felony charge. Grand theft of a firearm is considered a serious felony and can count as a strike under California's Three Strikes law.

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 find an attorney who is able to protect you from even the toughest opponents.

Possible Penalties:

• Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
• Strike: Serious felony — potential strike offense
• Federal: Additional federal charges possible

Theft from an Elder / Financial Elder Abuse — Welfare & Institutions Code § 15610.30

Vulnerable adults, notably people 65 and older, are given extra protection in the California legal system. You can be accused of financial elder abuse (also known as theft from an elder) if you were allegedly in a position of trust for an older adult, and took advantage of their money.

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

Examples: Caregiver overcharging for services; family member exerting undue influence over an elder's finances; fake contractor promises work but never completes it; phising emails that impersonate loved ones.

Possible 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. These cases are prosecuted especially hard under California Penal Code § 463, which increases the minimum penalties for many charges.

If the enhanced penalties weren't enough on their own, the Compton, CA, prosecuting attorney is likely going to go the extra mile for looting whenever possible. Looting is considered a way of taking advantage of Compton while it's at its most vulnerable, and judges are never pleased by this. Looting of a business that is closed due to a civil disturbance, or taking property from an evacuated residence, commonly triggers these charges.

Potential Penalties (Enhanced):

• Petty Theft → Looting: Misdemeanor with mandatory jail (no OR release)
• Commercial Burglary → Looting: Felony — 16 months to 3 years
• Residential Burglary → Looting: Felony — 2 to 6 years
• Bail: Often denied or set very high during emergency periods

Attempted Theft, Attempted Burglary & Attempted Robbery

Even if the supposed burglary or robbery failed, attempted theft charges will still apply. Attempted theft, burglary, or robbery in California needs to include: (1) a mental state of deliberate criminal activity, and (2) a tangible step is taken towards breaking the law — 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.

Even though they are not successful, attempted robbery and attempted burglary can still leave a strike on your criminal record. 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 contact our firm, you can speak with an expert theft crimes lawyer in Compton, CA, who will listen to your side of the story and build a defense around that. Together, we will fight for the best outcomes possible in your case.

What to Do if You're Accused of Theft

Being charged with theft can be intimidating. You're up against the Compton, CA, prosecutor's office, not everyone will believe your side of the story, and a conviction could derail your life. Trying to handle it yourself, it can seem impossible.

But you have another option. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is here to help. With one of our Compton, CA, theft crimes lawyers on your case, you'll get honest, personalized legal advice on how to achieve the best outcome possible. Here are the steps we recommend taking:

1. Comply With the Police

Nobody wants to be arrested. However, don't resist. Respectfully complying with the police officers will make the process go smoother. Refusing to comply can only make things worse.

2. Keep Calm and Don't Talk

There's a chance you'll be interviewed or interrogated – invoke your right to remain silent. In fact, don't even talk on the ride to the station. Anything you say can be used as evidence against you, and if anything you say is untruthful, you can be charged with perjury.

3. Call a Compton, CA, Theft Crimes Defense Attorney ASAP

In California, you will be given the opportunity to make three completed phone calls after being arrested. One of these should be to your theft crimes lawyer. Acting fast is important to protect your freedom. You can reach us at (800) 755-5174, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

4. Secure Bail for Release

Your lawyer can help argue for your release at a bail hearing. Our firm's theft crimes defense attorneys will argue against the prosecution for your release. Your rights and freedom matter, no matter what you've been accused of.

5. Cooperate With Your Lawyer 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 Compton, CA, will listen to your story, negotiate for deals with the prosecution, and fight for charges to be dismissed wherever possible.

Powerful Defense Strategies for Theft Charges

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

Lack of Intent / Claim of Right Defense in Theft Cases

Lack of intent is a common criminal defense strategy, and is particularly applicable in theft cases. In Compton, CA, intent to commit theft specifically requires someone to plan to permanently take someone else's property away. Where that intent cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, no theft conviction can stand regardless of the circumstances of the taking.

A related defense is the "claim of right" defense, where someone states that they believed they were allowed to take the property. This applies as long as they honestly believed they were allowed to, even if they were incorrect. 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. More related defenses include: mistake of fact (the accused took something that they thought was theirs); voluntary intoxication (this does not always apply, but can limit intent in some cases); and absence of permanence (applicable in cases where someone took an item without permission, but also planned to bring it back).

Key point: This is a major hurdle for the prosecution in any theft case. Challenging the intent element is not simply a fallback strategy. This is a key part of nearly all theft defenses, particularly in cases involving family disagreements, where sometimes people can forget about who the formal owner of a piece of property is and unintentionally misuse it.

Defense Application:

• Grand Theft: Charges may not apply if there was no intention to keep the allegedly stolen item
• Embezzlement: Challenges the fraudulent conversion element
• Fraud / False Pretenses: 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 Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I, Section 13 of the California Constitution protect individuals against unreasonable searches and seizures. In many criminal cases, how the evidence was obtained is just as important as what it is. If the authorities broke the law, the evidence can be thrown out and the district attorney may not be able to move forward with your case.

Here are some of the reasons that evidence is thrown out in theft cases: warrantless searches of vehicles, homes, or persons without valid legal justification; searches resulting from a warrant that was based on false information; arrests without probable cause leading to an invalid search at the time of the arrest; GPS tracking or digital surveillance conducted without appropriate legal authority; and searches that exceeded the scope 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.

When evidence is suppressed under the exclusionary rule, prosecutors often cannot proceed with charges at all. Even partial suppression — if the court allows some evidence but not all of it — can make a big difference. Suppression motions are fully litigated in Compton, CA, courts, and are a standard component of aggressive defense in all property crime cases.

Suppression Scenarios:

• Warrantless Home Entry: Except in special circumstances, if evidence was taken from your home without a warrant, it can be thrown out
• Vehicle Searches: Require a warrant, permission, or a recognized exception such as probable cause
• Digital Evidence / Cell Phones: Require a warrant under Riley v. California (2014)
• Fruit of the Poisonous Tree: Evidence derived from an illegal search may also be excluded

False Accusation / Misidentification

Whether because of malice or a simple mistake, sometimes innocent people get accused of theft in Compton, CA. False accusations can stem from personal disagreements, witnesses mistaking the defendant for someone else, misunderstandings about ownership, errors in surveillance footage interpretation, 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 Compton, CA, often aren't the result of malice, but of a witness making an error. In theft, robbery, and burglary cases, the high intensity of the circumstances can lead to witnesses not remembering details clearly — most notably across racial lines, if they didn't have a clear sightline, or when the perpetrator was briefly seen. Studies consistently show that witness confidence does not correlate with accuracy. While this can unfortunately lead to false accusations, the benefit is that it provides several defensive avenues in Compton, CA, court.

Defense strategies in false accusation cases include: showing that the defendant was elsewhere at the time of the crime; showing issues with how eyewitness identifications were obtained; exposing bias or motive on the part alleged victim; presenting expert testimony on the science of human memory and eyewitness reliability; and highlighting inconsistencies between witness statements made at different points in time.

If you are innocent: Stay away from witnesses, do not attempt to gather evidence independently, and do not attempt to explain your innocence to police without your theft defense 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 — In some cases, the Compton, CA, prosecutor must prove you knew the property was obtained through theft. We challenge this element aggressively — many people unknowingly purchase stolen goods with no way to verify their origin.

Consent / Permission — 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. It's not illegal to use someone else's property if you had permission.

Constitutional Violations — Beyond the 4th amendment, we will thoroughly review your case to see if the state violated your rights in the course of the investigation. If they did, we will argue for the evidence to be thrown out and/or for the case to be dismissed.

Diversion Programs — Particularly for offenders without a record, California offers sentencing alternatives 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 — The difference between petty theft and grand theft — misdemeanor vs. felony — can hinge on the dollar value of what was allegedly stolen. 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, as long as you've finished probation, you can ask for a guilty or no contest plea to be removed — a process commonly called an expungement. To be eligible, the defendant generally must have: successfully done all that was asked of you as a part of probation, such as paying fines and restitution; not currently be charged with, on probation for, or serving a sentence for any other offense; and — following recent changes in the law — in many cases, must not have served time in state prison (though SB 731 and related reforms have expanded relief options for some state prison cases).

If you were not given probation, there are still options for you — Penal Code § 1203.4a provides another form of conviction relief. Arguably, the best cases are those which were dismissed without any form of conviction. In these cases, instead of expunging the conviction, the arrest record can be sealed.

Expungement under § 1203.4 carries meaningful practical benefits: Of note, job applications become a lot easier, as you won't have to mention your conviction. However, there are still some restrictions in the expungement process — it does not restore firearm rights, does not prevent the conviction from being used in subsequent criminal proceedings, and doesn't restore health care or other professional licenses. Senate Bill 731 (effective July 1, 2023) provides additional expungement assistance for individuals in Compton, CA who don't break any other laws after finishing their sentence, if enough time has passed.

Critical Note: Expungement under § 1203.4 does not seal the record from law enforcement, licensing boards, or subsequent criminal proceedings. If your goal is for the record to be totally inaccessible, restoration of firearm rights, 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: Charges dismissed after successful probation completion
• PC § 1203.4a: Relief for misdemeanors without probation (available 1 year after the 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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Theft Charges in Compton, CA

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


What you are charged with is primarily determined by how much whatever was supposedly taken was worth. Property valued at $950 or less results in petty theft charges (usually a misdemeanor). Property valued above $950 — or involving specific categories like firearms or vehicles — is grand theft (a wobbler that can be a misdemeanor or felony). Both require an attorney, but grand theft charges demand urgent and aggressive representation.

Does California allow me to expunge my record from a theft crime?


Often, yes. California Penal Code § 1203.4 allows for expungement of misdemeanor and many felony theft convictions after successful completion of probation. If you want to leave the past behind and move on with your life, this can be a major step forward. Your theft crimes lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared to explore this as an option for your case and walk you through the process if so.

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


First-time shoplifting charges in California are typically misdemeanors under Proposition 47 (for amounts under $950). Additionally, we can often secure alternative sentencing options which will keep you out of jail. Working with a criminal defense lawyer can significantly improve your odds of avoiding a conviction and protecting your record.

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


Receiving stolen property (PC § 496) requires that you knew — or had good reason to know — the property was stolen. If you sincerely weren't aware and had no reasonable basis to suspect it, that is a strong defense. This is a strategy we frequently lean on in receiving stolen property cases. That said, circumstances like strangely good deal or no documentation of ownership can lessen the strength of your defense, making it imperative that you hire a skillful theft crimes lawyer.

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


Extremely. You're probably looking at felony charges, with higher prison time, fines, and long-lasting record impacts. If you have any prior convictions, you may also face enhanced sentencing. Get in touch with one of our attorneys right away at (800) 755-5174.

What is a "wobbler" offense in California?


The state of California defines several offenses as "wobblers," which can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. The prosecuting attorney makes this call based on the circumstances of the alleged crime. Several theft-related offenses — such as grand theft, commercial burglary, receiving stolen property, and forgery — are wobblers. As your theft crimes lawyer, we will argue for misdemeanor charges if you are facing a wobbler, to protect your record and freedom.

Will I go to jail for a theft charge?


You can avoid jail in many cases, actually. Compton, CA courts have sentencing alternatives that will give you an alternative to incarceration, particularly for misdemeanors and first-time offenders. Even felony charges often have options short of state prison. The answer depends heavily on your specific charge, criminal history, and the quality of your legal representation. Call our firm 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 or not you committed theft is irrelevant — the prosecution's goal is to show that you trespassed and had that event. Because of this, intent evidence — and challenging how it's proven — is central to burglary defense.

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Looking for a Compton, CA, Theft Lawyer? Contact Our Team to Defend Your Freedom.

Without a theft crimes lawyer, it's easy to make mistakes that put you at a disadvantage. Our lawyers are equipped to defend you — no matter when you need us. You can call our attorneys today to start building your defense.

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