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Theft Lawyer El Monte, CA. Accusations. Arrests. Criminal charges. Theft charges in particular can be complex because of the wide variety of them. Without help, it's easy to find yourself in a spot where you feel hopeless.

Even when you're at your lowest point, don't give up yet. You have a team who will defend your freedom: The Law Offices of David S. Chesley. Our attorneys have what it takes to guard your freedom against the prosecution. With a El Monte, CA, theft crimes lawyer from our team at your side, you're going to get honest advice on how to get the best outcome possible.

Discuss your case with a theft crimes lawyer now at (800) 755-5174 or send us a note online for a private review of your case at no cost. Waiting too long to reach out can cost you everything.

How a El Monte, CA, Theft Lawyer Can Help You

Theft charges need to be treated seriously, regardless of whether or not you're innocent. If you don't have an attorney, you're stuck trying to decipher a convoluted legal system and make it more likely that you'll face the following:

1. Jail Sentence: Most theft charges in El Monte, CA, carry a potential jail sentence of six months or more.
2. Fines: On top of paying back the value of whatever was stolen, fines can give you a serious financial burden.
3. Loss of Employmnet: Extended stints in jail can prevent you from doing your job, and cause you to lose it.
4. Reputational Damage: You can face unfair and unjust labels that get in the way of your moving on with your life.
5. And more.

To maximize your chances of replacing these consequences with freedom, you'll need a El Monte, CA theft crimes lawyer on your case. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is ready to help. Look at what makes us the right attorneys for the job:

Top Qualities of Our El Monte, CA Theft Defense Attorneys

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

• A Team Of Former District Attorneys & Judges — We have experience and insights from our time in other areas of the law. We know what weaknesses to exploit.
• Deep Court Relationships — Decades of practice in El Monte, 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 — Misdemeanor or felony, we build your defense to be trial-ready. Even if your case doesn't end up in trial, this gives us more leverage for negotiations.
• Record Expungement Services — Our representation doesn't end at the verdict. Don't let an arrest or criminal record hold you back — speak with one of our El Monte, CA, criminal defense attorneys to discuss expungement options.
• Superb Reputation – We are well-known for our tenacious representation.
• Ready for Your Call Right Away — Our team is available whenever you need us most. You can reach a theft crimes attorney any time of day or night — because waiting until Monday morning can cost you critical opportunities.
• Totally Private — Everything you tell us is protected by attorney-client privilege. Speak freely — we need the full story to build the strongest possible defense for you.

Every Theft Charge We Defend in El Monte, CA

Click any charge below to navigate 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

Theft Charges We Fight in El Monte, CA

At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we're experienced in defending against charges of theft. Should you need a theft crimes lawyer in El Monte, CA, act fast: contact us now for a free, confidential consultation.

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

Petty Theft Charges vs Grand Theft Charges

In El Monte, CA, many theft accusations fall under one of these two charges: Petty theft and grand theft. You can face these charges for taking someone's possessions without their consent. The main difference is the amount that was supposedly taken: For anything $950 or less, the classification will typically be petty theft, while any more will ordinarily be grand theft.

Fighting petty theft allegations often lead to more positive outcomes, in part because they are often misdemeanors. On the other hand, defending grand theft charges normally is a greater challenge, because it is more likely to be a felony. In either case, it's always important to have a theft crimes lawyer in your corner to minimize the consequences.

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

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. 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 Proposition 47, most shoplifting charges are misdemeanors. Keep in mind, though, that 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 El Monte, CA theft crimes lawyer can help protect you from the worst consequences.

Organized retail theft (multiple defendants or repeat offenses coordinated to steal from retailers) is increasingly prosecuted aggressively by El Monte, 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

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

Petty Theft with a Prior — California Penal Code § 666

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 El Monte, CA, to increase exposure for repeat offenders, even when the underlying theft involves a modest amount.

To activate this sentencing enhancement, the prosecution must establish: (1) the accused is guilty of petty theft; and (2) the accused has previously been found guilty for certain crimes, mostly theft related — 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. While most of the applicable prior convictions are theft related, they also include some sexual and violent crimes.

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: Previous theft, burglary, robbery, or carjacking convictions

Vehicle Theft Charges We Fight in El Monte, CA

We will fight against all sorts of vehicle theft crimes in El Monte, 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 the state's 'grand theft' law, which universally characterizes stealing a vehicle as 'grand theft', even if it wasn't worth more than $950.

Grand theft auto charges are usually used when the defendant allegedly didn't intend to return the vehicle. On the other hand, if the alleged offender wasn't going to keep it, they're more likely to face charges of joyriding. While each of these vehicle crimes are 'wobbler' offenses, in El Monte, 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". Just like 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.

At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you'll partner with a vehicle theft crimes lawyer who has relationships with the local courts and can argue for reduced charges in many cases. Reach out now to start defending your rights.

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

Grand theft auto is not a standalone California crime — 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 El Monte, 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. This is because § 10851 applies whether or not the alleged offender was going to return the automobile. If you deprive someone of their vehicle with any intentions, this law applies.

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

Joyriding — California Vehicle Code § 10851

Joyriding charges focus on intent. If you allegedly drove a car without permission, but brought it back afterwards, that would be joyriding. But if you did the same thing and planned to keep the vehicle, that would be grand theft. Even though it's not normally as bad as grand theft auto, it can still be charged as a felony. To protect your freedom, you need an experienced El Monte, CA, vehicle theft crimes lawyer to build you a solid defense.

In most circumstances, El Monte, CA, joyriding cases are handled as misdemeanors. However, prior criminal history or aggravating circumstances can push it to a felony.

Carjacking — California Penal Code § 215

If you had to pick the worst vehicle theft crime to be charged with, carjacking would be a leading contender. It is defined as taking a motor vehicle from another person through force or fear — essentially a robbery of a car. Because this action involves violence, carjacking is always a felony and is often ineligible for probation.

The impacts of a carjacking conviction are far-reaching, as they include a "strike" on your record. This increases the penalty for future criminal convictions.

Potential Penalties:

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

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

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

Potential Penalties:

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

White Collar Crime Charges We Defend in El Monte, CA

White collar crimes in El Monte, CA, vary widely in context and action, but they all 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 when one person steals money that they were in charge of, but was not their own. Money laundering can be done by an individual or an operation, and involves attempts to disguise illegal money as money that was legally earned. Meanwhile, bribery is about illegal gifts done for a favor or another benefit. An example of this would be an employee giving money to their boss in exchange for a promotion.

Not all white-collar crimes are transactional in nature, though (at least at first glance). Forgery can be as simple as signing another person's signature without permission, and identity theft is the taking of another person's personal information. In both forgery and identity theft cases, you don't need to have stolen someone else's money to be found guilty.

Embezzlement, Money Laundering, Bribery & More

It's easy to think that white collar accusations aren't taken as seriously as violent crimes in El Monte, CA, but you'd be wrong. The punishments can be dire — incarceration, financial penalties, major career setbacks, and long-lasting reputational damage. 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

There isn't a set list of "white collar crimes," but they do tend to have some qualities in common, particularly that they are non-violent and are related to one's workplace. These charges will include the element of deceit, breach of trust, or abuse of a professional for personal benefit. These cases are some of the most complicated in El Monte, CA, and normally require highly experienced representation to defend.

White collar cases are often investigated for months or even years before charges are filed. If you believe you are under investigation — or have received a subpoena, a target letter, or a visit from federal agents — call us immediately. 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 key element is the pre-existing lawful access — alleged embezzlement offenders had honest ways to access the supposedly stolen or misused goods.

Common contexts: A company credit card holder using it for personal purchases; 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 non-profit director misusing donated funds.

Possible Penalties:

• Under $950: Misdemeanor — up to 6 months jail
• Over $950: Felony — up to 3 years prison
• Large Amounts: Enhanced sentences up to 10+ years
• Additional: Full restitution, employment restrictions

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 typically involves three stages: placement (adding the dirty money into the legitimate financial system), layering (disguising the trail through complex transactions), and integration (making the funds appear legitimate).

California's money laundering law is set to combat financial actions higher than $5,000 that involved illegally obtained funds, so long as the person involved knew they were illegal. Federal money laundering charges (18 U.S.C. § 1956) can also apply, which tends to have much harsher penalties.

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 people in certain positions of power. California law targets multiple forms of bribery — that of government officials, judges, lawmakers, business executives, witnesses, and even private commercial bribery. Regardless of what position you're in, a El Monte, CA, theft crimes lawyer is important 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 can be charged in El Monte, CA. Even if the potential recipient declines the bribe, you could still face charges just for attempting it.

Possible Penalties:

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

Forgery — California Penal Code § 470

Forgery involves creating, altering, or using a false document with intent to defraud. State law is broad and covers checks, money orders, stock certificates, deeds, wills, court orders, notary public symbols, identification documents, and many other types of written instruments.

What if I didn't steal anything with it? Whether or not you allegedly did something with the forgery is irrelevant. Just the plan to commit fraud, in addition to 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

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

Crucially: You can be found guilty even if the alleged victim didn't lose any money. Just obtaining and using another person's information without a legal reason is enough to violate California law. Because of this, you need to hire an expert theft crimes lawyer whatever the particular of your situation.

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

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 El Monte, CA

Fraud encompasses a variety of specific theft types in El Monte, CA. Broadly speaking, someone who commits theft by lying about something in order to get another person to give away money voluntarily can be convicted of fraud. Theft by false pretenses is is one of the more common version of fraud.

Insurance fraud is a popular type of fraud in El Monte, CA, wherein someone lies on an insurance claim to increase their benefit. For example, if someone were to hide their valuable property and claim it was stollen, that person commits insurance fraud.

A related fraud crime is welfare fraud, where a person lies about their current circumstances to receive extra assistance from the government. 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.

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

Different Kinds of Fraud, False Pretenses & Financial Deception

You could face accusations of fraud in El Monte, CA, for a wide variety of actions — in most cases, it's a small, individual action, but there have been massive systems of fraud as well. 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 — the foundational fraud offense — occurs when one person lies to someone else, who then freely gives up something of value based on the false information. 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; collecting donations for a nonexistent charity.

The charge level (misdemeanor vs. felony) depends on the value of the property obtained through fraud, using the same $950 threshold as petty/grand theft.

Insurance Fraud — California Penal Code § 550

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 El Monte, CA. A leading theft crimes lawyer will defend your freedom and negotiation with the prosecutor to help you find the best outcome possible

Common 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; double billing for a health service.

Potential Penalties:

• Felony Prison Sentence: 2, 3, or 5 years
• Fines: Up to $150,000 or double the fraud amount
• Restitution: Give the amount defrauded back to the alleged victim
• Additional: Career and job restrictions/penalties

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

Credit card fraud charges in El Monte, CA, go beyond credit cards and involve the misuse of financial account access information. Charges can occur if someone is caught using another individual's card without authorization, using a card that has been stolen or counterfeited, using an account number without physical possession of the card, or fraudulently acquiring or selling card account information.

Note on federal charges: You are likely to face both federal and state charges, particularly when cards are used across state lines or online. You're more likely to face harsh penalties from the federal charges, increasing the importance of having a leading theft crimes lawyer who knows the ins and outs of both state and national law.

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

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

Common examples: Failing to report income; misrepresenting household composition; Trading or selling food stamps; pretending that a child is still a dependent when they are not; not reporting new circumstances that would end benefits eligibility.

Welfare fraud investigations are conducted by county district attorney welfare fraud units and can result in both criminal charges and demands for repayment of all benefits received. A local El Monte, CA, theft crimes lawyer can dissect the prosecution's case and boost your chances of a positive outcome.

Potential Penalties:

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

Additional: Loss of future benefit eligibility

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

Hospice fraud 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 be eligible forMedicare hospice benefits, the person being treated must have a projected lifespan of six months or less if the illness runs its normal course — a threshold that fraudulent providers routinely falsify.

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 El Monte, 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. A qui tam relator (whistleblower) can trigger a False Claims Act lawsuit resulting in treble damages and civil penalties entirely separate from any criminal indictment. Providers are often unaware that an investigation is underway until a search warrant is executed.

Potential Penalties:

• Federal Prison: Up to 10 years per count (18 U.S.C. § 1347)
• Civil FCA Liability: Treble damages plus $13,000–$27,000 per false claim
• State Charges: Up to 5 years (CA Penal Code § 550)
• Extra: Exclusion from Medicare/Medi-Cal programs; license revocation

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

Medicare fraud allegations go beyond that of a typical theft. As the name would suggest, these are accusations that someone took undeserved benefits from the government's Medicare program. 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 El Monte, CA theft lawyer who has your back.

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

Warning: The Anti-Kickback Statute (42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7b) makes it a federal crime to offer, pay, solicit, or receive anything of value to induce referrals of Medicare-covered services. Violations can arise even when the underlying medical service was legitimately provided. Providers and referrers are both at risk of prosecution under these circumstances.

Potential Penalties:

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

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

Health care fraud 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. These allegations apply in broader situations than Medicare, including when a non-governmental insurance agency is involved.

You can face federal charges in some cases, but it's more common for these to be state charges. California's statute specifically addresses false or misleading statements made in connection with insurance claims, including the submission of multiple claims for a single loss and the preparation of false medical reports. Without an expert El Monte, CA theft lawyer, you could be stuck trying to sift through mountains of medical billing records and other specialized evidence on your own. Physicians, billing organizations, office workers, and clerks have all been accused of this violation at various points in time.

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. In order to be eligible for Medicare reimbursement, the care recipient must be homebound and require skilled care. Home health fraud exploits this framework in a variety of ways.

A patient could be accused of this if they had a less serious condition, but claimed it was more dire, in order to receive in-home assistance. Meanwhile, a provider could be charged if a health service team member performs unneeded medical services in order to drive up bills. Home health fraud charges in El Monte, 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.

Important: The Physician Self-Referral Law (Stark Law, 42 U.S.C. § 1395nn) prohibits physicians from referring Medicare patients to home health entities in which they have a financial interest. Violations result in civil monetary penalties and Medicare exclusion entirely separate from any criminal prosecution — and a Stark Law violation does not require proof of intent.

Potential Penalties:

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

Violent Theft Charges We Fight in El Monte, CA

Violent crime charges and theft charges often go hand in hand in El Monte, CA. This can occur if you're charged with robbery. A person commits robbery when they take something directly from another person by force. This is in contrast to burglary, where the alleged victim is not present during the act. Carjacking can be compared to grand theft auto in the same way.

That said, sometimes what started out as a burglary can end up with violent crime charges. Home invasion charges can start out as regular burglary, with the alleged offender not intending to commit violence, but that changes when they run into another person.

Extortion is a unique form of theft. If someone says they will hurt another person unless the alleged victim gives them money, that is extortion. This doesn't always need to include physical violence, but the threat should be to harm the alleged victim in some form or fashion. As an example, if one person had a compromising photo of another and threatened to release it if not given money, that would be extortion.

Robbery, Extortion & Force-Related Theft

If you allegedly threatened or attacked someone in the course of committing theft, your case is even more serious. You're almost guaranteed to be facing felony charges. It's essential to get a theft crimes lawyer in El Monte, CA to protect your freedom.

Robbery — California Penal Code § 211

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

Your robbery charge in El Monte, 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.

Possible Penalties:

• 1st Degree Prison: 3, 4, or 6 years
• 2nd Degree Prison: 2, 3, or 5 years
• Weapon Use: +3 to 10 years
• Three Strikes: Yes — serious felony

Extortion (Blackmail) — California Penal Code § 518

Extortion occurs when someone threatens another person — with violence, property damage, accusation of a crime, or exposure of damaging information — in order to obtain money, property, or an official act. 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 release private photos unless money is provided; 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 Fight in El Monte, CA

Burglary technically isn't always a theft crime, but it is closely related. In California, you can be charged with this crime if you break into a site to either commit theft or break a different law. In most cases, this is a structure, like a convenience store (which would make it commercial burglary), but not always. For example, if you allegedly broke a car window to take something from the glovebox, that would fall under burglary of a vehicle.

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

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. However, 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. These changes had an immediate impact, even for people who had already been convicted. Today, shoplifting is no longer a subset of burglary offenses in El Monte, CA, and faces more lenient penalties if convicted.

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 El Monte, CA, heightening your need for an expert theft crimes lawyer to defend you.

Lastly, there is a theft charge you can be accused of in El Monte, CA, even if you didn't steal something. How does this happen? 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

California burglary law is broader than most people realize — these charges apply when someone tresspasses on a property while planning to break the law, though it doesn't have to be a theft law specifically.

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

First-degree burglary involves entering an inhabited dwelling — someone's home, apartment, or any place where people live — for the purpose of committing a theft or any felony inside. You do not have to actually steal anything. The reason that you went there is the key to burglary charges.

Residential burglary is always a felony and is considered a "strike" offense. This is one of the most serious theft-adjacent charges in California law, and El Monte, 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

Potential 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

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

Your theft crimes lawyer in El Monte, CA will need to be acutely aware of the difference between shoplifting and commercial burglary — this could be key in getting your charges reduced, if possible.

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: Stealing from an unlocked vehicle does not qualify for a burglary charge. This is still against the law, but for it to be burglary, the vehicle must have been protected.

Home Invasion Burglary With Violence — California Penal Code § 459 / § 211

At the intersection of burglary and violent crimes are home invasion charges. This is treated as one of the gravest offenses in the California penal code, and prosecutors pursue maximum penalties. Without the help of an experienced theft crimes lawyer, you could be looking at over a decade in prison.

Home invasion burglary frequently brings multiple charges simultaneously — first-degree burglary, robbery, assault, and potentially kidnapping — all carrying their own prison terms, often served consecutively. If you are facing home invasion charges, you need a law firm with a track record of success, and you need them as soon as possible.

Possible Penalties:

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

Property & Other Offenses

Receiving Stolen Property, Vandalism & Trespassing

While no criminal theft charges are truly 'simple,' they are made far more complex when they are compounded with related or adjacent charges. Your El Monte, CA, theft crimes lawyer will need to balance all of the allegations and form a narrative to defeat them.

Receiving Stolen Property — California Penal Code § 496

You don't have to steal something to face theft-related criminal charges. 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. This knowledge element is often where we can mount an effective defense. Buying items at an unusually low price, without knowing their full history, or from unknown sellers, does not prove that you were aware the items were stolen.

Potential Penalties:

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

Vandalism — California Penal Code § 594

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 El Monte, CA.

The threshold for felony vandalism in California is $400 or more in damage — a much lower bar than for theft offenses.

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 many cases, because thefts often involve entering a location where one is not supposed to be, trespassing is charged alongside other offenses.

Without compounding charges, trespassing is most often charged as a misdemeanor or infraction. However, El Monte, CA, prosecutors can also use it as a part of a case for more serious charges. Fighting these charges is often a matter of whether or not the alleged offender did in fact have permission or the right to be there.

Perjury — California Penal Code § 118

Perjury 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: Anything you say during an investigation or prosecution can be used to support a perjury charge if it's later shown to be false. This is why we always advise clients to say nothing without a theft crimes attorney present.

Possible Penalties:

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

Specialized & Enhanced Charges

Elder Theft, Firearm Theft, Looting & Attempted Crimes

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. Due to this stealing even a nearly worthless 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.

As if fighting the charges in your local El Monte, CA court weren't bad enough, you could also find yourself up against federal charges. The combination of state and federal exposure makes this one of the most legally complex theft charges you can face. And it's even more 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.

The prosecution in El Monte, CA, does not take these charges lightly and usually pursues harsh penalties. This is further exacerbated if the alleged victim is 70 or older, which can lead to increased penalties. Civil liability and restitution orders frequently accompany criminal proceedings, and Adult Protective Services involvement can complicate cases further.

Common scenarios: Caregiver taking money from a client's account; family member exerting undue influence over an elder's finances; contractor overcharging vulnerable seniors; fraudulent investment schemes targeting retirees.

Potential Penalties:

• Base Sentence: Same as underlying theft offense
• Enhancement (65+): +1 year consecutive if loss $65,000–$200,000
• Enhancement (70+): Additional consecutive years for large losses
• Civil Liability: Up to 3× damages in civil court

Looting — California Penal Code § 463

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 El Monte, CA — a city prone to wildfires, earthquakes, and civil unrest events — looting charges have been prosecuted with particular vigor. During declared states of emergency, prosecutors seek the harshest available penalties, and courts are generally unsympathetic. 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

Even if the supposed burglary or robbery failed, attempted theft charges will still apply. For it to be considered an attempt, the prosecution needs to prove two things: (1) the specific intent to commit the crime, and (2) some form of action that furthers the criminal ends — whatever the outcome was.

The general rule is that attempted crimes are punished at half the sentence of the completed offense. So attempted robbery carries half the prison exposure of robbery. However, this is still a serious criminal conviction with lasting consequences.

Attempted burglary and attempted robbery are still strike offenses in California. We frequently challenge attempted charges by contesting the intent element or the nature of the "direct act" alleged.

Regardless of what charge you're facing, when you call our firm, you can connect with an expert theft crimes lawyer in El Monte, CA, who has the training and experience needed to find a path forward. As a team, we will defend your rights and your freedom.

5 Steps to Take When Accused of Theft

Theft allegations are just the tip of the iceberg. The El Monte, CA, government is after you, not everyone will believe your side of the story, and you need to defend your reputation as well as your innocence. Trying to handle it yourself, it can seem impossible.

But you're not alone. You have the Law Offices of David S. Chesley on your side. When you work with us, you will get a El Monte, CA, theft crimes lawyer who will listen to your story and advocate for your rights. Here are the steps we recommend taking:

1. Obey the Arresting Officer's Instructions

While it's reasonable to feel angry about being arrested, don't resist. Respectfully complying with the police officers will make the process go smoother. Fighting back can only 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 El Monte, CA, Theft Crimes Defense Attorney ASAP

In California, after you are processed for arrest, you get three phone calls. One of these should be to your theft crimes lawyer. The sooner you hire an expert to help with your case, the better your chances are for a positive outcome. You can reach us at (800) 755-5174, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

4. Secure Bail for Release

Before you can leave the jail, you'll probably have to go through a bail hearing. Our 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. Cooperate With Your Attorney to Create a Defense Strategy

Finally, you work with your attorney to craft a strong defense. An expert theft crimes lawyer in El Monte, CA, will take the time to listen to you, negotiate for deals with the state, and fight for a dismissal wherever possible.

Theft Lawyer Defensive Strategies

Your case is unique — and your defense strategy needs to be tailored to the specific facts, evidence, and accusations. Below, you can read about some of the popular ways we will fight theft cases in El Monte, 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. All theft offenses under California law require that the defendant acted with specific intent to steal — that is, to permanently deprive another person of their property. Where that intent cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, no theft conviction can stand regardless of the circumstances of the taking.

Claim of right is a related defense — if the accused didn't know that they were stealing a piece of property because they thought that they had permission to take it, they would lack the intent needed for a conviction. If 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 principle: The prosecution bears the burden of proving criminal intent beyond a reasonable doubt — the defendant does not have to prove innocence. This isn't merely a backup plan. May defenses against stealing allegations will incorporate intent to some degree, especially in cases involving disputes over ownership, employer-employee disagreements, family property conflicts, or transactions gone wrong.

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 state needs to follow rules when building its case. One critically important one is the 4th Amendment, which stops authorities from performing illegal searches and seizures. In many criminal cases, 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 be unable to proceed.

Common suppression issues in theft and property crime cases include: warrantless searches of vehicles, homes, or persons without valid legal justification; searches conducted under a warrant obtained through false or misleading information in the supporting affidavit; arrests without probable cause leading to an invalid search incident to arrest; GPS tracking or digital surveillance conducted without getting proper approval; and searches that exceeded the scope of a legal warrant. California Penal Code § 1538.5 gives defendants a statutory right to move to suppress evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment — a motion that can be brought at the preliminary hearing stage and can effectively end a prosecution before trial if granted.

If this applies to your case, it can be a major win for your defense. Even partial suppression — if the court allows some evidence but not all of it — can be the difference between a conviction and acquittal. Suppression motions are fully litigated in El Monte, CA, courts, and are an essential tool for the defense when facing theft charges.

Suppression Scenarios:

• Warrantless Home Entry: Evidence obtained from inside a home is generally suppressible absent an exception
• Vehicle Searches: Require a warrant, 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: Evidence derived from an illegal search may also be excluded

False Accusation / Misidentification

The El Monte, CA, investigators and prosecution aren't perfect: Sometimes, they get the wrong guy. False accusations can arise from personal disputes, witnesses mistaking the defendant for someone else, misunderstandings about ownership, errors in surveillance footage interpretation, or deliberate fabrication by a party with a motive to harm the accused. Even if you're innocent, you're still at risk of going to prison for something you didn't do — without a strong defensive strategy, you're gambling with your freedom.

Eyewitness misidentification is one of the leading causes of wrongful convictions nationally. In theft, robbery, and burglary cases, 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. No matter how confident the eyewitness is, there is always room for error. California courts have increasingly recognized this science, and jury instructions now require courts to instruct juries on the inherent limitations of eyewitness identification evidence.

Defense strategies in false accusation cases include: showing that the defendant was elsewhere at the time of the crime; showing issues with how eyewitness identifications were obtained; attacking the character of the accuser; presenting expert testimony on the issues with eyewitness testimony; and challenging inconsistencies between witness statements made at different points in time.

If you are facing false allegations: Do not confront witnesses, do not try to collect evidence yourself, 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. Before speaking to the police, call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley. We're here to protect your rights and defend your innocence.

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

Consent / Permission — Consent regarding your use of the property is a strong defense in El Monte, CA, theft cases. If you had permission to be in a location or to take an item — even if that permission was informal or later disputed — this is a complete defense to theft and burglary charges.

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 — In many cases with offenders with no prior offenses, California offers sentencing alternatives that can protect you from a conviction. This is often a favorable outcome for our clients that we will fight to secure.

Challenging the Value of Property — In many cases, your charges are determined by how much was allegedly taken. Lower amounts lead to lesser charges. You shouldn't face charges that are disproportionate to the alleged act.

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

California gives you options to clear your record and get a fresh start. Under California Penal Code § 1203.4, certain individuals with theft convictions can ask for their pleas to be removed — a process commonly called an expungement. 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 have any pending criminal charges against you; and — following recent changes in the law — in several cases, must not have served time in state prison (though there are some alternate options/exceptions — ask your theft lawyer if any apply in your case).

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.

Expungement under § 1203.4 carries meaningful practical benefits: In particular, job applications become a lot easier, as you won't have to mention your conviction. However, expungement does not seal a criminal record from all access — it does not restore firearm rights, does not prevent the conviction from being used in subsequent criminal proceedings, and does not affect most professional licensing decisions. Senate Bill 731 (effective July 1, 2023) even automates part of the expungement process in some cases, if there haven't been any subsequent criminal cases.

Critical Note: Even after typically California expungement proceedings under § 1203.4, your criminal record can still be seen by the police and certain other organizations. If your goal is full sealing, to be able to legally own a gun again, or clearing a prior strike, you'll have to look into other ways to have your record sealed. Consulting with an experienced attorney before pursuing any post-conviction relief is strongly advisable.

Relief Options:

• PC § 1203.4: Dismissal 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: Does not restore firearm rights or remove record from law enforcement databases

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Frequently Asked Questions About Theft Charges in El Monte, CA

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


The primary distinction is the value of the property allegedly taken. Petty theft misdemeanors are typical for anything $950 and below. Grand theft is usually the result of thefts over $950, but can also be triggered in special circumstances (such as if the supposedly stolen item was a gun or a car). Grand theft can either be a misdemeanor or a felony. 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. For probation sentences, expungement is often offered conditionally upon your completion. 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 should I expect from first-time shoplifting charges in El Monte, 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. An attorney can make a major difference and help you with avoiding a conviction and protecting your record.

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


If the charge you are facing is one of receiving stolen property, as a part of securing a conviction the prosecution needs to prove that you knew (or should have known) that the property was stolen. If you genuinely weren't aware and didn't have a reason to suspect it, that can form the basis of your defense. We often use this as a way to protect our clients from accusations. However, circumstances like strangely good deal or no documentation of ownership can erode your case, making it imperative that you hire a skillful theft crimes lawyer.

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


Very serious. In El Monte, CA, grand theft auto is almost always prosecuted as a felony, which means potential prison time (up to three years), fines up to $10,000, and a felony record that can affect employment, housing, and immigration status. If you have a criminal record, you are at risk of harsher penalties. Get in touch with one of our theft crimes lawyers as soon as possible if you're facing this charge.

What is a "wobbler" offense in California?


A wobbler is an offense that can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances and the prosecutor's discretion. Several theft-related offenses — such as grand theft, commercial burglary, receiving stolen property, and forgery — are wobblers. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we take these charges seriously and will argue for misdemeanor options.

Will I go to jail for a theft charge?


Not necessarily. El Monte, 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. Your lawyer can make a major difference in this regard, and working with an experienced one is essential. Call us to review what options are available to you.

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


Unfortunately, yes. California defines burglary as entering a structure with the intent to commit theft or a felony inside. Whether or not you committed theft doesn't matter — the prosecution's goal is to show that you trespassed and had that event. This is why intent evidence — and how it's presented — is critical to burglary defense.

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Need a Theft Defense Attorney in El Monte, CA? Call to Protect Your Rights.

You need a theft crimes lawyer to protect you. It's not about innocence or guilt — it's about getting help navigating the El Monte, CA, legal system. Our lawyers are ready to defend you — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can call our attorneys today to start building your defense.

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