Theft Lawyer Garden Grove, CA. There are few things tougher than facing the Garden Grove prosecutor alone. 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 the tools and training to fight against any theft and related charges. With a Garden Grove, CA, theft crimes lawyer from our team building your defense, you're going to get honest advice on how to get the best outcome possible.
Speak with a theft crimes lawyer right away at (800) 755-5174 or connect with us online for a private review of your case at no cost. Waiting too long to reach out can cost you everything.
The Importance of a Theft Lawyer in Garden Grove, CA
Theft charges need to be treated seriously, whether they are felonies or misdemeanors. Without a lawyer, you're stuck trying to decipher a complicated legal code and potentially set yourself up for the below consequences:
- Jail Sentence: Garden Grove, CA, theft convictions can send you to prison, for years in some cases.
- Fines: On top of paying back the value of whatever was stolen, fines can give you a serious financial burden.
- Loss of Employmnet: Background checks can derail job applications, and you can lose access to professional licenses.
- Damaged Character: You can face unfair and unjust labels that get in the way of your moving on with your life.
- And more.
A Garden Grove, CA, theft crimes lawyer can protect your rights and fight against these outcomes. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley . Here's some of what sets us apart:
Top Qualities of Our Garden Grove, CA Theft Defense Attorneys
Working with our expert Garden Grove, CA theft crimes defense lawyers will give you leading legal representation. Here's what set us apart — and why it matters for your theft case:
- A Team Of Former Prosecutors & Judges — We know exactly how the state builds a theft case because some of our attorneys have done it themselves. We know what weaknesses to exploit.
- Longstanding Court Relationships — Decades of practice in Garden Grove, CA, courts means we know the judges, the prosecutors, and the local procedures — and we leverage that for better outcomes for every client.
- Trial-Ready From Day One — No matter what the charge is, we prepare as if for a trial. This posture often produces better plea negotiations and dismissals — because the prosecution knows we're not bluffing.
- Record Expungement Services — Even after the fact, we're still here to help. You deserve to move forward with your life, and we can help you do it.
- Terrific Reputation – We are renowned professionally and by clients.
- Ready for Your Call Right Away — We know that arrests don't happen on a schedule. If you need help or an update, you can get a hold of us, whenever it is.
- Totally Confidential — Attorney-client privilege protects you, whatever you tell us about your case. You can tell us everything, and we will respect your story while crafting your defense.
Theft Charges We Will Fight in Garden Grove, 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
Major Garden Grove, CA, Theft Crimes We Defend Against
Our attorneys know how to fight theft crime cases. Should you need a theft crimes lawyer in Garden Grove, CA, act fast: Reach out right away for a no obligation review of your case.
We cover all of the following types of charges and more:
Petty Theft Charges vs Grand Theft Charges
In Garden Grove, CA, many theft accusations fall under one of these two charges: Petty theft and grand theft. At a basic level, these are almost the same act: taking someone else's money or items when you weren't allowed to. The main difference is how much value was allegedly stolen: If it was $950 or less, the charges will normally be petty theft, while higher values will normally be grand theft.
Defending 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, 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:
| Alleged Crime | Petty Theft | Grand Theft |
|---|---|---|
| Stolen Property Value | $950 or Less | More than $950 |
| Charge Type? | Usually Misdemeanor | Misdemeanor or Felony |
| Misdemeanor Penalties | Up to six months in jail, and up to $1,000 in fines | Up to one year in jail, and up to $1,000 in fines |
| Felony Penalties | Up to three years in prison, and up to $10,000 in fines | Up to three years in prison, and up to $10,000 in fines |
Shoplifting — Proposition 47 / Penal Code § 459.5
Shoplifting used to be a type of commercial burglary, rather than its own offense. This changed after California passed Proposition 47 in 2014. A person commits shoplifting when they go into an open store in order to steal $950 or less worth of goods.
Before Prop 47, what we now call "shoplifting" was prosecuted as burglary — a felony. Today, most shoplifting charges are misdemeanors. That said, you could still face felony charges in some circumstances, such as if you have certain previous convictions on your record. Whether you're up against a felony or misdemeanor charge, a local Garden Grove, 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) has been a target of recent California laws, and is prosecuted harshly in Garden Grove, CA.
Shoplifting Possible Penalties:
- Jail Sentence: Up to 6 months
- Fines: Up to $1,000
- Civil Demand: Retailers may send civil demand letters
- Other: Probation, banned from store
Potential defenses consist of: 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. Garden Grove, CA prosecutors can use this law against you to turn even a small-time theft allegation into a wobbler — meaning that you could be facing years in prison.
To charge PC § 666, the state must establish: (1) the accused committed petty theft; and (2) the suspect has a criminal record including at least one of a set list of previous offenses (mostly including theft crimes, but also some sex crimes) — especially if the sentence included incarceration. Proposition 47 (2014) significantly narrowed the statute's reach, but did not eliminate it. 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 Garden Grove, CA
There are several vehicle theft charges we defend in Garden Grove, CA. An example that many people ask about is grand theft auto, but that's technically not a law of its own. Grand theft auto comes from a section 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 alleged offender wasn't going to keep it, they're more likely to face charges of joyriding. While grand theft auto and joyriding are both 'wobbler' offenses, it's almost always better to be charged with joyriding in Garden Grove, CA, since the prosecution is more likely to assign that as 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 can be convicted even if you didn't take an active part in the theft. Simply owning or having the vehicle can get you arrested for possession of a stolen vehicle.
When you contact our law firm, you'll partner with a vehicle theft crimes lawyer who knows the ins and outs of each offense type, how to fight against them, and what deals are realistic. Contact us today to start protecting your freedom.
Grand Theft Auto — California Penal Code § 487(d)(1)
Grand theft auto is not a standalone California crime — it is a subcategory of grand theft that applies specifically to the theft of any motor vehicle, regardless of its value. The law doesn't even specify if the vehicle needs to be working — stealing a nearly worthless broken down car would still qualify as grand theft.
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 Garden Grove, CA)
- Felony Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
- Misdemeanor Jail: Up to 1 year
- Fines: Up to $10,000
Vehicle Theft — California Vehicle Code § 10851
Vehicle Code § 10851 is commonly charged with or in place of grand theft auto. This is because § 10851 applies whether or not the alleged offender was going to return the automobile. Simply taking or driving someone's vehicle without permission is enough.
This charge is popular in Garden Grove, CA, courts as either a plea deal or as its own charge.
Joyriding — California Vehicle Code § 10851
Joyriding is a similar charge to grand theft auto, with one key difference: The alleged offender was going to give the car back. 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 Garden Grove, CA, making it critical to get an expert vehicle theft crimes lawyer to defend you.
In most circumstances, Garden Grove, CA, joyriding cases are handled as misdemeanors. However, you can still face felony charges. This mostly applies to individuals with a criminal history, but not always.
| Joyriding | Grand Theft Auto | |
|---|---|---|
| Key Distinction | Intent to return | Intent to keep permanently |
| Usual Charge | Misdemeanor | Felony |
| Misdemeanor Jail | Up to 1 year | — |
| Felony Prison | — | 16 months, 2, or 3 years |
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 often ineligible for probation.
A carjacking conviction will also add a "strike" to your criminal record, which can increase future prison sentences.
Potential Penalties:
- Prison: 3, 5, or 9 years in state prison
- Enhancements: Additional years for weapon use or injury
- Three Strikes: Yes — counts as a strike offense
- Fines: Up to $10,000
Possession of a Stolen Vehicle — California Penal Code § 496d
Many people are shocked to learn they can be convicted of a theft-related crime without actually having stolen anything. If you have a car that you knew or should have known was stolen, PC § 496d still applies, regardless of your involvement in its theft.
This charge can sneak up on you, especially if you ever have purchased a vehicle outside of formal sales channels. The prosecution must prove you had knowledge the vehicle was stolen — your vehicle theft crimes lawyer can argue that you didn't.
Possible Penalties:
- Charge Type: Wobbler
- Felony Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
- Misdemeanor Jail: Up to 1 year
White Collar Crime Charges We Fight in Garden Grove, CA
White collar crimes in Garden Grove, CA, can look very different from each other, but all of them have a common trait: abuse of an organization for personal gain.
Many 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 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 involve financial exchanges, though (at least not directly). Forgery is when someone creates a fake document with intentions to use it in a future theft, 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.
Embezzlement, Money Laundering, Bribery & More
White collar crimes carry severe consequences even without physical violence — years in prison, financial penalties, professional license revocation, and permanent stains on your reputation. To protect yourself against these consequences, it's critical to have a theft crimes lawyer with local experience and expertise in your corner.
White Collar Crimes — Synopsis
Individual "white collar crimes" can look very different from each other. For an alleged crime to qualify, it should feature the element of deception, breach of trust, or abuse of a position for personal gain. These cases are some of the most complicated in Garden Grove, 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. Call us now if you have any reason to believe the police are looking into you. In some cases, we can intervene early and prevent charges from even being filed.
Embezzlement — California Penal Code § 503
Embezzlement is when someone legally can use property for certain purposes, but uses it for different ones. The key element is the pre-existing lawful access — embezzlers have legitimate control over the money or property they steal.
Common contexts: An accountant siphoning company funds; a payroll professional creating fake employees and taking their salaries; a financial advisor moving client funds to personal accounts; 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: Repay alleged victims, professional consequences
Money Laundering — California Penal Code § 186.10
Money laundering involves taking money gained from a different crime and disguising it as being honestly earned. It typically is made up of three stages: placement (adding the dirty money into the legitimate financial system), layering (disguising the trail through complex transactions), and integration (using the funds for legitimate purchases, to further disguise them).
California's money laundering statute is set to combat financial actions over $5,000 conducted with knowledge that the money was obtained through criminal activity. Federal money laundering charges (18 U.S.C. § 1956) can also apply, carrying sentences up to 20 years.
Possible Penalties (State):
- Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
- Fines: Up to $250,000 or twice the amount laundered
- Federal Add-On: Up to 20 years federal prison
Bribery — California Penal Code § 67–68 / § 92
You can face bribery charges for offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting something of value in order to affect the actions of a public official, juror, witness, or business partner. California law targets multiple forms of bribery — that of government officials, judges, legislators, business executives, witnesses, and even private commercial bribery. Whatever position you're in, a Garden Grove, CA, theft crimes lawyer is essential to give you insights into successful defense strategies.
What if they didn't accept the bribe? Both the person offering the bribe and the person accepting it can be charged in Garden Grove, CA. Even if the potential recipient declines the bribe, you could still face charges just for attempting it.
Potential Penalties:
- Charge Type: Felony
- Prison: 2, 3, or 4 years state prison
- Public Officials: Permanent disqualification from office
- Federal: Up to 15 years (if federal officials involved)
Forgery — California Penal Code § 470
You can be charged with forgery in Garden Grove, CA, if you allegedly changed or made a fake document to trick someone into giving you money or other valuables. California's forgery statute is broad and covers bills, receipts, stock certificates, deeds, power of attorney documents, court orders, notary public symbols, identification documents, 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. Just the plan to commit fraud, in addition to the creation or use of the forged item, is sufficient to be convicted.
Possible Penalties:
- Charge Type: Wobbler
- Felony Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
- Misdemeanor Jail: Up to 1 year
Identity Theft — California Penal Code § 530.5
In Garden Grove, 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 — to perform a restricted activity, including obtaining credit, goods, services, or medical information.
What if it didn't affect them financially? No financial loss to the victim has to occur for a conviction. Just taking and using someone's information without a legal reason is enough to trigger criminal charges under California law. Because of this, you need to work with an expert theft crimes lawyer whatever the details of your case.
Identity theft accusations are aggressively prosecuted in Garden Grove, CA, and frequently involve federal charges when conducted online, across state lines, or at scale.
Potential Penalties:
- Charge Type: Wobbler
- Felony Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
- Per Victim: Charges can stack — one count per victim
- Federal: Up to 15–30 years (aggravated cases)
Fraud Charges We Defend in Garden Grove, CA
Fraud encompasses a variety of specific theft types in Garden Grove, CA. Generally speaking, someone who commits theft by misrepresenting themselves or a situation in order to get another person to give away money voluntarily can be charged with fraud. Theft by false pretenses is a basic type of this crime.
Insurance fraud is a popular type of fraud in Garden Grove, CA, wherein someone lies on an insurance claim to increase their benefit. For example, after a car accident, a person who lies about how much damage was caused to get a bigger payout can be charged with insurance fraud.
A related fraud crime is welfare fraud, where someone takes advantage of government assistance programs by providing false information to them. An example of this would be pretending that one's income is lower than it actually is in order to receive food stamps.
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. Maybe it's stolen, expired, or fake, but the bottom line is that the card was not supposed to be used in this way.
Because fraud cases can vary so much from each other, having a theft crimes lawyer with experience in all these areas is essential.
Types of Fraud, False Pretenses & Financial Deception
You could face accusations of fraud in Garden Grove, CA, for a wide variety of actions — from simple misrepresentations to elaborate financial schemes. These cases are often document-heavy and require a theft crimes lawyer who understands both the law and financial evidence.
Theft by False Pretenses / Fraud — California Penal Code § 532
Theft by false pretenses — the foundational fraud offense — occurs when a person intentionally deceives another through false statements or misrepresentations, causing them to voluntarily transfer money or property. Theft by false pretenses is distinct because the supposed victim intentionally parts with their valuables, as opposed to robbery, where they are taken by force.
Common examples: Selling a product that doesn't exist; misrepresenting credentials to get paid for work; creating fake invoices; 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
You can face insurance fraud charges for making untruthful statements in reports to your insurance agency, so that they will provide you with a benefit you are not supposed to receive. If you're facing insurance fraud charges in Garden Grove, CA, it's possible that you'll go to prison for several years if convicted. An experienced theft crimes lawyer will protect your rights and analyze all the evidence to help you find the best outcome possible
Common examples include: Claiming existing auto damage is newly occuring; filing false theft reports; exaggerating property damage; 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 twice what was defrauded
- Restitution: Full repayment to insurer
- Additional: Loss of professional licenses
Credit Card Fraud — California Penal Code § 484e–484j
In Garden Grove, CA, credit card fraud covers a wide range of conduct involving fraudulent use of credit or debit cards. This includes using someone else's card without permission, using a card that has been stolen or counterfeited, using an account number without physical possession of the card, or fraudulently obtaining 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, particularly when accounts are used across state lines or the internet is involved. You're more likely to face harsh penalties from the federal charges, increasing the importance of having a leading theft crimes lawyer who knows the ins and outs of both state and national law.
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. Your leading Garden Grove, CA, theft crimes lawyer can help show issues in the prosecution's case and greatly improve your case's outlook.
Potential 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: Loss of future benefit eligibility
Hospice Fraud — 18 U.S.C. § 1347 / California Penal Code § 550
Hospice fraud accusations in Garden Grove, 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 be eligible forMedicare hospice benefits, a patient 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.
Common schemes include: enrolling patients who do not meet the terminal illness threshold; billing for higher levels of care than were actually provided; "recycling" patients by discharging and re-enrolling them to reset billing cycles; paying illegal kickbacks to nursing facilities or physicians for patient referrals; and falsifying medical records to manufacture eligibility. These accusations are particularly dangerous because they are often charged in federal court in Garden Grove, CA, meaning you're up against very difficult odds.
Warning: If you've been accused of hospice fraud in criminal court, you can expect a civil suit to follow. If someone reaches out to the authorities, they may share their findings in order to allow for a civil suit. Providers are often unaware that an investigation is underway until a search warrant is executed.
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 have particularly far-reaching consequences. In Garden Grove, CA, Medicare fraud charges are normally conducted in federal court, rather than by the local prosecutor. You need a theft lawyer who operates at a high level to protect you from these charges.
While both providers and receivers of care can be convicted of medicare fraud, it's most often providers who are accused. This is especially devastating because of its career impact: you can lose your license and be excluded from working in a healthcare program. 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: Loss of eligibility for all federal health care programs
Health Care Fraud — 18 U.S.C. § 1347 / California Penal Code § 550
Health care fraud, under United States federal law, is when an individual lies to either their insurance agency or the government to receive some kind of benefit related to health care. 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's statute specifically outlaws 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 Garden Grove, CA theft lawyer, you could be stuck trying to sift through mountains of medical billing records and other specialized evidence on your own. Doctors, billing companies, office workers, and clerks 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 medical social services. In order to be eligible for Medicare benefits, a patient must be homebound and require special 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 Garden Grove, 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 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 Garden Grove, CA
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you could be facing both theft charges and violent crime charges in Garden Grove, CA. One common example is robbery. A person commits robbery when they take something directly from another person by force. Versus burglary, the alleged theft occurred away from the alleged victim. Carjacking can be compared to grand theft auto in the same way.
That said, sometimes what started out as a burglary can end up with violent crime charges. Home invasion charges can 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. This doesn't always need to include physical violence, but it can consist of any form of harm to the victim, including emotional or reputational. As an example, if a person threatened to attack their manager unless they were given a favorable schedule, that person could be accused of extortion.
Robbery, Extortion & Force-Related Theft
Many theft crimes we outlined above do not involve violence. For charges that do, though, it's common to see much harsher sentencing. You're almost guaranteed to be facing felony charges. It's essential to get a theft crimes lawyer in Garden Grove, 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. Being convicted of robbery will likely result in a prison sentence as well as a strike.
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.
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 falsely accuse someone of theft unless the property is given up; 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 Garden Grove, 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 commit another crime. 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 steal a wallet sitting on the seat, that would be considered burglary of a vehicle.
Regardless of the specifics of your burglary charges, you can almost always be charged with trespassing, too. Due to this, defenses to burglary charges can hinge on whether or not you had permission to be in the structure, and what your intentions were while you were there.
Burglary Related Charges
Shoplifting also involves the theft of items from a store, similar to commercial burglary. Prior to 2014, what is now classified as shoplifting would be considered burglary in California. However, that all changed with the passage of Proposition 47 in 2014, which made shoplifting a separate crime, applicable when the alleged offender was attempting theft from a store while it is open for operations. It took effect immediately and made several changes to reduce penalties for certain nonviolent property and drug crimes. Today, shoplifting is no longer a subset of burglary offenses in Garden Grove, CA, and faces more lenient penalties if convicted.
Vandalism also shares many qualities with burglary. You can be charged with vandalism in California if you purposely damage another person's property, such as by breaking a window to in the process of a theft. It's very likely that you'll be charged with both burglarizing and vandalizing a location together in Garden Grove, CA, making it all the more important to get an experienced theft crimes lawyer to defend you.
Lastly, even if you don't commit a theft, you can face related charges in Garden Grove, CA. 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
Garden Grove, 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 while planning to commit a theft or any felony inside. You do not have to actually steal anything. The intent at the moment of entry is what matters.
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 Garden Grove, CA courts are likely to give you a long sentence. Without the right theft crimes defense lawyer, you're fighting an uphill battle
Potential Penalties:
- Prison Sentence: 2, 4, or 6 years in state prison
- Three Strikes: Yes — serious felony strike
- Probation: Generally not an option for first-degree
- Fines: Up to $10,000
Commercial Burglary (Second Degree) — California Penal Code § 459
Second-degree burglary is someones called "commercial burglary" because it also involves entering a location with the intent to steal or commit a felony, but as opposed to first-degree burglary, the location is non-residential. You could face either misdemeanor or felony charges for this offense.
Your theft crimes lawyer in Garden Grove, 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.
Possible Penalties:
- Felony Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
- Misdemeanor Jail: Up to 1 year
- Charge Type: Wobbler
Burglary of a Vehicle — California Penal Code § 459
Breaking into a car, truck, or other vehicle to steal something inside — or to commit any felony — constitutes vehicle burglary under California law. A typical example of this would be an alleged offender breaking into a car to steal a backpack or wallet within. This could be either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on how the Garden Grove, CA prosecutor interprets the circumstances.
Common misconception: Taking something out of an open vehicle, although it would still be stealing, would not qualify for a burglary charge. An unlocked vehicle can still lead to theft charges, but for it to be burglary, the vehicle must have been protected.
Home Invasion Burglary With Violence — California Penal Code § 459 / § 211
A home invasion occurs when someone commits burglary of a residential structure while the occupants are present, often involving threats or violence. 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 the most experienced criminal defense team available, and you need them as soon as possible.
Potential Penalties:
- Burglary Base: 2, 4, or 6 years
- Robbery Add-On: Additional 2–5 years
- Weapon Enhancement: Additional 3–10 years
- Three Strikes: Yes — multiple strikes possible
Property & Other Offenses
Receiving Stolen Property, Vandalism & Trespassing
While not theft charges in and of themselves, vandalism, trespassing, perjury, and receiving stolen property charges are closely associated and often charged together. Understanding how they interact is critical to building an effective defense.
Receiving Stolen Property — California Penal Code § 496
This charge applies to some people who are indirectly involved in a theft. Under PC § 496, if you buy, receive, conceal, sell, or help conceal property that you know is stolen, you can be convicted — even if you had no role in the original theft.
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 prove that you were aware the items were stolen.
Possible Penalties:
- Charge Type: Wobbler
- Felony Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
- Misdemeanor Jail: Up to 1 year
Vandalism — California Penal Code § 594
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.
Potential Penalties:
- Under $400: Misdemeanor — up to 1 year jail
- Over $400: Wobbler — up to 3 years prison
- Restitution: Full repair/replacement cost to victim
- Other Common Penalties: Graffiti cleanup, community service
Trespassing — California Penal Code § 602
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.
Standing alone, trespassing is typically charged as a misdemeanor or infraction. However, when combined with other charges (particularly burglary), the trespassing element can be used to establish elements of more serious offenses. Fighting these charges is often a matter of whether or not the alleged offender did in fact have permission or the right to be there.
Perjury — California Penal Code § 118
Intentionally providing false information to the authorities can result in a perjury charge. While this is not a theft crime per se, it's frequently charged in conjunction with them. This is because it's common for alleged offenders to be dishonest about information that could make them look guilty, not realizing that misleading the police can actually make things worse in the end.
Do not make this mistake: You don't want to dig a deeper hole for yourself — if you're in a situation where you don't want to give an honest answer, just stay silent and ask for your theft crimes lawyer to help you out.
Possible Penalties:
- Charge Type: Felony
- Prison: 2, 3, or 4 years state prison
Specialized & Enhanced Charges
Elder Theft, Firearm Theft, Looting & Attempted Crimes
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)
Under California Penal Code § 487(d)(2), theft of a firearm is always grand theft — regardless of the weapon's monetary value. Because of this the theft of even a low-value firearm results in a felony charge. Firearm theft can have long-lasting implications, beyond most other theft offenses — this is because it counts as a strike on your record.
Federal firearms theft charges may also apply. 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 essential to work with 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. Financial elder abuse (also known as theft from an elder) occurs when someone takes, conceals, appropriates, obtains, or retains money or property from an elder by undue influence, fraud, or other wrongful conduct.
This offense is aggressively prosecuted in Garden Grove, CA, and enhanced sentencing applies. If the victim is 70 years or older, additional consecutive prison time can be added. Civil liability and restitution orders frequently accompany criminal proceedings, and Adult Protective Services involvement can complicate cases further.
Common scenarios: Lenders pressuring the elderly to take bad loans; family member using power of attorney to take money; contractor overcharging vulnerable seniors; fraudulent investment schemes targeting retirees.
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. While theft and burglary are the root charges behind the action, looting increases the penalties significantly.
In Garden Grove, CA — a city prone to wildfires, earthquakes, and civil unrest events — looting charges have been prosecuted with particular vigor. These acts are viewed as particularly heinous, and penalties can be severe. An example might be breaking into someone's home during a riot and grabbing valuables to run away with.
Potential Penalties (Enhanced):
- Petty Theft → Looting: Misdemeanor with mandatory jail (no OR release)
- Commercial Burglary → Looting: Felony — 16 months to 3 years
- Residential Burglary → Looting: Felony — 2 to 6 years
- Bail: Often denied or set very high during emergency periods
Attempted Theft, Attempted Burglary & Attempted Robbery
Under California law, you can be charged with a crime even if the theft, burglary, or robbery was never completed. An attempt requires: (1) a mental state of deliberate criminal activity, and (2) a direct, unequivocal act toward committing it — regardless of whether it was successful or not.
Most of the time, the punishment for an attempt is half of what it would have been, if it were completed. So attempted robbery carries half the prison exposure of robbery. 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.
For any of the charges above, or more, when you call our firm, you can talk to an expert theft crimes lawyer in Garden Grove, CA, who will listen to your side of the story and build a defense around that. As a team, we will defend your rights and your freedom.
Steps to Take When Accused of Theft
You need to take these accusations seriously. The Garden Grove, CA, government is after you, not everyone will believe your side of the story, and a conviction could derail your life. When you're alone, the odds can seem insurmountable.
But you have an ally. When you call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you get premier California legal representation on your case. A Garden Grove, CA, theft crimes lawyer from our team will guide you on how to navigate your case. To get started, use the five steps below to protect your freedom and avoid common pitfalls:
1. Obey the Arresting Officer's Instructions
Nobody wants to be arrested. However, don't resist. Respectfully complying with the police officers will make the process go smoother. Fighting back can only make things worse.
2. Act Calm and Stay Silent
You may be questioned by the police – don't talk. Simply say "I decline to answer any questions and am invoking my right to an attorney." Anything you say can be used as evidence against you, and you say something untruthful, you can be charged with perjury.
3. Reach Out to a Garden Grove, 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
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. Your rights and freedom matter, no matter what you've been accused of.
5. Coordinate With Your Attorney to Build Your Defense
This is perhaps the most important step: building a defense against the charges. A skilled theft crimes lawyer in Garden Grove, CA, will hear your side of the story, negotiate for deals with the state, and fight for a dismissal whenever possible.
Powerful Defense Strategies for Theft Charges
Your case is unique — and your defense strategy must be adapted to the specific facts, circumstances, and allegations. If you're up against theft allegations in Garden Grove, CA, here are some of the main defensive strategies your theft crimes lawyer should consider. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we have experience with all of them.
Lack of Intent / Claim of Right Defense in Theft Cases
If you've been accused of stealing, you should discuss intent as a possible defense with your theft lawyer. In Garden Grove, CA, intent to commit theft specifically requires someone to plan to permanently take someone else's property away. In many cases, especially if the physical evidence indicates the defendant took the item, everything will center around intent.
The claim of right defense applies when a defendant genuinely believed — even mistakenly — that they had a legal right to the property they took. If 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 consist of: mistake of fact (the accused took the wrong item believing it to be their own); voluntary intoxication (which may negate specific intent in limited circumstances); and absence of permanence (applicable in cases where someone took an item without permission, but also planned to bring it back).
Key point: The prosecution bears the burden of proving criminal intent beyond a reasonable doubt — the defendant does not have to prove innocence. Challenging the intent element is not simply a fallback strategy. It is often the strongest available defense, especially in cases involving disagreements regarding property ownership, where one person honestly believed they had a right to use property when they didn't.
Using This Defense:
- Grand Theft: Negates specific intent to permanently deprive
- Embezzlement: Challenges the fraudulent conversion element
- Fraud / False Pretenses: Can apply when the defendant didn't know that what they were saying was false
- Receiving Stolen Property: Challenges knowledge that property was stolen
Illegal Search & Seizure in Theft/Burglary Cases
If police searched your car, home, or person without a valid warrant or legal justification, you may have been the victim of an illegal search and/or seizure. In many criminal cases, critical evidence — stolen property, alleged tools of the crime, communications, financial records — is frequently obtained through police searches. If searches violated constitutional requirements, the evidence can be suppressed 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: searches conducted without either a warrant or just cause; searches conducted under a warrant obtained through false or misleading information in the supporting affidavit; arrests without probable cause leading to an invalid search incident to arrest; GPS tracking or digital surveillance conducted without appropriate legal authority; and searches that go beyond 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 — a motion that can be brought at the preliminary hearing stage and can effectively end a prosecution before trial if granted.
In some cases, this is all it takes to mount a successful defense against theft charges. Even partial suppression — eliminating a single piece of highly damaging evidence — can make a big difference. Suppression motions are fully litigated in Garden Grove, CA, courts, and frequently come up in theft cases.
Suppression Scenarios:
- Warrantless Home Entry: Evidence obtained from inside a home is generally suppressible absent an exception
- Vehicle Searches: Require a warrant, permission, or a recognized exception such as probable cause
- Digital Evidence / Cell Phones: Require a warrant under Riley v. California (2014)
- Fruit of the Poisonous Tree: Evidence derived from an illegal search may also be excluded
False Accusation / Misidentification
The Garden Grove, CA, investigators and prosecution aren't perfect: Sometimes, they get the wrong guy. False accusations can come from personal arguments, cases of mistaken identity, misunderstandings about ownership, ambiguous surveillance footage, or false accusations coming from a person who wants to cause you harm. You can't rely on your innocence to get you out of trouble — aggressive and immediate defense is essential from the moment of accusation.
False accusations in Garden Grove, 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 — especially across racial lines, in scenarios of poor visibility, 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 Garden Grove, CA, court.
Defense strategies in false accusation cases include: establishing an alibi with corroborating witnesses, records, or surveillance footage; challenging the reliability of the identification procedure used by law enforcement (photo arrays, live lineups, show-ups); exposing bias or motive on the part alleged victim; presenting expert testimony on the issues with eyewitness testimony; and highlighting 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 tell your side of the story to the police without your theft attorney present. Statements made to investigators — even truthful ones — can be mischaracterized, taken out of context, or used in unexpected ways. Contact defense counsel immediately and say nothing.
Lack of Knowledge — For some charges, the prosecution must prove you knew the property was stolen. 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. 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.
Rights 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.
Sentencing Alternatives — Particularly for offenders without a record, California offers sentencing alternatives that can keep you out of prison by participating. We identify every diversion opportunity available in your specific case.
Arguing the Property Valuation — If you're up against grand theft charges, but the supposedly stolen property didn't reach the $950 value threshold, we will fight to have the charges reduced. We challenge inflated or unsupported property valuations, which can dramatically reduce the charges you face.
Theft Crime Expungement / Record Clearance — California Penal Code § 1203.4
A theft conviction does not have to define you for life. Under California Penal Code § 1203.4, individuals who have successfully completed probation for a misdemeanor or felony theft conviction may petition the court to dismiss the charges and withdraw their guilty or no contest plea — a process commonly called an expungement. The following criteria typically apply: successfully done all that was asked of you as a part of probation, including fines and restitution; not have any pending criminal charges against you; and — in a newly added requirement — in several cases, must not have served time in state prison (though SB 731 and related reforms have expanded relief options for some state prison cases).
In cases where probation was not granted, a petition under Penal Code § 1203.4a may provide relief after one year has elapsed since conviction. For those whose cases were dismissed without conviction, a separate petition under Penal Code § 851.91 may be available to seal the underlying arrest record entirely.
When you work with a theft lawyer to clear your record, you can look forward to the following perks: In particular, you won't have to note any convictions on private job applications. That said, the criminal record isn't entirely thrown away by expungement — 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 Garden Grove, CA who don't break any other laws after finishing their sentence, if enough time has passed.
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 the total removal of the record, restoration of firearm rights, or clearing a prior strike, a more comprehensive post-conviction strategy is required. Consulting with an experienced attorney before pursuing any post-conviction relief is strongly advisable.
Relief Options:
- PC § 1203.4: Charges dismissed after successful probation completion
- PC § 1203.4a: Relief for misdemeanors without probation (1 year post-conviction)
- PC § 851.91: 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
Common Theft Crimes Questions in Garden Grove, CA
What's the difference between petty theft and grand theft in Garden Grove, California?
What you are charged with is primarily determined by how much whatever was supposedly taken was worth. Petty theft misdemeanors are typical for anything $950 and below. Property valued above $950 — or involving specific categories like firearms or vehicles — is grand theft (a wobbler that can be a misdemeanor or felony). Your theft crimes lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared to defend you against either theft charge.
Can a theft charge be expunged from my record in California?
Frequently, yes. California Penal Code § 1203.4 allows for expungement of misdemeanor and many felony theft convictions after successful completion of probation. This will protect your record, prevent most of the public from being able to access it, and help you get a clean start. 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 Garden Grove, CA?
While this is still serious, you don't need to panic just yet — you will probably only face misdemeanor charges. Many first-time offenders are eligible for diversion programs that can result in a dismissal upon completing community service or a theft prevention course. Our theft crimes attorneys can significantly improve your odds of avoiding a conviction and keeping your record clean.
I didn't know the property was stolen. Can I still be convicted?
Receiving stolen property (PC § 496) requires that you knew — or had good reason to know — the property was stolen. If you genuinely didn't know and had no reasonable basis to suspect it, you can build the foundation of your defense upon that fact. Our attorneys challenge the "knowledge" element aggressively in these cases. Keep in mind, though, that circumstances like an unusually low price or lack of receipts can lessen the strength of your defense, which is why an attorney is essential.
How serious is a grand theft auto charge in Garden Grove, CA?
Very serious. You're probably looking at felony charges, with higher prison time, fines, and long-lasting record impacts. If you have a criminal record, you could be up against increased sentences. Call one of our theft crimes lawyers immediately if you're facing this charge.
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. Many theft-related offenses — including grand theft, commercial burglary, receiving stolen property, and forgery — are wobblers. One of the most important things a theft crimes attorney can do is push for misdemeanor treatment of wobbler charges, which dramatically reduces potential consequences.
Will I go to jail for a theft charge?
You can avoid jail in many cases, actually. Garden Grove, 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 our firm to review what options exist in your case.
Can I be charged with burglary if I didn't steal anything?
Unfortunately, yes. In California, you can be convicted of burglary for trespassing for the purposes of committing theft or a felony. Whether or not you committed theft doesn't matter — the prosecution's goal is to show that you trespassed and had that event. As a result, intent evidence — and arguments surrounding it — is critical to burglary defense.
Need a Theft Defense Attorney in Garden Grove, CA? Contact Our Team 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 Garden Grove, CA, legal system. Our lawyers are ready to defend you — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Your first consultation is completely free and confidential.
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