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Theft Lawyer Glendale, CA. When you are charged with a crime in Glendale, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. It's easy to feel lost when you're up against theft charges. On your own, it can feel impossible to win.

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

Discuss your case with a theft crimes lawyer right away at (800) 755-5174 or send us a note online for a private review of your case at no cost. Delays can cost you your freedom, and we're ready to fight for you today.

The Importance of a Theft Lawyer in Glendale, CA

Theft charges need to be treated seriously, whether they are felonies or misdemeanors. If you don't have an attorney, you're stuck trying to navigate a intricate legal system and make it more likely that you'll face the following:

1. Prison Sentence: Jail time is a common consequence for theft in Glendale, CA.
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. Damaged Character: Regardless of the facts and circumstances surrounding your case, some people will only look at the conviction.
5. And more.

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

What Sets the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Apart

Picking the right Glendale, CA theft crimes defense lawyer can make all the difference for your case. Here's what you get when you call us — and why it matters for your theft case:

• A Team Of Former Prosecutors & Judges — We have experience and insights from our time in other areas of the law. We use that inside knowledge to dismantle the prosecution's strategy.
• Extensive Court Relationships — Decades of practice in Glendale, 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 not only ensures that we're prepared, but also helps us secure more favorable plea deals or get your case dismissed.
• Expungement Services — We don't leave you behind after the verdict. Don't let an arrest or criminal record hold you back — speak with one of our Glendale, CA, criminal defense attorneys to discuss expungement options.
• Terrific Reputation – We are renowned professionally and by clients.
• Always Availalbe — Arrests happen at all hours. So do we. You can reach a theft crimes attorney any time of day or night — because waiting until Monday morning can cost you critical opportunities.
• Completely 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.

Theft Charges We Defend in Glendale, CA

Click any charge below to jump 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

Theft Cases We Fight in Glendale, CA

Our attorneys know how to fight theft crime cases. If you need a theft crimes lawyer in Glendale, CA, don't hesitate: contact us right away for a no obligation review of your case.

Our lawyers can help you fight all of the following allegations:

Petty Theft Charges vs Grand Theft Charges

While there are many different theft case types in Glendale, CA, odds are high you're facing one of these two: Petty theft and grand theft. You can face these charges for taking someone's possessions without their consent. The distinguishing factor is the amount that was supposedly taken: For values $950 and under, the classification will ordinarily be petty theft, while any more will normally be grand theft.

Defending petty theft allegations is usually easier because the potential penalties are less severe (it's normally charged as a misdemeanor). However, defending grand theft charges is usually more challenging because it is more frequently charged as a felony. Whichever type of charge you're facing, the right theft crimes lawyer will improve your chances of reaching a positive outcome.

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

Shoplifting — Proposition 47 / Penal Code § 459.5

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

In the past, because shoplifting fell under burglary, it was more likely to be charged as a felony. Today, most shoplifting charges are misdemeanors. However, felony charges can still be applied in certain situations, like an organized shoplifting ring. Regardless of what level of charge you're facing, a local Glendale, CA theft crimes lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and avoid making mistakes that could have major consequences.

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

Shoplifting Potential Penalties:

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

Potential defenses consist of: Lack of intent to steal, mistake of fact, 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 charges are usually misdemeanors, but not always. Because of Penal Code § 666, a petty theft with a prior can be charged as a felony. Not every prior offense in Glendale, CA, qualifies for these enhancement, but if you have any prior convictions on your record, it's critical to work with an expert theft lawyer to defend you.

To activate this sentencing enhancement, the prosecution must establish: (1) the suspect committed petty theft; and (2) the suspect has at least one prior conviction for theft, robbery, carjacking, burglary, or a similar qualifying offense — especially if the sentence included incarceration. This law is applicable in many cases today, even after being limited in scope by Proposition 47 in 2014. 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 Defend in Glendale, CA

There are several vehicle theft charges we defend in Glendale, CA. The first one that probably comes to mind is grand theft auto, but that's actually not a unique charge. Grand theft auto is defined in a subsection of the state's 'grand theft' law, which makes the theft of a vehicle always 'grand theft,' even if it was under $950 in value.

Grand theft auto charges are usually used when the defendant allegedly didn't intend to return the vehicle. If the alleged offender wasn't going to keep it, they're more likely to be charged with joyriding. While either joyriding or grand theft auto can be 'wobbler' offenses, joyriding charges are almost always better to face in Glendale, CA, because they're likely to be charged as misdemeanors, versus grand theft auto felonies.

You can even face criminal charges without having committed an act of theft; How so? Through "possession of a stolen vehicle". Similar to receiving stolen property, you don't have to have actually stolen anything to be convicted of this crime. Even just owning or having the car or truck can get you arrested for possession of a stolen vehicle.

At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you'll get a vehicle theft crimes lawyer who knows the ins and outs of each offense type, how to fight against them, and what deals are realistic. Call now to start building your defense.

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

Despite what popular culture would have you believe, there isn't a specific "grand theft auto" law in California — 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 Glendale, CA)
• Felony Prison Sentence: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
• Misdemeanor Jail Sentence: Up to 1 year
• Fines: Up to $10,000

Vehicle Theft — California Vehicle Code § 10851

Vehicle Code § 10851 is commonly charged with or in place of grand theft auto. It covers situations where the alleged offender both did and didn't intend to return the vehicle. Simply taking or driving someone's vehicle without permission is enough.

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

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

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 not eligible for probation in many circumstances.

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

Possible Penalties:

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

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

It may be hard to believe, but you can face vehicle theft related charges without committing theft. If you are in possession of a vehicle when you knew or should have know it was stolen, you can be charged under PC § 496d — even if you had no role in the original theft.

This charge can sneak up on you, especially if you ever have purchased a vehicle outside of formal sales channels. The state 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 Fight in Glendale, CA

White collar crimes in Glendale, CA, can look very different from each other, but each of them share one thing in common: misusing professional power for financial gain.

Many white collar crimes center around taking or hiding money in some way. Embezzlement is the theft of money someone was supposed to manage for others, like an investment banker taking from a client's account. Money laundering 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 involve financial exchanges, though (at least not directly). Forgery can be as simple as signing another person's signature without permission, and identity theft involves stealing someone's personal information. You can face either of these charges without having taken money from the alleged victim.

Forgery, Identity Theft, Bribery & More

It's easy to think that white collar accusations aren't taken as seriously as violent crimes in Glendale, CA, but you'd be wrong. The punishments can be dire — prison sentences, massive fines, professional license revocation, 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 — Overview

The term "white collar crime" describes non-violent financial offenses typically committed in business or professional settings. For an alleged crime to qualify, it should feature the element of deceit, breach of trust, or abuse of a position for personal gain. It's common for white collar crime cases in Glendale, CA, to require specialized experts on both the prosecution and defensive sides.

In contrast to other crime categories (like DUIs, where police may cite you immediately at a checkpoint), state investigators can spend a long time building a case before you are formally accused. If you believe you are under investigation — or have received a subpoena, a target letter, or a visit from federal agents — call us immediately. In some cases, we can intervene early and prevent charges from even being filed.

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: 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 charity collector taking cash donations while leaving other types alone.

Potential Penalties:

• Under $950: Misdemeanor — up to 6 months jail
• Over $950: Felony — up to 3 years prison
• Large Amounts: Enhanced sentences up to 10+ years
• Additional: Repay alleged victims, 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 involves three stages: placement (bringing the illegally-obtained money into the economy), layering (disguising the trail through complex transactions), and integration (investing the funds into something legal, or using another method to extract them into seemingly-legitimate assets).

California's money laundering law specifically targets financial actions over $5,000 when the alleged offender was aware that the money was dirty. You could also face federal money laundering charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1956, carrying sentences up to 20 years.

Possible Penalties (State):

• Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
• Fines: Up to $250,000 or 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 order to affect the actions of people in certain positions of power. California law criminalizes bribery in many contexts — government officials, judges, legislators, business executives, witnesses, and even private commercial bribery. Regardless of what form of bribery you've been accused of, a Glendale, CA, theft crimes lawyer is essential to protect you from the prosecution.

Important: Both the person offering the bribe and the person accepting it could face charges in Glendale, CA. Attempted bribery charges are even possible, if one person tries to bribe another, and the second person refuses it.

Potential Penalties:

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

Forgery — California Penal Code § 470

Glendale, CA, forgery charges don't directly involve theft, but instead the creation or modification of a document in order to aid with a future fraud attempt. State law is broad and covers bills, receipts, stock certificates, deeds, power of attorney documents, court orders, notary public symbols, identification documents, and many other types of written instruments.

Critical point: The forgery charges are independent of any related fraud charges, so anyone can be charged even if they didn't use the forged item. Just the plan to commit fraud, in addition to the creation or use of the fake 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

You can face identity theft allegations in Glendale, CA if you use someone else's personal information without permission for any unlawful purpose, including obtaining credit, property, services, or medical information.

Important factor: No financial loss to the victim has to occur for a conviction. Simply obtaining and using another individual's information without a legal reason is enough to violate state law. Because of this, you need to work with an expert theft crimes lawyer regardless of the details of your case.

Identity theft accusations are aggressively prosecuted in Glendale, CA, and often involve federal charges if the internet was involved, or the supposed victim and alleged offender were in different states.

Potential Penalties:

• Charge Type: Wobbler
• Felony Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
• Per Victim: Charges can stack — one count per victim
• Federal: Up to 15–30 years (aggravated cases)

Fraud Charges We Fight in Glendale, CA

Fraud is one of the most common white collar crimes in Glendale, CA, and it has several subcategories. Broadly speaking, a person 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 is one of the more common version of fraud.

Insurance fraud is a specific variation where a person allegedly lies to an insurance company to collect more money than they are supposed to. As an example, a person who intentionally burns down their house then tells the insurance company that it was an accident is guilty of insurance fraud.

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

Another popular 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.

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

Types of Fraud, False Pretenses & Financial Deception

You could face accusations of fraud in Glendale, CA, for a wide variety of actions — it could be as little as a seemingly white lie or as major as large an organized insurance fraud ring. Your theft crimes lawyer will need to have experience not only with the state law, but also following financial trails.

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

Theft by false pretenses — the foundational fraud offense — occurs when one person lies to someone else, leading to the second person willingly giving away goods or services. 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: Lying about being a contest winner; misrepresenting credentials to get paid for work; 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. The Glendale, CA, prosecution takes insurance fraud extremely seriously, and the state has a dedicated Insurance Fraud Division that actively investigates these cases. A leading theft crimes lawyer will defend your freedom and negotiation with the prosecutor to help you find the best outcome possible

Frequent examples include: Claiming existing auto damage is newly occuring; filing claims for injuries that didn't occur; inflating repair cost claims; deliberately damaging your property for a payout; workers' compensation fraud; health insurance billing fraud.

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: License revocation for professionals

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

In Glendale, CA, credit card fraud covers a wide range of conduct involving fraudulent use of credit or debit cards. Charges can occur if someone is caught using another person's card without approvel, 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: Credit card fraud frequently triggers federal charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1029 in addition to state charges, particularly when cards are used across state lines or some part of the alleged crime occurred online. Your theft crimes lawyer needs to have experience fighting fraud charges in both state and federal court.

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: Claiming income is less than it actually is; misrepresenting household composition; Trading or selling food stamps; falsely claiming a dependent child; not reporting new circumstances that would end benefits eligibility.

Penalties for welfare fraud, if convicted, can result in fines, prison time, and required repayment of the value taken. Your premier Glendale, CA, theft crimes lawyer can push back against the prosecution's case and greatly improve your case's outlook.

Potential Penalties:

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

Additional: Lose your right to receive benefits in the future

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

Hospice fraud accusations in Glendale, 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, the person being treated must have a terminal prognosis of six months or less to live if the illness runs its normal course — it's common for the prosecution to allege that the patient's condition did not meet this criteria in these cases.

While it's possible for care recipients to face hospice fraud accusations, they are more commonly made against the care provider. Hospice can be a challenging situation for many people, and frustrations with the situation can turn into unjust accusations. And as if it weren't bad enough going up against the Glendale, CA, government, you're likely to face federal charges and accusations from federal investigators.

Critical Note: Even if you have a plan for the criminal charges, don't let your guard down — it's very likely that you'll face a civil lawsuit in conjunction with the criminal charges. 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.

Possible 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 encompasses a broad range of conduct involving the submission of false or fraudulent claims to the Medicare program. Because Medicare is a federal program, these charges are almost exclusively prosecuted at the federal level — typically by the U.S. Attorney's Office with support from the FBI, HHS Office of Inspector General, and the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which maintains an active presence in Glendale, CA.

Medicare fraud convictions are particularly bad because they can prevent you from ever receiving Medicare or Medi-Cal benefits in the future. This is on top of other consequences, like the loss of professional licensing. Medicare fraud investigations are especially tricky to detect, because they often involve datasets rather than on-the-ground investigators. This means that the first warning sign that you're being investigated can come too late to clear things up.

Warning: It's possible to be accused of Medicare fraud even when all forms of medical care were honest and legitimate. This can occur if a provider offers money to someone in exchange for accessing Medicare-sponsored services through that provider. Both the person paying and the person receiving a kickback can face prosecution.

Possible Penalties:

• Federal Prison: Up to 10 years per count (up to 20 if serious bodily injury results)
• Anti-Kickback Violations: Up to 10 years per violation
• Civil FCA Liability: Treble damages plus civil monetary penalties per claim
• Additional: Ineligibility 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. These allegations apply in broader situations than Medicare, including when a non-governmental insurance agency is involved.

Under California Penal Code § 550, health insurance fraud is independently criminalized at the state level. California law specifically targets situations where a person lies or embellishes insurance claims, such as filing multiple claims in situations where only one would apply. These are some of the most complicated cases to defend in Glendale, CA, as they often involve extensive medical records and expert testimony/analysis. Healthcare providers, billing organizations, office workers, and support staff have all found themselves accused of health care fraud in the past.

Possible Penalties:

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

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

Home health fraud, like other health care fraud types, also consists of making false statements to an insurance or government health care entity. The difference is that it describes specific types of healthcare services — such as skilled nursing visits, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and home health aide services. To qualify for Medicare reimbursement, 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. Southern California has historically been one of the country's highest-risk regions for home health fraud, and federal task forces have conducted simultaneous multi-agency takedowns targeting dozens of home health agencies in Glendale, CA. 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 — even if you broke the law accidentally.

Potential Penalties:

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

Violent Theft Charges We Defend in Glendale, CA

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

There is another way violence and theft crimes can overlap, though: when an initially nonviolent theft collides with a person. Home invasion charges can take place when a person allegedly breaks into a location to commit a burglary, but finds people inside and threatens them with violence.

Extortion is a unique form of theft. When one person commits extortion, they threaten another in order to get something from them. The threats don't always have to consist of physical violence, but the threat should be to harm the alleged victim in some form or fashion. For example, if one person had a compromising photo of another and threatened to release it if not given money, that would be extortion.

Robbery, Extortion & Force-Related Theft

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

Robbery — California Penal Code § 211

Many people confuse burglary and robbery, but they are actually very different crimes. Burglary generally occurs while the alleged victim is away, while in robbery cases, the supposed offender takes something from the alleged victim personally. All robbery charges in California are felonies.

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

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

If it's alleged that you threatened someone in order to make them give you money or favors, you are likely facing extortion charges. The threat does not have to be of physical violence; threatening to reveal embarrassing or damaging information is sufficient.

Common examples: Threatening to falsely accuse someone of theft unless the property is given up; threatening to post compromising photos of someone online if they leave; threatening to harm someone's reputation unless granted a professional favor.

Possible Penalties:

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

Burglary Charges We Defend in Glendale, CA

Burglary is often charged along with theft in Glendale, CA. 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 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 fall under burglary of a vehicle.

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

Burglary Related Charges

Shoplifting is closely related to commercial burglary. Prior to 2014, what is now classified as shoplifting would be considered burglary in California. But as we discussed above a new law Proposition 47 (officially the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act), a ballot initiative passed by California voters on November 4, 2014 that distinguishes shoplifting as specifically attempting to steal merchandise from a business during regular business hours. These changes had an immediate impact, even for people who had already been convicted. One key reform was distinguishing shoplifting as a specific misdemeanor offense and preventing it from being charged as burglary (a "wobbler" that could be a felony) in qualifying cases.

Another related charge is vandalism. 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 common to face burglary and vandalism charges together in Glendale, CA, making it all the more important to get a top quality theft crimes lawyer to fight for your freedom.

Lastly, there is a theft charge you can be accused of in Glendale, CA, even if you didn't steal something. How does this happen? Receiving stolen property charges. This applies when someone supposedly buys, hides, or receives something that they know was taken unlawfully from another person.

Burglary, Home Invasion & Related Charges

California burglary law is broader than most people realize — you can be charged with burglary for entering a wide range of structures with the intent to commit a crime inside, even if you never actually steal anything.

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. This means that you can be found guilty even without actually committing theft. The intent at the moment of entry is the key to burglary charges.

This charge is always a felony and will add a strike to your record upon a conviction. Outside of violent crimes, first-degree burglary is one of the worst theft charges you can face in California, and Glendale, 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 Term: 2, 4, or 6 years in state prison
• Three Strikes: Yes — serious felony strike
• Probation: Generally not available for first-degree
• Fines: Up to $10,000

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

Second-degree burglary covers entering any non-residential structure with the intent to commit theft or a felony — stores, offices, warehouses, garages, and other commercial buildings. You could face either misdemeanor or felony charges for this offense.

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

Potential Penalties:

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

Burglary of a Vehicle — California Penal Code § 459

Breaking into a car, truck, or other vehicle to steal something inside — or to commit any felony — constitutes vehicle burglary under California law. This charge commonly arises when someone smashes a car window to take items left inside. The details of this charge are different from case to case, because burglary of a vehicle could either be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor.

Important note: Taking something out of an open vehicle, although it would still be stealing, would not qualify for a burglary charge. 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

At the intersection of burglary and violent crimes are home invasion charges. Glendale, CA, prosecutors take these charges extremely seriously and often push for harsh punishments. If you're up against these charges, it's not good enough to settle for second-best — you need a leading theft crimes lawyer on your side.

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 up against home invasion charges, you need the most experienced criminal defense team available, and you need them right away.

Potential Penalties:

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

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

Receiving Stolen Property — California Penal Code § 496

While theft-related, receiving stolen property cases are their own challenge. 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.

Receiving stolen property charges can fall apart if you can prove you weren't aware that the item was stolen. This knowledge element is often where we can mount an effective defense. Buying items that are cheaply listed, without receipts, or from unknown sellers, does not automatically mean you had knowledge of theft.

Potential Penalties:

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

Vandalism — California Penal Code § 594

Instead of violently harming another person or animal, vandalism is focused on property harm. It occurs when one person marks or damages another person's property, without permission and for bad purposes. This is related to theft because in many cases, the accused will be alleged to have broken into a location as a part of the theft.

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

Possible Penalties:

• Under $400: Misdemeanor — up to 1 year jail
• Over $400: Wobbler — up to 3 years prison
• Restitution: Full repair/replacement cost to victim
• Additional: Graffiti cleanup, community service

Trespassing — California Penal Code § 602

Trespassing involves entering or remaining on another person's property without permission. 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 normally charged as a misdemeanor or infraction. However, Glendale, CA, prosecutors can also use it as a part of a case for more serious charges. Defenses often hinge on whether permission was given or reasonably believed to exist.

Perjury — California Penal Code § 118

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: 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.

Potential Penalties:

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

Specialized & Enhanced Charges

Elder Theft, Firearm Theft, Looting & Attempted Crimes

Not all alleged thefts are treated equally; in the cases listed below, you can face harsher penalties and elevated charges. Your theft crimes lawyer will need to be prepared to battle for your freedom. And at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we are.

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

Under California Penal Code § 487(d)(2), theft of a firearm is always grand theft — regardless of the weapon's monetary value. This means the theft of even a low-value firearm will end up with a felony charge. On top of that, a grand theft of a firearm felony can count for a strike on your criminal record if convicted.

To make things worse, you may also have to fight in federal court. 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 with the skills to fight for you at all levels.

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

If the alleged victim was 65 or older, you might be up against elevated penalties. 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 Glendale, CA, does not take these charges lightly and usually pursues harsh penalties. If the victim is 70 years or older, additional consecutive prison time can be added. People convicted of financial elder abuse often also have to repay the alleged victim, and Adult Protective Services involvement only makes things more complex.

Examples: Lenders pressuring the elderly to take bad loans; family member exerting undue influence over an elder's finances; fake contractor promises work but never completes it; impostor pretends to be a law enforcement official.

Potential Penalties:

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

Looting — California Penal Code § 463

During emergencies, stealing property can be charged as looting. While theft and burglary are the root charges behind the action, looting increases the penalties significantly.

In Glendale, 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

Trying to steal something and failing is still a crime in Glendale, CA. An attempt requires: (1) a mental state of deliberate criminal activity, and (2) some form of action that furthers the criminal ends — whatever the outcome was.

Under most circumstances, in California, if you are convicted of attempting a crime you will be given half the sentence of the underlying offense. So while residential burglary carries a prison sentence of 2, 4, or 6 years, attempted residential burglary would only carry a sentence of 1, 2, or 3 years. However, this is still a serious criminal conviction with lasting consequences.

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.

For any of the charges above, or more, when you reach out to us, you can connect with an expert theft crimes lawyer in Glendale, CA, who will listen to your side of the story and build a defense around that. Together, we will defend your rights and your freedom.

What to Do if You're Accused of Theft

Theft allegations are just the tip of the iceberg. The Glendale, CA, government is after you, you could be facing major legal consequences, and you need to defend your reputation as well as your innocence. Without help, 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 Glendale, CA, theft crimes lawyer from our team will guide you on how to navigate your case. If you're up against theft crime accusations, here are our recommendations:

1. Obey the Arresting Officer's Instructions

While it's reasonable to feel angry about being arrested, don't resist. If you act civilly, it will make things go faster and easier. Fighting back can only get you into more trouble.

2. Keep Calm and Stay Silent

It's common for police to interview you after an arrest – invoke your right to remain 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 you say something untruthful, you can be charged with perjury.

3. Reach Out to a Glendale, CA, Theft Crimes Defense Attorney ASAP

In California, people who have been arrested are given three phone calls. One of these should be to your theft crimes lawyer. Getting legal assistance quickly can protect you from making mistakes that will come back to hurt you later. 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 firm's theft crimes defense attorneys will fight for your pre-trial release and lower bail requirements. You are innocent until proven guilty, and should enjoy your freedom while your case proceeds.

5. Coordinate With Your Attorney to Create a Defense Strategy

This is perhaps the most important step: building a defense against the charges. A skilled theft crimes lawyer in Glendale, CA, will take the time to listen to you, negotiate for deals with the prosecution, and argue for a dismissal wherever possible.

How Our Theft Lawyers Fight Against These Charges

As expert theft crime attorneys, we know that each case's defense strategy must be customized to the specific details, proof, and charges. Here are the major defense approaches our attorneys use to fight theft charges in Glendale, CA.

Lack of Intent / Claim of Right Defense in Theft Cases

Lack of intent is a common criminal defense strategy, and is particularly applicable in theft cases. In Glendale, 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.

A related defense is the "claim of right" defense, where someone states that they believed they were allowed to take the property. This applies as long as they honestly believed they were allowed to, even if they were incorrect. If a defendant sincerely believed the property was theirs, owed to them as payment, or that they had permission to take it, this can negate the required criminal intent. The belief does not have to be correct; it only has to be genuine. Additional intent-based defenses include: mistake of fact (the defendant 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. This isn't merely a backup plan. May defenses against stealing allegations will incorporate intent to some degree, particularly in cases involving disputes over ownership, employer-employee disagreements, family property conflicts, or transactions gone wrong.

Using This Defense:

• Grand Theft: Negates specific intent to permanently deprive
• Embezzlement: Challenges the fraudulent conversion element
• Fraud / False Pretenses: Attacks the knowing misrepresentation element
• Receiving Stolen Property: Challenges knowledge that property was stolen

Illegal Search & Seizure in Theft/Burglary Cases

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 theft and burglary cases, the Glendale, CA, police department will gather evidence through searches. If the authorities disobeyed regulations, the evidence can be suppressed and the state may be unable to proceed.

Here are some of the reasons that evidence is thrown out in theft cases: warrantless searches of vehicles, homes, or persons without valid legal justification; searches conducted under a warrant obtained through false or misleading information in the supporting affidavit; arrests without probable cause leading to an invalid search at the time of the arrest; GPS tracking or digital surveillance conducted without getting proper approval; and searches that go beyond the limits of a valid warrant. California Penal Code § 1538.5 gives defendants a statutory right to move to suppress evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment — suppression of unlawfully abstained evidence motions can destroy the prosecution's argument, leading to dropped or dismissed charges.

If this applies to your case, it can be a major win for your defense. Even partial suppression — in cases where a subset of the evidence against the defendant is suppressed — can make a big difference. Suppression motions are fully litigated in Glendale, 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, valid consent, or a recognized exception such as probable cause
• Digital Evidence / Cell Phones: Require a warrant under Riley v. California (2014)
• Fruit of the Poisonous Tree: If illegally obtained evidence leads to future evidence that was legally obtained, it's possible that all of it can be thrown out

False Accusation / Misidentification

Innocent people are charged with theft crimes more often than the public realizes. False accusations can arise from personal disagreements, misidentification by witnesses, mistaken assumptions about ownership, ambiguous surveillance footage, or false accusations coming from a person who wants to cause you harm. Being wrongly accused does not mean the charges will not proceed — you need a Glendale, CA, theft crimes lawyer to protect 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, under poor lighting conditions, 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 Glendale, CA, court.

Defense strategies in false accusation cases include: establishing an alibi with corroborating witnesses, records, or surveillance footage; showing issues with how eyewitness identifications were obtained; exposing bias or motive on the part the accuser; presenting expert testimony on the issues with eyewitness testimony; and highlighting inconsistencies between different statements and testimony between witnesses.

If you are innocent: Do not confront witnesses, do not try to build your defense on your own, and do not attempt to explain your innocence to police without your theft lawyer present. Statements made to investigators — even truthful ones — can be mischaracterized, taken out of context, or used in unexpected ways. Whatever your circumstances, if you're facing theft charges, call our lawyers now for help.

Lack of Knowledge — If you merely were holding property that turned out to be stolen, the state must prove you were aware that the property was stolen. If you're facing an applicable charge, we will raise doubt as to your knowledge that the goods were stolen and explain how you could come to possess them without realizing.

Consent / Permission — Consent is the defining feature behind many theft charges; if you didn't have permission to use take an item, you could be found guilty. In cases where the alleged offender did take the object or enter the property, but had the right to do so, this can be a highly effective defense.

Rights Violations — We won't presume that all the evidence collected for your case is legitimate — we'll review everything and look for opportunities to have the evidence against you removed.

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

Challenging 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, as long as you've finished probation, you can ask for a guilty or no contest plea to be removed — a process commonly called an expungement. To be eligible, the defendant generally must have: successfully completed all terms of probation, including fines and restitution; not currently be charged with, on probation for, or serving a sentence for any other offense; and — as a more recent restriction — in many cases, must not have spent time in state prison (though SB 731 and related reforms have expanded relief options for some state prison cases).

In cases where probation was not granted, a petition under Penal Code § 1203.4a may provide relief after one year has elapsed since conviction. Arguably, the best cases are those which were dismissed without any form of conviction. In these cases, instead of expunging the conviction, the arrest record can be sealed.

Expungement under § 1203.4 carries meaningful practical benefits: Of note, you won't have to note any convictions on private job applications. That said, expungement does not seal a criminal record from all access — it doesn't allow gun ownership, 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) provides additional expungement assistance for individuals in Glendale, CA who don't break any other laws after finishing their sentence, if enough time has passed.

Important: While expungement under § 1203.4 offers many benefits, it doesn't make the record go away entirely; it can still be viewed by the police, licensing boards, and be used in future criminal cases. If your goal is the total removal of the record, restoration of firearm rights, 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 (1 year post-conviction)
• PC § 851.91: Seal records of arrests which did not end in a conviction
• SB 731 (2023): Automatic relief for qualifying non-violent felony convictions
• Limitations: Still restricted from owning guns, and the police can still review these records

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Glendale, CA, Theft Crimes Frequently Asked Questions

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


The primary distinction is the value of the property allegedly taken. Property valued at $950 or less results in petty theft charges (usually a misdemeanor). Grand theft is usually the result of thefts over $950, but can also be triggered in special circumstances (such as if the supposedly stolen item was a gun or a car). Grand theft can either be a misdemeanor or a felony. 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?


In many cases, yes. For probation sentences, expungement is often offered conditionally upon your completion. Expungement removes the conviction from your public record and allows you to truthfully say you have not been convicted of that crime in most circumstances. 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 Glendale, 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. Working with a criminal defense lawyer can make a major difference and help you with avoiding a conviction and keeping your record clean.

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


In many cases, being unaware of stolen property's origins can make for a strong defense. If you genuinely weren't aware and had no reasonable basis to suspect it, that is a strong 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 be used against you, which is why an attorney is essential.

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


Very serious. You're probably looking at felony charges, with higher prison time, fines, and long-lasting record impacts. If you have any prior convictions, you are at risk of harsher penalties. Get in touch with us immediately at (800) 755-5174.

What is a "wobbler" offense in California?


A wobbler is an offense that can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances and the prosecutor's discretion. Several theft-related offenses — such as grand theft, commercial burglary, receiving stolen property, and forgery — are wobblers. As your theft crimes lawyer, we will argue for misdemeanor charges if you are facing a wobbler, to protect your record and freedom.

Will I go to jail for a theft charge?


You can avoid jail in many cases, actually. Many theft cases — especially misdemeanors and first offenses — can be resolved without jail time through diversion programs, probation, community service, or fines. While felony charges can be harder to avoid prison for, it is still possible in some cases. The specifics of your circumstances will play into this, and your attorney will fight for reduced (if not eliminated) jail time. Call our firm to understand what options you have.

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


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 — if prosecutors can prove you entered with criminal intent, you can be convicted of burglary even if you left empty-handed. As a result, intent evidence — and arguments surrounding it — is central to burglary defense.

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Need a Theft Defense Attorney in Glendale, CA? Call Now.

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

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