Theft Lawyer Long Beach, CA. When you are charged with a crime in Long Beach, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Theft charges in particular can be complex because of the wide variety of them. On your own, it can feel impossible to win.
Even when you can't figure out what to do on your own, there is an option who will fight for you: The Law Offices of David S. Chesley. Our attorneys have what it takes to guard your freedom against the prosecution. With a Long Beach, CA, theft crimes lawyer from our team on your side, you'll have someone by your side from day one until you get justice.
Connect with a theft crimes lawyer today at (800) 755-5174 or connect with us online for a free, confidential consultation. Waiting too long to reach out can cost you everything.
The Importance of a Theft Lawyer in Long Beach, CA
Theft charges need to be treated seriously, no matter what the specifics are. Without a lawyer, you're stuck trying to navigate a intricate legal system and make it more likely that you'll face the following:
- Jail Sentence: Jail time is a common consequence for theft in Long Beach, CA.
- Financial Penalties: On top of paying back the value of whatever was stolen, fines can give you a serious financial burden.
- Loss of Employmnet: Extended stints in jail can prevent you from doing your job, and cause you to lose it.
- Stained Reputation: You can face unfair and unjust labels that get in the way of your moving on with your life.
- And more.
A Long Beach, CA, theft crimes lawyer can protect your rights and fight against these outcomes. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is ready to help. Look at what makes us the right attorneys for the job:
Why You Should Hire Our Long Beach, CA Theft Defense Lawyers
Not every criminal defense firm is created equal. Here's what set us apart — and why it matters for your theft case:
- 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 — With more than five decades of total legal experience, the state knows how hard we will fight for our clients and we know how to make use of our relationships to earn better deals for our clients.
- Prepared to Fight Your Case at Trial — We prepare every case as if it's going to 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 — Our representation doesn't end at the verdict. Don't let an arrest or criminal record hold you back — speak with one of our Long Beach, CA, criminal defense attorneys to discuss expungement options.
- Terrific Reputation – We are well-known for our tenacious representation.
- Available 24/7 — Arrests happen at all hours. So do we. If you need a theft crime attorney, you shouldn't need to wait for regular business hours. And with our team, you don't have to.
- Completely Confidential — You can trust us with everything about your case. We won't judge — we're just here to build the strongest case possible.
Theft Charges We Will Fight in Long Beach, CA
Use the links below to jump directly to a full breakdown of the law, consequences, and additional information.
Attempted Burglary | Attempted Robbery | Bribery | Burglary (Residential) | Burglary of a Vehicle | Carjacking | Commercial Burglary | Credit Card Fraud | Elder Financial Abuse | Embezzlement | Extortion | Forgery | Fraud / False Pretenses | Grand Theft | Grand Theft Auto | Grand Theft of a Firearm | Health Care Fraud | Home Health Fraud | Home Invasion Burglary | Hospice Fraud | Identity Theft | Insurance Fraud | Joyriding | Looting | Medicare Fraud | Money Laundering | Perjury | Petty Theft | Petty Theft with a Prior | Possession of Stolen Vehicle | Receiving Stolen Property | Robbery | Shoplifting (PC 459.5) | Theft from an Elder | Trespassing | Vandalism | Vehicle Theft | Welfare Fraud | White Collar Crimes
Major Long Beach, CA, Theft Crimes We Defend Against
With over 50 years of combined legal experience, we have what it takes to protect your rights. if you require a theft crimes lawyer in Long Beach, CA, act fast: contact us right away for a free, confidential consultation.
We cover all of the following types of charges and more:
Petty Theft Charges vs Grand Theft Charges
While there are many different theft case types in Long Beach, 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 how much value was allegedly stolen: For anything $950 or less, the charges will normally be petty theft, while higher values will typically be grand theft.
Defending petty theft charges is usually easier because the potential penalties are less severe (it's normally charged as a misdemeanor). On the other hand, fighting grand theft charges normally is a greater challenge, because it is more likely to be a felony. Regardless of what you're up against, a skillful theft crimes lawyer can help you minimize penalties.
Below, we've written a table to summarize the differences between petty theft and grand theft:
| Alleged Crime | Petty Theft | Grand Theft |
|---|---|---|
| Value Taken | $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
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. Since 2014, the majority of shoplifting cases are misdemeanors. Keep in mind, though, that repeat offenders, organized retail theft, or amounts over $950 can still result in felony charges. Whether you're up against a felony or misdemeanor charge, a local Long Beach, CA theft crimes lawyer can help you maximize your chances of a positive outcome.
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 Long Beach, CA.
Shoplifting Potential Penalties:
- Jail Sentence: Up to 6 months
- Fines: Up to $1,000
- Civil Demand: Retailers may send civil demand letters
- Other: Probation, banned from store
Defense options consist of: No intention to steal, mistake of fact, entrapment by loss prevention, unlawful search and seizure, 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. This is one of the most common mechanisms used in Long Beach, CA, to increase exposure for repeat offenders, even when the underlying theft involves a modest amount.
To charge PC § 666, the prosecution must establish: (1) the defendant committed petty theft; and (2) the defendant has at least one prior conviction for theft, robbery, carjacking, burglary, or a similar qualifying offense — particularly where the defendant served time in jail or prison for that prior. This law is applicable in many cases today, even after being limited in scope by Proposition 47 in 2014. Defendants with certain prior serious or violent felonies, prior sex offense registration requirements, or prior burglary convictions under PC § 459 remain fully exposed to felony enhancement even for minor shoplifting incidents.
Potential Penalties:
- Charge Type: Wobbler
- Misdemeanor Jail: Up to 1 year in county jail
- Felony Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
- Qualifying Priors: Prior theft, burglary, robbery, or carjacking convictions
Vehicle Theft Charges We Defend in Long Beach, CA
We will fight against all sorts of vehicle theft crimes in Long Beach, CA. The first one that probably comes to mind is grand theft auto, but that's actually not a law of its own. Grand theft auto comes from a section 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. On the other hand, if the alleged offender wasn't going to keep it, they're probably going to be charged with joyriding. While each of these vehicle crimes are 'wobbler' offenses, in Long Beach, CA, grand theft auto is normally charged as a felony, while joyriding is normally a misdemeanor.
If you're caught in possession of a stolen vehicle, you can face criminal charges for that, too. Similar to receiving stolen property, you don't have to have actually stolen anything to be convicted of this crime. Simply owning or having the car or truck can result in these charges.
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 today 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).
Possible Penalties:
- Charge Type: Wobbler (usually felony in Long Beach, CA)
- Felony Prison Sentence: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
- Misdemeanor Jail Sentence: Up to 1 year
- Fines: Up to $10,000
Vehicle Theft — California Vehicle Code § 10851
Vehicle Code § 10851 is one of the main vehicle theft laws in California. It covers situations where the alleged offender both did and didn't intend to return the vehicle. If you deprive someone of their vehicle with any intentions, this law applies.
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 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 Long Beach, CA, making it critical to get an expert vehicle theft crimes lawyer to defend you.
In Long Beach, CA, joyriding is most commonly charged as a misdemeanor, making it significantly less severe than grand theft auto. However, prior criminal history or aggravating circumstances can push it to a felony.
| Joyriding | Grand Theft Auto | |
|---|---|---|
| Main Difference | Return the vehicle afterwards | Keep the vehicle forever |
| Typical Charge | Misdemeanor | Felony |
| Misdemeanor Jail | Up to 1 year | — |
| Felony Prison | — | 16 months, 2, or 3 years |
Carjacking — California Penal Code § 215
If you had to pick the worst vehicle theft crime to be charged with, carjacking would be a leading contender. If you allegedly used force or threats to take someone's car directly from them, you can be charged with carjacking. Because of the violent element, carjacking is always a felony and often has a mandatory prison sentence, as probation is not an option.
Carjacking is also a "strike" offense under California's Three Strikes law. A conviction can have lifelong consequences beyond just the immediate sentence.
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
In Long Beach, CA, the prosecution can charge you with a related crime even if you didn't steal the vehicle. If you have or are storing a automobile when you knew or should have know it 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 state must prove you had knowledge the vehicle was stolen — and that's often where your vehicle theft crimes lawyer can challenge the case.
Possible Penalties:
- Charge Type: Wobbler
- Felony Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
- Misdemeanor Jail: Up to 1 year
White Collar Crime Charges We Defend in Long Beach, CA
White collar crimes in Long Beach, CA, vary widely in context and action, but they all have a common trait: misusing professional power for financial gain.
Most white collar crimes are defined by how money is transferred. Embezzlement is the theft of money someone was supposed to manage for others, like an investment banker taking from a client's account. Money laundering an attempt to hide illegal money as legal income. For example, if someone made money from a drug deal, then pretended to have another person pay them for a job, that would be money laundering. Meanwhile, bribery is about illegal gifts done for a favor or another benefit. An example of this would be an employee giving money to their boss in exchange for a promotion.
Not all white-collar crimes are centered around the exchange of money, though (at least at face value). Forgery is when someone creates a fake document with intentions to use it in a future theft, and identity theft is the taking of another person's personal information. In both forgery and identity theft cases, you don't need to have stolen someone else's money to be found guilty.
Forgery, Money Laundering, Fraud & More
It's easy to think that white collar accusations aren't taken as seriously as violent crimes in Long Beach, CA, but you'd be wrong. The punishments can be dire — prison sentences, financial penalties, major career setbacks, and permanent reputational damage. These cases require attorneys with deep financial and legal sophistication.
White Collar Crimes — Overview
There isn't a set list of "white collar crimes," but they do tend to have some qualities in common, particularly that they are non-violent and are related to one's workplace. 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 Long Beach, 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. Call us now if you have any reason to believe the police are looking into you. The sooner you bring in your legal defense, the better chance you have of a positive outcome.
Embezzlement — California Penal Code § 503
Embezzlement is different from other forms of theft. For an embezzlement charge, the alleged offender would have lawful access to the property, just not for personal use. The key element is the pre-existing lawful access — alleged embezzlement offenders had honest ways to access the supposedly stolen or misused goods.
Frequent embezzlement scenarios: A company credit card holder using it for personal purchases; a bookkeeper writing unauthorized checks to themselves; a financial advisor moving client funds to personal accounts; an employee skimming from cash registers; a charity collector taking cash donations while leaving other types alone.
Possible Penalties:
- Under $950: Misdemeanor — up to 6 months jail
- Over $950: Felony — up to 3 years prison
- Large Amounts: Enhanced sentences up to 10+ years
- Additional: Repay alleged victims, professional consequences
Money Laundering — California Penal Code § 186.10
Money laundering is the process of making illegally obtained money appear to have come from a legitimate source. It commonly consists of three stages: placement (adding the dirty money into the legitimate financial system), layering (in an attempt to confuse future investigators, the money is shifted through complicated financial trades and transfers), and integration (investing the funds into something legal, or using another method to extract them into seemingly-legitimate assets).
California's money laundering statute aims at transactions of more than $5,000 when the alleged offender was aware that the money was dirty. You could also face federal money laundering charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1956, which tends to have much harsher penalties.
Potential Penalties (State):
- Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
- Fines: Up to $250,000 or twice the amount laundered
- Federal Add-On: Up to 20 years federal prison
Bribery — California Penal Code § 67–68 / § 92
You can face bribery charges for offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting something of value in exchange for influencing the actions of people in certain positions of power. California law criminalizes bribery in many contexts — government officials, judges, legislators, executive officers, witnesses, and even private commercial bribery. Regardless of what position you're in, a Long Beach, CA, theft crimes lawyer is critical to protect you from the prosecution.
Who can face bribery charges? Whether you offered or accepted a bribe, you could face charges in Long Beach, CA. Attempted bribery charges are even possible, if one person tries to bribe another, and the second person refuses it.
Possible Penalties:
- Charge Type: Felony
- Prison: 2, 3, or 4 years state prison
- Public Officials: Permanent ineligibility for office
- Federal: Up to 15 years (if federal officials involved)
Forgery — California Penal Code § 470
Forgery involves creating, altering, or using a false document with intent to defraud. State law is broad and covers bills, receipts, contracts, deeds, power of attorney documents, court orders, prescriptions, lottery tickets, and many other types of written instruments.
What if I didn't use the forged document? You can be charged with forgery even if no one was actually defrauded. The intent to defraud, combined with the act of creating or using the fake document, is enough to be convicted.
Potential Penalties:
- Charge Type: Wobbler
- Felony Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
- Misdemeanor Jail: Up to 1 year
Identity Theft — California Penal Code § 530.5
You can face identity theft allegations in Long Beach, CA if you use someone else's personal information without permission for any unlawful purpose, such as obtaining credit, property, 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 obtaining and using someone's information without a legal reason is enough to warrant a crime under state law. This makes it critical to hire an expert theft crimes lawyer whatever the specifics of your case.
Identity theft accusations are aggressively prosecuted in Long Beach, CA, and frequently result in federal charges if the internet was involved, or the supposed victim and alleged offender were in different states.
Potential Penalties:
- Charge Type: Wobbler
- Felony Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
- Per Victim: Charges can stack — one count per victim
- Federal: Up to 15–30 years (aggravated cases)
Fraud Charges We Defend in Long Beach, CA
Fraud is a frequent white collar crime charge in Long Beach, CA, and can be divided into smaller categories of its own. Broadly speaking, a person who commits theft by acting dishonestly 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 one of the most common types of fraud. It involves lying on an insurance claim to increase their benefit. As an example, if someone were to hide their valuable property and claim it was stollen, that person can be charged with insurance fraud.
A related fraud crime is welfare fraud, where a person lies about their current circumstances to receive extra assistance from the government. An example of this would be pretending that one's income is lower than it actually is in order to receive food stamps.
Another common form is credit card fraud. This one is a little different because instead of representing someone about themselves, for credit card fraud, normally a person is lying about the credit card they are using. If the card is counterfeit or expired, but you allegedly try to use it anyways, you can face these charges.
An expert theft crimes lawyer in Long Beach, CA, can help you navigate the differences between all of these fraud charges, and try to find a deal that gives you the best outcome possible.
Different Kinds of Fraud, False Pretenses & Financial Deception
You could face accusations of fraud in Long Beach, CA, for a wide variety of actions — in most cases, it's a small, individual action, but there have been massive systems of fraud as well. 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
Many "fraud" charges in Long Beach fall under California's 'theft by false pretenses' law. This is when one person tricks another person through disonest means, leading to the second person willingly giving away goods or services. As opposed to forceful or unknowing theft, theft by false prestenses involves the alleged victim deliberately parting with their goods because of the deception.
Common examples: Selling a product that doesn't exist; 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
Lying to an insurance company to receive a payout or other benefit is insurance fraud. If you're facing insurance fraud charges in Long Beach, CA, it's possible that you'll go to prison for several years if convicted. An experienced theft crimes lawyer will fight the allegations and analyze all the evidence to help you find the best outcome possible
Frequent examples include: Claiming existing auto damage is newly occuring; filing false theft reports; inflating repair cost claims; deliberately damaging your property for a payout; fabricating injuries; double billing for a health service.
Potential Penalties:
- Felony Prison: 2, 3, or 5 years
- Fines: Up to $150,000 or twice what was defrauded
- Restitution: Give the amount defrauded back to the alleged victim
- Additional: Career and job restrictions/penalties
Credit Card Fraud — California Penal Code § 484e–484j
In Long Beach, CA, credit card fraud covers a wide range of conduct involving fraudulent use of credit or debit cards. You could be accused of using another individual's card without consent, using a fake card or one acquired by theft, using an account number without physical possession of the card, or fraudulently acquiring or selling card account information.
What to know about federal charges: Credit card fraud frequently triggers federal charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1029 in addition to state charges, particularly when cards are used across state lines or the internet is involved. 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: Failing to report income; using fake identities to collect extra benefits; Trading or selling food stamps; pretending that a child is still a dependent when they are not; continuing to collect benefits after a qualifying event ends your eligibility.
Penalties for welfare fraud, if convicted, can result in fines, prison time, and required repayment of the value taken. Your leading Long Beach, CA, theft crimes lawyer can dissect the prosecution's case and greatly improve your case's outlook.
Possible 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 occurs when a hospice provider bills Medicare, Medi-Cal, or private insurers for services that were not rendered, were medically unnecessary, or were provided to patients who did not actually qualify for hospice care. To qualify forMedicare hospice benefits, the recipient must be predicted to pass away within half a year if the illness runs its normal course — a threshold that fraudulent providers routinely falsify.
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 Long Beach, CA, government, you're likely to face federal charges and accusations from federal investigators.
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. These investigations can go on for extended periods of time without your knowledge, until the state is ready to file charges.
Potential Penalties:
- Federal Prison: Up to 10 years per count (18 U.S.C. § 1347)
- Civil FCA Liability: Treble damages plus $13,000–$27,000 per false claim
- State Charges: Up to 5 years (CA Penal Code § 550)
- Additional: Exclusion from Medicare/Medi-Cal programs; license revocation
Medicare Fraud — 18 U.S.C. § 1347 / 42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7b
Medicare fraud charges have particularly far-reaching consequences. 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 Long Beach, CA.
Medicare fraud convictions are particularly bad because they can prevent you from ever receiving Medicare or Medi-Cal benefits in the future. This is on top of other consequences, like the loss of professional licensing. Because Medicare billing data is centrally maintained, federal agents can identify statistical anomalies and billing patterns across thousands of claims — meaning investigations often begin long before a provider is aware they are being scrutinized.
Warning: The United States also has a law (the Anti-Kickback Statute – 42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7b) which makes it a form of Medicare fraud to offer payment for Medicare-related referrals. Both the person paying and the person receiving a kickback can face prosecution.
Potential Penalties:
- Federal Prison: Up to 10 years per count (up to 20 if serious bodily injury results)
- Anti-Kickback Violations: Up to 10 years per violation
- Civil FCA Liability: Treble damages plus civil monetary penalties per claim
- Additional: 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 law specifically addresses 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 Long Beach, CA, as they often involve extensive medical records and expert testimony/analysis. Healthcare providers, billing companies, office managers, 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, 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 — including skilled nursing visits, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and home health aide services. In order to be eligible for Medicare benefits, a patient must be homebound and require specialized care. Because of the particulars of the definition, these cases can vary wildly from one another.
Common schemes include: billing for visits to patients who are not homebound and do not qualify; billing for services that were never provided; falsifying physician orders and certifications to manufacture eligibility; paying illegal kickbacks to recruiters, physicians, or patient cappers for referrals; and billing therapy services at inflated frequency levels unsupported by clinical documentation. Home health fraud charges in Long Beach, CA, are taken very seriously, and you need a theft defense lawyer who's ready to give your case the attention it deserves. Commonly accused individuals include physical therapists, administrative workers, and physicians performing the diagnoses.
Important: There are special restrictions placed on doctors to prevent home health fraud. For example, the United States' Stark Law makes it illegal for a doctor to send a patient to a home health services provider that the physician financially benefits from. Violations result in civil monetary penalties and Medicare exclusion entirely separate from any criminal prosecution — to make matters worse, you can be convicted of violating this law even if you unintentionally broke it.
Potential Penalties:
- Federal Prison: Up to 10 years per count
- Anti-Kickback Violations: Up to 10 years per violation
- Civil FCA Liability: Treble damages plus penalties per false claim
- Administrative: Exclusion from Medicare/Medi-Cal; agency decertification
Violent Theft Charges We Fight in Long Beach, CA
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you could be facing both theft charges and violent crime charges in Long Beach, CA. This can be the case when you're accused of robbery. Robbery occurs when one person threatens or attacks someone in order to take something from them. As opposed to burglary, where the alleged victim is not present during the act. Carjacking is to grand theft auto what robbery is to burglary.
However, some thefts which did not start out violent can end up involving violence. Home invasion charges can start out as regular burglary, with the alleged offender not intending to commit violence, but that changes when they run into another person.
Extortion relies more on threats than actual violence to commit a theft. When one person commits extortion, they threaten another in order to get something from them. The alleged offender doesn't necessarily need to threaten physical violence, but it can consist of any form of harm to the victim, including emotional or reputational. As an example, if a person 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. Immediate Long Beach, CA, legal counsel is non-negotiable.
Robbery — California Penal Code § 211
Many people confuse burglary and robbery, but they are actually very different crimes. Burglary generally occurs while the alleged victim is away, while in robbery cases, the supposed offender takes something from the alleged victim personally. Robbery is always a felony and always a strike offense.
The state of California divides robbery charges into two degrees:
- First-Degree Robbery: This is charged when the alleged offense took place:
- In someone's house, vehicle, or other building,
- In a taxi, or
- While the alleged victim was using an ATM
- Second-Degree Robbery: This is charged in any other circumstances
The penalties are usually worse for first-degree robbery.
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. While extortion does always involve a threat of some kind, it doesn't need to be personal violence, like with robbery. In many cases, it is instead property damage, or to publicly humiliate someone.
Common examples: Threatening to report someone for a crime unless paid; threatening to release private photos unless money is provided; threatening to deny someone a rightful certification unless special favors are given.
Possible Penalties:
- Charge Type: Felony
- Prison: 2, 3, or 4 years
- Fines: Up to $10,000
Burglary Charges We Fight in Long Beach, CA
Burglary is often charged along with theft in Long Beach, CA. California defines burglary as entering a location without permission in order to steal something or break a different law. This is commonly a structure, like a convenience store (which would make it 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.
No matter what kind of burglary you're charged with, there is always an element of trespassing involved. Because of this, what you were allegedly planning to do in a location can be just as important as how you got access to it.
Burglary Related Charges
Shoplifting also involves the theft of items from a store, similar to commercial burglary. In fact, before 2014, what you think of as shoplifting would be classified as burglary under California law. However, as we discussed above a new law Proposition 47 (officially the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act), a ballot initiative passed by California voters on November 4, 2014 that distinguishes shoplifting as specifically attempting to steal merchandise from a business during regular business hours. The differences in charges had a major impact for several offenses and penalties. Because it made shoplifting a separate charge from burglary, shoplifting attempts are no longer felonies in Long Beach, CA (except in extreme cases).
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 kicking in a door to burglarize someone's home. It's very likely that you'll be charged with both burglarizing and vandalizing a location together in Long Beach, CA, doubling the importance of working with a top quality theft crimes lawyer to defend you.
Finally, you can face theft charges in Long Beach, CA, even if you didn't steal anything yourself. How does this happen? Receiving stolen property charges. This applies when someone supposedly buys, hides, or receives something that they know was taken unlawfully from another person.
Burglary, Home Invasion & Related Charges
Long Beach, CA burglary charges can be wildly different from one another, and may not even involve theft — these charges apply when someone tresspasses on a property while planning to break the law, though it doesn't have to be a theft law specifically.
Residential Burglary (First Degree) — California Penal Code § 459
In California, first-degree burglary, sometimes called residential burglary, involves going to someone's dwelling place with the intent to commit a theft or any felony inside. Nothing actually needs to be stolen. Your motivation for entering the location is the key to burglary charges.
This charge is always a felony and will add a strike to your record upon a conviction. This is one of the most serious theft-adjacent charges in California law, and Long Beach, CA courts are likely to give you a long sentence. Without the right theft crimes defense lawyer, you're fighting an uphill battle
Possible Penalties:
- Prison: 2, 4, or 6 years in state prison
- Three Strikes: Yes — serious felony strike
- Probation: Generally not an option for first-degree
- Fines: Up to $10,000
Commercial Burglary (Second Degree) — California Penal Code § 459
Although less serious than first-degree burglary, second-degree burglary (AKA commercial burglary) charges are still not to be taken lightly. This charge is considered a wobbler and could be either a misdemeanor or a felony.
Commercial burglary is closely related to shoplifting, and used to be the same offense. However, the passage of Proposition 47 in 2014 distinguished the two, and it's possible your theft crimes lawyer will use this to advantage in your case.
Potential Penalties:
- Felony Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
- Misdemeanor Jail: Up to 1 year
- Charge Type: Wobbler
Burglary of a Vehicle — California Penal Code § 459
Vehicle burglary is similar to residential or commercial burglary — it also involves unlawfully entering a location, but in this case, that location is a vehicle. 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.
Key distinction: 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 the burglary enhancement requires that the vehicle was secured in some way.
Home Invasion Burglary With Violence — California Penal Code § 459 / § 211
If you're accused of breaking into a home and threatening or hurting the people inside, that would fall under home invasion charges. Long Beach, CA, prosecutors take these charges extremely seriously and often push for harsh punishments. It's even more important to hire an expert theft crimes lawyer than usual in these cases.
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 defense attorneys that can give you top-quality service, and you need them now.
Possible Penalties:
- Burglary Base: 2, 4, or 6 years
- Robbery Add-On: Additional 2–5 years
- Weapon Enhancement: Additional 3–10 years
- Three Strikes: Yes — multiple strikes possible
Property & Related 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 Long Beach, 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.
These cases often hinge on your mental state — namely, whether or not you were (or should have been) aware that the item was stolen. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we often argue this point in these cases. Buying items at a great deal, 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.
The threshold for felony vandalism in California is $400 or more in damage — a much lower bar than for theft offenses.
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
- Additional: Graffiti cleanup, community service
Trespassing — California Penal Code § 602
Trespassing is another property crime, though it doesn't involve stealing (directly). Trespassing is when one person goes onto someone else's property when they aren't supposed to be, and/or refuses to exit. Tresspassing is often charged alongside burglary, because the latter also involves entering a location without permission.
Without compounding charges, trespassing is normally charged as a misdemeanor or infraction. However, Long Beach, CA, prosecutors can also use it as a part of a case for more serious charges. Defenses often hinge on whether permission was given or reasonably believed to exist.
Perjury — California Penal Code § 118
Perjury is making a false statement under oath, knowing it is false, in a legal proceeding or official document. While not a theft crime per se, perjury frequently arises in theft cases — for example, making false statements to police, lying in a court declaration, or providing false testimony at trial.
Do not make this mistake: Speaking to the police at all is a risk, and it's even worse if you lie to them. By keeping a theft crimes lawyer on hand, you can avoid perjury charges and build a strong defense.
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)
California law treats firearms very seriously, restricting their availability and usage. Regarding theft, current statutes regarding firearm theft ignore the value of the device and always make it grand theft. Because of this stealing even a nearly worthless 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. When you're fighting in two courts, it becomes substantially more complicated to avoid a guilty plea. And it's even more essential to find an attorney with the skills to fight for you at all levels.
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
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) occurs when someone takes, conceals, appropriates, obtains, or retains money or property from an elder by undue influence, fraud, or other wrongful conduct.
The prosecution in Long Beach, CA, does not take these charges lightly and usually pursues harsh penalties. This is further exacerbated if the alleged victim is 70 or older, which can lead to increased penalties. People convicted of financial elder abuse often also have to repay the alleged victim, and Adult Protective Services involvement can complicate cases further.
Common scenarios: Caregiver overcharging for services; family member exerting undue influence over an elder's finances; contractor overcharging vulnerable seniors; 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. California Penal Code § 463 treats looting as an aggravated form of the underlying theft or burglary offense, with mandatory enhanced penalties.
In Long Beach, CA — a city prone to wildfires, earthquakes, and civil unrest events — looting charges have been prosecuted with particular vigor. During declared states of emergency, prosecutors seek the harshest available penalties, and courts are generally unsympathetic. An example might be breaking into someone's home during a riot and grabbing valuables to run away with.
Potential Penalties (Enhanced):
- Petty Theft → Looting: Misdemeanor with mandatory jail (no OR release)
- Commercial Burglary → Looting: Felony — 16 months to 3 years
- Residential Burglary → Looting: Felony — 2 to 6 years
- Bail: Often denied or set very high during emergency periods
Attempted Theft, Attempted Burglary & Attempted Robbery
Even if the supposed burglary or robbery failed, attempted theft charges will still apply. For it to be considered an attempt, the prosecution needs to prove two things: (1) a mental state of deliberate criminal activity, and (2) a tangible step is taken towards breaking the law — 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. We frequently challenge attempted charges by contesting the intent element or the nature of the "direct act" alleged.
Regardless of what charge you're facing, when you contact us, you can talk to an expert theft crimes lawyer in Long Beach, CA, who will help you break down and navigate the charges. As a team, we will craft a staunch defense against the allegations.
Steps to Take When Accused of Theft
You need to take these accusations seriously. You're up against the Long Beach, CA, prosecutor's office, not everyone will believe your side of the story, and a conviction could derail your life. Without help, the odds can seem insurmountable.
But you're not alone. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is here to help. A Long Beach, 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
While it's reasonable to feel angry about being arrested, don't resist. Be polite and respectful during the process. Resisting can only get you into more trouble.
2. Stay Calm and Stay Silent
There's a chance you'll be interviewed or interrogated – invoke your right to remain silent. Simply say "I decline to answer any questions and am invoking my right to an attorney." Your answers can later be used as evidence in the case, and if anything you say is untruthful, you can be accused of perjury.
3. Contact a Long Beach, CA, Theft Crimes Defense Attorney Right Away
In California, you will be given the opportunity to make three completed phone calls after being arrested. Be sure to contact a theft crimes lawyer with one of your calls. When you hire an attorney early on, you're increasing your opportunities for a favorable deal or case dismissal. We are available at (800) 755-5174, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
4. Secure Bail for Release
In most cases, you'll need to go through a bail hearing. Our theft crimes defense attorneys will fight for your pre-trial release and lower bail requirements. Your rights and freedom matter, no matter what you've been accused of.
5. Cooperate With Your Attorney to Build Your Defense
This is perhaps the most important step: building a defense against the charges. An accomplished theft crimes lawyer in Long Beach, CA, will listen to your story, negotiate with the state, and argue for charges to be dismissed wherever possible.
How Our Theft Lawyers Fight Against These Charges
As expert theft crime attorneys, we know that each case's defense strategy needs to be oriented to the specific details, circumstances, and charges. If you're up against theft allegations in Long Beach, 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
One of the most powerful defenses in any theft case is the absence of criminal intent. Your mindset is key to this defense. Unintentionally taking another person's goods does not qualify as theft, generally. Where that intent cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, no theft conviction can stand regardless of the circumstances of the taking.
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. Similar defenses include: mistake of fact (the accused took something that they thought was theirs); voluntary intoxication (this does not always apply, but can limit intent in some cases); and absence of permanence (the defendant intended to return the property, which may reduce or eliminate a grand theft charge even if another theft offense still applies).
Key principle: You don't have to prove your intentions, but you may have to defend them against the prosecution. It's on the state to show that you did have the intent to commit theft at the time of the alleged crime. This isn't merely a backup plan. This is a key part of nearly all theft defenses, especially in cases involving family disagreements, where sometimes people can forget about who the formal owner of a piece of property is and unintentionally misuse it.
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
The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I, Section 13 of the California Constitution protect individuals against unreasonable searches and seizures. In many criminal cases, critical evidence — stolen property, alleged tools of the crime, communications, financial records — is frequently obtained through police searches. If the investigators disobeyed regulations, the evidence can be thrown out and the state may need to drop charges.
Common suppression issues in theft and property crime cases include: warrantless searches of vehicles, homes, or persons without valid legal justification; searches conducted under a warrant obtained through false or misleading information in the supporting affidavit; arrests without probable cause resulting in 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 legally obtained warrant. In Long Beach, CA, your defense attorney can file a motion to throw out any evidence the prosecution acquired through improper means — 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 — eliminating a single piece of highly damaging evidence — can substantially change the outcome. Suppression motions are fully litigated in Long Beach, CA, courts, and are an essential tool for the defense when facing theft charges.
Suppression Scenarios:
- Warrantless Home Entry: Evidence obtained from inside a home is generally suppressible absent an exception
- Vehicle Searches: Require a warrant, permission, or a recognized exception such as probable cause
- Digital Evidence / Cell Phones: Require a warrant under Riley v. California (2014)
- Fruit of the Poisonous Tree: Evidence derived from an illegal search may also be excluded
False Accusation / Misidentification
Whether because of malice or a simple mistake, sometimes innocent people get accused of theft in Long Beach, CA. False accusations can come from personal disputes, misidentification by witnesses, 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 — you need a Long Beach, CA, theft crimes lawyer to protect your freedom.
False accusations in Long Beach, CA, often aren't the result of malice, but of a witness making an error. In theft, robbery, and burglary cases, witnesses under stress frequently misidentify suspects — most notably across racial lines, under poor lighting conditions, or when the perpetrator was briefly seen. Even if the witness is sure, they could be mistaken. California courts have increasingly recognized this science, and jury instructions now require courts to instruct juries on the inherent limitations of eyewitness identification evidence.
Defense strategies in false accusation cases include: showing that the defendant was elsewhere at the time of the crime; showing issues with how eyewitness identifications were obtained; exposing bias or motive on the part the accuser; presenting expert testimony on the issues with eyewitness testimony; and challenging inconsistencies between different witnesses' versions of events.
If you are innocent: Do not confront witnesses, do not attempt to gather evidence independently, and do not attempt to explain your innocence to police without your theft lawyer present. You might make a mistake, or the police might misinterpret something you say. Before speaking to the police, call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley. We're here to protect your rights and defend your innocence.
Lack of Knowledge — In some cases, the prosecution 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. 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 — We won't presume that all the evidence collected for your case is legitimate — we'll review everything and look for opportunities to have the evidence against you removed.
Diversion Programs — In many cases with offenders with no prior offenses, California offers diversion programs that can result in charges being dismissed after completing community service, restitution, or counseling. We identify every diversion opportunity available in your specific case.
Contesting the Property Valuation — In many cases, your charges are determined by how much was allegedly taken. Lower amounts lead to lesser charges. We'll show the true value of the property and argue for lesser charges.
Theft Crime Expungement / Record Clearance — California Penal Code § 1203.4
California gives you options to clear your record and get a fresh start. Under California Penal Code § 1203.4, 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. To be eligible, the defendant generally must have: successfully done all that was asked of you as a part of probation, such as paying fines and restitution; not currently be charged with, on probation for, or serving a sentence for any other offense; and — in a newly added requirement — in many cases, must not have spent time in state prison (though SB 731 and related reforms have expanded relief options for some state prison cases).
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, job applications become a lot easier, as you won't have to mention your conviction. That said, expungement does not seal a criminal record from all access — it does not restore firearm rights, doesn't prevent the conviction from impacting future cases, and does not affect most professional licensing decisions. Senate Bill 731 (effective July 1, 2023) even automates part of the expungement process in some cases, if there haven't been any subsequent criminal cases.
Important: Expungement under § 1203.4 does not seal the record from law enforcement, licensing boards, or subsequent criminal proceedings. 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. By talking to a theft conviction expungement attorney, you get help with exploring what other possibilities could help in your situation.
Relief Options:
- PC § 1203.4: Dismissal after successful probation completion
- PC § 1203.4a: Relief for misdemeanors without probation (1 year post-conviction)
- PC § 851.91: Arrest record sealing where no conviction resulted
- SB 731 (2023): Automatic relief for qualifying non-violent felony convictions
- Limitations: Does not restore firearm rights or remove record from law enforcement databases
Long Beach, CA, Theft Crimes Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a difference between petty theft and grand theft in Long Beach, California?
How much was allegedly stolen determines the specific theft charge. Anything $950 and under should be a petty theft charge, which is often a misdemeanor. Anything over $950, guns, or vehicles all result in grand theft charges, which can either be a misdemeanor or a felony. Grand theft charges will require elite legal representation in particular, though you will always need a theft crimes lawyer to defend you, regardless of the specifics.
Can a theft charge be expunged from my record in California?
Often, yes. 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. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared to help you expunge your record, whatever the circumstances of your conviction.
What happens if I'm charged with shoplifting for the first time in Long Beach, CA?
First-time shoplifting charges in California are typically misdemeanors under Proposition 47 (for amounts under $950). 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?
If the charge you are facing is one of receiving stolen property, as a part of securing a conviction the prosecution needs to prove that you knew (or should have known) that the property was stolen. If you honestly 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. That said, circumstances like strangely good deal or lack of receipts can lessen the strength of your defense, making it imperative that you hire a skillful theft crimes lawyer.
How serious is a grand theft auto charge in Long Beach, CA?
Extremely. In Long Beach, CA, grand theft auto is almost always prosecuted as a felony, which means potential prison time (up to three years), fines up to $10,000, and a felony record that can affect employment, housing, and immigration status. If you have any prior convictions, you are at risk of harsher penalties. Get in touch with one of our attorneys 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. Many 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?
It depends, but it is not always the case. Long Beach, CA courts have sentencing alternatives that will give you an alternative to incarceration, particularly for misdemeanors and first-time offenders. While felony charges can be harder to avoid prison for, it is still possible in some cases. Your lawyer can make a major difference in this regard, and working with an experienced one is essential. Call us 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 is irrelevant — the prosecution's goal is to show that you trespassed and had that event. This is why intent evidence — and how it's presented — is central to burglary defense.
Facing a Theft Charge in Long Beach, CA? Call to Defend Your Freedom.
You need a theft crimes lawyer to protect you. It's not about innocence or guilt — it's about getting help navigating the Long Beach, CA, legal system. Our attorneys are equipped to defend you — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Your first consultation is completely free and confidential.
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