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Theft Lawyer Mission Viejo, CA. Being arrested for theft is just the beginning . You might even be facing multiple theft charges at once. It might look like all hope is lost.

Even when all hope seems lost, don't give up yet. You have a team who will defend your freedom: The Law Offices of David S. Chesley. Our legal team has extensive experience defending clients against all manner of theft crime charges. With a Mission Viejo, CA, theft crimes lawyer from our team defending your freedom, you can rest assured that you're getting expert legal representation.

Connect with an attorney right away at (800) 755-5174 or send us a message about your case for a free, confidential consultation. Waiting too long to reach out can cost you everything.

Why You Need a Leading Mission Viejo, CA, Theft Defense Lawyer

You should never take theft allegations lightly, regardless of whether or not you're innocent. If you don't have an attorney, you're stuck trying to figure out a complex legal system and increase your risk of the following penalties:

1. Prison Sentence: Mission Viejo, CA, theft convictions can send you to prison, for years in some cases.
2. Financial Penalties: On top of paying back the value of whatever was stolen, fines can give you a serious financial burden.
3. Loss of Employmnet: Having a criminal record can negatively affect your future career goals.
4. Reputational Damage: You can face unfair and unjust labels that get in the way of your moving on with your life.
5. And more.

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

Top Qualities of Our Mission Viejo, CA Theft Defense Attorneys

Picking the right Mission Viejo, CA theft crimes defense lawyer can make all the difference for your case. 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 use that inside knowledge to dismantle the prosecution's strategy.
• Extensive Court Relationships — Decades of practice in Mission Viejo, 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 — Misdemeanor or felony, we build your defense to be trial-ready. Even if your case doesn't end up in trial, this gives us more leverage for negotiations.
• Record Expungement Services — We don't leave you behind after the verdict. You deserve to move forward with your life, and we can help you do it.
• Superb Reputation – We are well-known for our tenacious representation.
• Ready for Your Call Right Away — We know that arrests don't happen on a schedule. You can reach a theft crimes attorney any time of day or night — because waiting until Monday morning can cost you critical opportunities.
• Completely Confidential — Attorney-client privilege protects you, whatever you tell us about your case. You can tell us everything, and we will respect your story while crafting your defense.

Every Theft Charge We Defend in Mission Viejo, CA

Use the links below to jump directly to a full explanation of the law, penalties, and more.

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

Mission Viejo, CA, Theft Allegations 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 Mission Viejo, CA, don't wait: Reach out now for a free, confidential consultation.

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

Petty Theft Charges vs Grand Theft Charges

In Mission Viejo, CA, many theft accusations fall under one of these two charges: Petty theft and grand theft. Both consist of taking another person's property without their consent. The main difference is how much value was allegedly stolen: For anything $950 or less, the charges will normally be petty theft, while any more will ordinarily be grand theft.

Fighting petty theft charges often lead to more positive outcomes, in part because they are often misdemeanors. However, fighting grand theft charges pose a greater obstacle, because they are frequently charged as felonies. Whichever type of charge you're facing, it's always important to have a theft crimes lawyer in your corner to minimize the consequences.

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

Shoplifting — Proposition 47 / Penal Code § 459.5

Shoplifting used to be a type of commercial burglary, rather than its own offense. This changed after California passed Proposition 47 in 2014. A person commits shoplifting when they go into an open store in order to steal $950 or less worth of goods.

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 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 Mission Viejo, CA theft crimes lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and avoid making mistakes that could have major consequences.

Organized retail theft (either a crime ring or repeated instances of shoplifting) has been a target of recent California laws, and is prosecuted harshly in Mission Viejo, CA.

Shoplifting Possible Penalties:

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

Defensive strategies include: Theft was unintentional, 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

Don't underestimate a petty theft charge — it can become a felony under Penal Code § 666 if charged as a petty theft with a prior. Not every prior offense in Mission Viejo, 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 Mission Viejo, CA, district attorney 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. Proposition 47 (2014) significantly narrowed the statute's reach, but did not eliminate it. 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.

Possible Penalties:

• Charge Type: Wobbler
• Misdemeanor Jail: Up to 1 year in county jail
• Felony Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
• Qualifying Priors: Previous theft, burglary, robbery, or carjacking convictions

Vehicle Theft Charges We Fight in Mission Viejo, CA

We will fight against all sorts of vehicle theft crimes in Mission Viejo, CA. One of the ones people commonly think of is grand theft auto, but that's technically not its own charge. Grand theft auto is a smaller part of the state's 'grand theft' law, which states that anyone who steals an automobile (regardless of its value) can be charged with grand theft.

If the prosecution is stating that someone took the vehicle and was planning to keep it for themselves, not return it, they're likely going to face grand theft auto charges. On the other hand, if the alleged offender wasn't going to keep it, they're probably going to face charges of joyriding. While grand theft auto and joyriding are both 'wobbler' offenses, it's almost always better to be charged with joyriding in Mission Viejo, CA, since the prosecution is more likely to assign that as a misdemeanor.

If you're caught in possession of a stolen vehicle, you can face criminal charges for that, too. Similar to receiving stolen property, you don't have to have actually stolen anything to be convicted of this crime. Even just owning or having the car or truck is enough for a conviction.

When you contact our law firm, you'll get a vehicle theft crimes lawyer who has relationships with the local courts and can argue for reduced charges in many cases. Contact us now to start defending your rights.

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

Despite what popular culture would have you believe, there isn't a specific "grand theft auto" law in California — instead, it is a subset of the general "grand theft" statute, which says that any automobile theft is considered grand theft. This means even stealing a beater worth $200 can result in a grand theft auto charge.

Grand theft auto charges often hinge on your intentions during the alleged theft — if you were going to bring it back, then it wasn't technically a theft, it was joyriding.

Potential Penalties:

• Charge Type: Wobbler (usually felony in Mission Viejo, 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. This is because § 10851 applies whether or not the alleged offender was going to return the automobile. If you deprive someone of their vehicle with any intentions, this law applies.

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

Joyriding — California Vehicle Code § 10851

Joyriding charges focus on intent. If you allegedly drove a car without permission, but brought it back afterwards, that would be joyriding. But if you did the same thing and planned to keep the vehicle, that would be grand theft. 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 Mission Viejo, CA, making it critical to get an expert vehicle theft crimes lawyer to defend you.

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

Carjacking — California Penal Code § 215

Carjacking is one of the most serious vehicle-related charges in California. If you allegedly used force or threats to take someone's car directly from them, you can be charged with carjacking. Due to the violent nature of the crime, carjacking is always a felony and is often ineligible for probation.

Carjacking is also a "strike" offense under California's Three Strikes law. A conviction can have lifelong consequences beyond just the immediate sentence.

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, PC § 496d still applies, regardless of your involvement in its theft.

We see this charge often in cases where someone borrowed or bought a car without having access to its full history. The state must prove were aware that the vehicle was stolen — a skillful vehicle theft crimes lawyer may use a strategy that raises doubts as to your knowledge.

Possible Penalties:

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

White Collar Crime Charges We Fight in Mission Viejo, CA

White collar crimes in Mission Viejo, CA, vary widely in context and action, but all of them share one thing in common: abuse of an organization for personal 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 an attempt to hide illegal money as legal income. For example, if someone made money from a drug deal, then pretended to have another person pay them for a job, that would be money laundering. Meanwhile, bribery is about illegal gifts done for a favor or another benefit. An example of this would be an employee giving money to their boss in exchange for a promotion.

Not all white-collar crimes involve financial exchanges, though (at least at first glance). Forgery occurs when one person makes a fake document to later use for fraud, and identity theft involves stealing 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, Identity Theft, Fraud & More

It's easy to think that white collar accusations aren't taken as seriously as violent crimes in Mission Viejo, CA, but you'd be wrong. The punishments can be dire — prison sentences, financial penalties, major career setbacks, and long-lasting reputational damage. If you want to fight back against these consequences, you need a financial theft crimes lawyer who knows the ins and outs of California white collar crime law.

White Collar Crimes — Synopsis

The term "white collar crime" describes non-violent financial offenses typically committed in business or professional settings. What unites these offenses is the element of deception, breach of trust, or abuse of a position for personal gain. Mission Viejo, CA, because of its proximity to major financial and entertainment centers, sees some of California's most complex white collar prosecutions.

White collar cases are often investigated for months or even years before charges are filed. If you believe you are under investigation — or have received a subpoena, a target letter, or a visit from federal agents — call us immediately. In some cases, we can intervene early and prevent charges from even being filed.

Embezzlement — California Penal Code § 503

Embezzlement occurs when someone who has been entrusted with property fraudulently converts that property for their own use. The key element is the pre-existing legal access — embezzlers have legitimate control over the money or property they steal.

Frequent embezzlement scenarios: A company credit card holder using it for personal purchases; a bookkeeper writing unauthorized checks to themselves; an employee overcharging customers and keeping the difference; an employee skimming from cash registers; 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: Full restitution, 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 typically is made up of three steps: placement (introducing dirty money into the financial system), layering (the dirty money is moved multiple times within the financial system to make it hard to follow), and integration (making the funds appear legitimate).

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

Possible Penalties (State):

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

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

You can face bribery charges for offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting something of value in exchange for influencing the actions of people in certain positions of power. California law targets multiple forms of bribery — that of government officials, judges, legislators, business executives, witnesses, and even private commercial bribery. Regardless of what position you're in, a Mission Viejo, CA, theft crimes lawyer is essential to give you insights into successful defense strategies.

Who can face bribery charges? Whether you offered or accepted a bribe, you could face charges in Mission Viejo, CA. Even if the potential recipient declines the bribe, you could still face charges just for attempting it.

Possible Penalties:

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

Forgery — California Penal Code § 470

Mission Viejo, 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 checks, money orders, contracts, vehicle titles, wills, court orders, notary public symbols, lottery tickets, and many other types of written instruments.

Critical point: Whether or not you allegedly did something with the forgery is irrelevant. The intent to defraud, in addition to the act of creating or using the false item, is sufficient for a conviction.

Possible Penalties:

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

Identity Theft — California Penal Code § 530.5

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

Important factor: You can be found guilty even if the alleged victim didn't lose any money. Just obtaining and using someone's information without a legal reason is enough to trigger criminal charges under California law. This makes it critical to hire an expert theft crimes lawyer whatever the specifics of your situation.

Mission Viejo, CA, identity theft allegations are very serious, and frequently involve federal charges when conducted online, across state lines, or at scale.

Potential Penalties:

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

Fraud Charges We Defend in Mission Viejo, CA

Fraud encompasses a variety of specific theft types in Mission Viejo, CA. Generally speaking, a person who commits theft by misrepresenting themselves or a situation so that another person gives away their 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 popular type of fraud in Mission Viejo, CA, wherein someone lies on an insurance claim to increase their benefit. For 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 related fraud crime is welfare fraud, where someone takes advantage of government assistance programs by providing false information to them. An example of this would be claiming a child as a dependent to receive financial support, when the child has in fact moved out.

Another popular form is credit card fraud. This one is a little different because instead of representing someone about themselves, for credit card fraud, normally a person is lying about the credit card they are using. If the card is counterfeit or expired, but you allegedly try to use it anyways, you can face these charges.

Because fraud cases can vary so much from each other, having a theft crimes lawyer with experience in all these areas is essential.

Fraud, False Pretenses & Financial Deception

You could face accusations of fraud in Mission Viejo, 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

Theft by false pretenses is one of the most common fraud charges in Mission Viejo. These allegations are used when one person intentionally deceives another through false statements or misrepresentations, who then freely gives up something of value based on the false information. The key element is that the victim willingly hands over the property as a result of being deceived.

Common examples: Lying about being a contest winner; pretending to be a tech support assistant; creating fake invoices; collecting donations for a nonexistent charity.

If you're facing theft by false pretenses charges, it could be either a misdemeanor or a felony. The level 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. Insurance fraud charges are always a big deal, and are often felonies in Mission Viejo, CA. An expert theft crimes lawyer will protect your rights and consider multiple defenses to help you find the best outcome possible

Frequent examples include: Staging or exaggerating auto accidents; filing false theft reports; exaggerating property damage; 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: Give the amount defrauded back to the alleged victim
• Additional: Career and job restrictions/penalties

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

You can face credit card fraud charges in Mission Viejo, CA, for a variety of actions done with a credit or debit card. This includes using another individual's card without permission, using a fake card or one acquired by theft, charging to an account when you don't have the card, or fraudulently acquiring or selling card account information.

Regarding federal charges: Credit card fraud frequently triggers federal charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1029 in addition to state charges, especially when cards are used across state lines or online. Your theft crimes lawyer needs to have experience fighting fraud charges in both state and federal court.

Potential Penalties (State):

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

Welfare Fraud — California Welfare & Institutions Code § 10980

A person commits welfare fraud if they lie about or misrepresent themselves in order to get access to benefits from the government, such as food stamps or medical benefits.

Common examples: Claiming income is less than it actually is; misrepresenting household composition; Trading or selling food stamps; falsely claiming a dependent child; 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 local Mission Viejo, CA, theft crimes lawyer can push back against the prosecution's case and boost your chances of a positive outcome.

Possible Penalties:

• Under $950 (commonly): 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 Mission Viejo, 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 legally receiveMedicare hospice benefits, a patient must be predicted to pass away within half a year if nothing drastic changes in their health condition — a threshold that fraudulent providers routinely falsify.

While highly unfortunate, hospice fraud allegations can arise from misunderstandings on the part of the patient's family. Grieving family members can erroneously blame health care professionals who were dedicated to helping their patients. And as if it weren't bad enough going up against the Mission Viejo, CA, government, you're likely to face federal charges and accusations from federal investigators.

Important Note: Hospice fraud investigations frequently involve parallel criminal and civil proceedings. A qui tam relator (whistleblower) can trigger a False Claims Act lawsuit resulting in treble damages and civil penalties entirely separate from any criminal indictment. Providers are often unaware that an investigation is underway until a search warrant is executed.

Potential Penalties:

• Federal Prison: Up to 10 years per count (18 U.S.C. § 1347)
• Civil FCA Liability: Treble damages plus $13,000–$27,000 per false claim
• State Charges: Up to 5 years (CA Penal Code § 550)
• 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. And as if regular theft crime allegations weren't bad enough, Medicare fraud is often tried at the federal level. If you want to protect your freedom, you'll need an expert Mission Viejo, CA theft lawyer who has your back.

While both providers and receivers of care can be convicted of medicare fraud, it's most often providers who are accused. This is especially devastating because of its career impact: you can lose your license and be excluded from working in a healthcare program. 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.

Critical Note: The Anti-Kickback Statute (42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7b) makes it a federal crime to offer, pay, solicit, or receive anything of value to induce referrals of Medicare-covered services. Violations can arise even when the underlying medical service was legitimately provided. You can be accused of breaking this law whether you gave or received the money.

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 charges are normally related to a person providing false information on an insurance form, in order to receive an undeserved payout. Critically, the statute applies to all health benefit programs, not just Medicare and Medicaid — including private commercial insurers.

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. Health care fraud cases in Mission Viejo, CA, are frequently complex, involving large volumes of billing records, expert testimony from medical billing specialists, and coordination between state and federal agencies. Healthcare providers, billing companies, office workers, and clerical staff have all been accused of this violation at various points in time.

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, at a fundamental level, it involves the same alleged act (lying in order to receive health care benefits). This one in particular is related to in-home health services — including skilled nursing visits, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and home health aide services. In order to be eligible for Medicare reimbursement, the person receiving care must be homebound and require skilled care. Home health fraud exploits this framework in a variety of ways.

One example would be a patient who lied about being homebound in order to receive special benefits. A counterexample would be a home service provider who submitted claims to Medicare for services that were never provided. 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 Mission Viejo, CA. Commonly accused individuals include physical therapists, administrative workers, and physicians performing the diagnoses.

Critical Note: The Physician Self-Referral Law (Stark Law, 42 U.S.C. § 1395nn) prohibits physicians from referring Medicare patients to home health entities in which they have a financial interest. Violations result in civil monetary penalties and Medicare exclusion entirely separate from any criminal prosecution — 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 Mission Viejo, CA

Depending on the circumstances of your case, you could be facing both theft charges and violent crime charges in Mission Viejo, CA. One common example is 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 similar to this—it involves the forceful taking of a vehicle, as opposed to grand theft auto which does not require violence or threats.

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

Extortion is a unique form of theft. If someone says they will hurt another person unless the alleged victim gives them money, that is extortion. This doesn't always need to include physical violence, but it can consist of any form of harm to the victim, including emotional or reputational. As an example, if a person would commit extortion if she saw a man commit a crime, and threatened to turn him in if he didn't pay her.

Robbery, Extortion & Force-Related Theft

If you allegedly threatened or attacked someone in the course of committing theft, your case is even more serious. Beyond the felony charges themselves, you could also be up against a strike on your record. Immediate Mission Viejo, CA, legal counsel is non-negotiable.

Robbery — California Penal Code § 211

Robbery is a violent form of theft that involves either threatening or assaulting someone in order to take their belongings. Being convicted of robbery will likely result in a prison sentence as well as a strike.

Your robbery charge in Mission Viejo, CA, could either be first-degree or second-degree. These are differentiated based on the location and the alleged victim. First-degree robbery is charged in cases where the alleged robbery occurred in someone's dwelling place, against the passenger or driver of a taxi/rideshare vehicle, or while the supposed victim was at an ATM.

Possible Penalties:

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

Extortion (Blackmail) — California Penal Code § 518

If it's alleged that you threatened someone in order to make them give you money or favors, you are likely facing extortion charges. Not every extortion case involves threats of violence; several involve threats to harm someone's reputation instead.

Common examples: Threatening to report someone for a crime unless paid; threatening to 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 Fight in Mission Viejo, CA

Burglary technically isn't always a theft crime, but it is closely related. In California, you can be charged with this crime if you break into a site to either commit theft or break a different law. In most cases, this is a structure, like a convenience store (in which case it would be commercial burglary), but not always. For example, if you allegedly broke 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, you can almost always be charged with trespassing, too. 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. However, as we discussed above a new law Proposition 47 (officially the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act), a ballot initiative passed by California voters on November 4, 2014 that distinguishes shoplifting as specifically attempting to steal merchandise from a business during regular business hours. These changes had an immediate impact, even for people who had already been convicted. Because it made shoplifting a separate charge from burglary, shoplifting attempts are no longer felonies in Mission Viejo, CA (except in extreme cases).

Another related charge is vandalism. You can be charged with vandalism in California if you purposely damage another person's property, such as by kicking in a door to in the process of a theft. It's very likely that you'll be charged with both burglarizing and vandalizing a location together in Mission Viejo, CA, heightening your need for an experienced theft crimes lawyer to fight for your freedom.

Finally, there is a theft charge you can be accused of in Mission Viejo, 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. Your motivation for entering the location is the key to burglary charges.

Residential burglary is always a felony and is considered a "strike" offense. This is one of the most serious theft-adjacent charges in California law, and Mission Viejo, CA courts treat it extremely harshly because it involves violation of someone's home. Without the right theft crimes defense lawyer, you're fighting an uphill battle

Potential Penalties:

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

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

Second-degree burglary is someones called "commercial burglary" because it also involves entering a location with the intent to steal or commit a felony, but as opposed to first-degree burglary, the location is non-residential. Unlike residential burglary, commercial burglary is a wobbler and can be charged as a misdemeanor or 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. This could be either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on how the Mission Viejo, CA prosecutor interprets the circumstances.

Key distinction: Stealing from an unlocked vehicle does not qualify for a burglary charge. This would still likely be prosecuted as theft, but for it to be burglary, the vehicle must have been protected.

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

At the intersection of burglary and violent crimes are home invasion charges. This is treated as one of the gravest offenses in the California penal code, and prosecutors pursue maximum penalties. 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.

As with other burglary charges, home invasion burglary charges don't tend to exist in a vacuum — you're likely also facing other theft or violent crimes charges. If you are fighting home invasion charges, you need a law firm with a track record of success, and you need them immediately.

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

These offenses are frequently charged alongside primary theft crimes and can significantly compound the penalties you face. You need a Mission Viejo, CA theft crimes lawyer who is prepared to fight every charge and stand by your side throughout the process.

Receiving Stolen Property — California Penal Code § 496

While theft-related, receiving stolen property cases are their own challenge. Under PC § 496, if you buy, receive, conceal, sell, or help conceal property that you know is stolen, you can be convicted — even if you had no role in the original theft.

These cases often hinge on your mental state — namely, whether or not you were (or should have been) aware that the item was stolen. This knowledge element is often where we can mount an effective defense. Buying items at a great deal, without receipts, or from unknown sellers, does not automatically mean you had knowledge of theft.

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

Vandalism charges are about more than just graffiti; if Mission Viejo, CA, you can be accused of vandalism for damaging someone else's property. This relates to theft if you allegedly caused property damage in the process of stealing something (for example, kicking in the door).

Vandalism can either be a misdemeanor or a felony in California: For damage under $400, it's a misdemeanor, while for anything over, it's a felony.

Potential Penalties:

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

Trespassing — California Penal Code § 602

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.

Standing alone, trespassing is most often charged as a misdemeanor or infraction. However, Mission Viejo, 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: You don't want to dig a deeper hole for yourself — if you're in a situation where you don't want to give an honest answer, just stay silent and ask for your theft crimes lawyer to help you out.

Possible Penalties:

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

Specialized & Enhanced Charges

Elder Theft, Firearm Theft, Looting & Attempted Crimes

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)

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. Due to this stealing even a low-value firearm will end up with a felony charge. Grand theft of a firearm is considered a serious felony and can count as a strike under California's Three Strikes law.

As if fighting the charges in your local Mission Viejo, CA court weren't bad enough, you could also find yourself up against federal charges. When you're fighting in two courts, it becomes substantially more complicated to avoid a guilty plea. And it's even more important to find an attorney who is able to protect you from even the toughest opponents.

Possible Penalties:

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

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

California law provides special enhanced protections for victims aged 65 or older (and dependent adults). Financial elder abuse (also known as theft from an elder) is similar to embezzlement, in that it's possible the alleged offender had legitimate access to the property. If someone either misused the property or manipulated an elderly person to give it to them, that would violate this law.

The prosecution in Mission Viejo, CA, does not take these charges lightly and usually pursues harsh penalties. Prison sentences can be increased even further if the alleged victim was 70 years or older. Civil liability and restitution orders frequently accompany criminal proceedings, and Adult Protective Services involvement only makes things more complex.

Examples: Caregiver taking money from a client's account; family member using power of attorney to take money; 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

Looting charges arise when theft or burglary occurs during a state of emergency, local emergency, evacuation order, or major disaster. These cases are prosecuted especially hard under California Penal Code § 463, which increases the minimum penalties for many charges.

In Mission Viejo, CA — a city prone to wildfires, earthquakes, and civil unrest events — looting charges have been prosecuted with particular vigor. Looting is considered a way of taking advantage of Mission Viejo while it's at its most vulnerable, and judges are never pleased by this. If you allegedly broke into a business building during a wildfire and took some of its merchandise, you could face looting allegations.

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 Mission Viejo, CA. For it to be considered an attempt, the prosecution needs to prove two things: (1) the specific intent to commit the crime, 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.

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 speak with an expert theft crimes lawyer in Mission Viejo, CA, who has the training and experience needed to find a path forward. As a team, we will fight for the best outcomes possible in your case.

Steps to Take When Accused of Theft

Being charged with theft can be intimidating. There could be a warrant out for your arrest, not everyone will believe your side of the story, and a conviction could derail your life. Without help, it can seem impossible.

But you have another option. You have the Law Offices of David S. Chesley on your side. A Mission Viejo, CA, theft crimes lawyer from our team will guide you on how to navigate your case. Here are the steps we recommend taking:

1. Obey the Arresting Officer's Instructions

Mistakes here can hurt your case. If you're being arrested, don't resist. If you act civilly, it will make things go faster and easier. Refusing to comply can only make things worse.

2. Act Calm and Don't Talk

You may be questioned by the police – invoke your right to remain silent. In fact, don't even talk on the ride to the station. Anything you say can be used as evidence against you, and you say something untruthful, you can be charged with perjury.

3. Call a Mission Viejo, CA, Theft Crimes Defense Attorney Right Away

In California, people who have been arrested are given three phone calls. Be sure to contact a theft crimes lawyer with one of your calls. Acting fast is important to protect your freedom. We are available at (800) 755-5174, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

4. Secure Bail for Release

Your lawyer can help argue for your release at a bail hearing. Our firm's theft crimes defense attorneys will argue against the prosecution for your release. We believe that protecting your freedom now is a part of protecting it for the long term.

5. Coordinate With Your Attorney to Make a Personalized Defense

This is perhaps the most important step: building a defense against the charges. A skilled theft crimes lawyer in Mission Viejo, CA, will take the time to listen to you, negotiate with the prosecution, and fight for charges to be dismissed wherever possible.

Powerful Defense Strategies for Theft Charges

As expert theft crime attorneys, we know that each case's defense strategy needs to be tailored to the specific details, circumstances, and charges. If you're up against theft allegations in Mission Viejo, 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. All theft offenses under California law require that the defendant acted with specific intent to steal — that is, to permanently deprive another person of their property. Where that intent cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, no theft conviction can stand regardless of the circumstances of the taking.

Claim of right is a related defense — if the accused didn't know that they were stealing a piece of property because they thought that they had permission to take it, they would lack the intent needed for a conviction. If you genuinely believed you had the right to take the property — even if that belief was mistaken — it negates the criminal intent required for a theft conviction. Similar defenses consist of: mistake of fact (the defendant took something that they thought was theirs); voluntary intoxication (which may negate specific intent in limited circumstances); and absence of permanence (joyriding is a good example of this: it comes into play when a person took property away from its owner, but planned to return it).

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. This is a key part of nearly all theft defenses, especially in cases involving disagreements regarding property ownership, where one person honestly believed they had a right to use property when they didn't.

Defense Application:

• 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, the Mission Viejo, CA, police department will gather evidence through searches. If the investigators broke the law, the evidence can be suppressed and the district attorney may not be able to move forward with your case.

Here are some of the reasons that evidence is thrown out in theft cases: warrantless searches of vehicles, homes, or persons without valid legal justification; searches resulting from a warrant that was based on false information; arrests without probable cause leading to an invalid search incident to arrest; GPS tracking or digital surveillance conducted without appropriate legal authority; and searches that go beyond the scope of a legally obtained warrant. California Penal Code § 1538.5 gives defendants a statutory right to move to suppress evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment — a motion that can be brought at the preliminary hearing stage and can effectively end a prosecution before trial if granted.

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

Suppression Scenarios:

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

The Mission Viejo, CA, investigators and prosecution aren't perfect: Sometimes, they get the wrong guy. False accusations can stem from personal disagreements, misidentification by witnesses, mistaken assumptions about ownership, errors in surveillance footage interpretation, or false accusations coming from a person who wants to cause you harm. Being wrongly accused does not mean the charges will not proceed — aggressive and immediate defense is essential from the moment of accusation.

One of the ways that innocent people are commonly accused in Mission Viejo, CA is by eyewitnesses mistaking them for the offender. In theft, robbery, and burglary cases, the high intensity of the circumstances can lead to witnesses not remembering details clearly — especially across racial lines, if they didn't have a clear sightline, or when the perpetrator was briefly seen. No matter how confident the eyewitness is, there is always room for error. California courts have increasingly recognized this science, and jury instructions now require courts to instruct juries on the inherent limitations of eyewitness identification evidence.

Defense strategies in false accusation cases include: providing evidence that proves the accused could not have been present because they were in another location; showing issues with how eyewitness identifications were obtained; attacking the character of the person making the allegations; presenting expert testimony on the science of human memory and eyewitness reliability; and highlighting inconsistencies between witness statements made at different points in time.

If you are facing false allegations: Do not confront witnesses, do not attempt to gather evidence independently, and do not talk to the police without your theft attorney present. You might make a mistake, or the police might misinterpret something you say. Whatever your circumstances, if you're facing theft charges, call our lawyers now for help.

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

Consent / Permission — Consent is the defining feature behind many theft charges; if you didn't have permission to use take an item, you could be found guilty. It's not illegal to use someone else's property if you had permission.

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

Sentencing Alternatives — In many cases with offenders without a record, California offers sentencing alternatives that can protect you from a conviction. This is often a favorable outcome for our clients that we will fight to secure.

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

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

Whatever your past is, you have a future. And we want to help you make the most of it. Under California Penal Code § 1203.4, 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. Before you can do so, you will likely have to have fit the following critera: successfully completed all terms of probation, such as paying fines and restitution; not 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).

If you were not given probation, there are still options for you — Penal Code § 1203.4a provides another form of conviction relief. For those whose cases were dismissed without conviction, a separate petition under Penal Code § 851.91 may be available to seal the underlying arrest record entirely.

When you work with a theft lawyer to clear your record, you can look forward to the following perks: 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, doesn't prevent the conviction from impacting future cases, and doesn't restore health care or other professional licenses. Senate Bill 731 (effective July 1, 2023) even automates part of the expungement process in some cases, if there haven't been any subsequent criminal cases.

Critical Note: 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, to be able to legally own a gun again, or clearing a prior strike, you will need a different method of expungement. 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: Charges dismissed 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: Does not restore firearm rights or remove record from law enforcement databases

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Mission Viejo, CA, Theft Crimes Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between petty theft and grand theft in Mission Viejo, 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. Your theft crimes lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared to defend you against either theft charge.

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


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

What should I expect from first-time shoplifting charges in Mission Viejo, CA?


First-time shoplifting charges in California are typically misdemeanors under Proposition 47 (for amounts under $950). Additionally, we can often secure alternative sentencing options which will keep you out of jail. Working with a criminal defense lawyer can significantly improve your odds of avoiding a conviction and 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 honestly weren't aware 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. However, circumstances like an unusually low price or no documentation of ownership can lessen the strength of your defense, which is why an attorney is essential.

How serious is a grand theft auto charge in Mission Viejo, 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 could be up against increased sentences. Call one of our attorneys immediately if you're facing this charge.

What is a "wobbler" offense in California?


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

Will I go to jail for a theft charge?


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. Even felony charges often have options short of state prison. Your lawyer can make a major difference in this regard, and working with an experienced one is essential. Contact our firm to understand what options are available to you.

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 you actually took anything doesn't matter — if prosecutors can prove you entered with criminal intent, you can be convicted of burglary even if you left empty-handed. This is why intent evidence — and arguments surrounding it — is critical to burglary defense.

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Facing a Theft Charge in Mission Viejo, CA? Call Now.

There is no such thing as a minor theft accusation. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is ready to defend you — no matter when you need us. Call now for a no-obligation consult on your case.

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