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Theft Lawyer Murrieta, CA. Nobody wants to be in a situation where they're facing criminal charges. Theft accusations in particular can be scary, because they are often layered with multiple charges. On your own, it can feel impossible to win.

Even when you're up against the toughest battle of your life, you have a path forward: The Law Offices of David S. Chesley. Our lawyers have what it takes to guard your freedom against the prosecution. With a Murrieta, CA, theft crimes lawyer from our team protecting your rights, every legal avenue will be explored to protect your rights.

Discuss your case with a theft crimes lawyer today at (800) 755-5174 or use our contact form for a private review of your case at no cost. It's easy to get started, and acting fast can mean everything.

The Importance of a Theft Lawyer in Murrieta, CA

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 convoluted legal system and make it more likely that you'll face the following:

1. Jail Sentence: Murrieta, CA, theft convictions can send you to prison, for years in some cases.
2. Fines: You can lose hundreds or thousands of dollars in addition to paying recompense to the alleged victim.
3. Career Setbacks: Extended stints in jail can prevent you from doing your job, and cause you to lose it.
4. Reputational Damage: You can face unfair and unjust labels that get in the way of your moving on with your life.
5. And more.

To maximize your chances of replacing these consequences with freedom, you'll need a Murrieta, 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:

Why You Should Hire Our Murrieta, CA Theft Defense Lawyers

Not every criminal defense firm is created equal. Here's what you get when you call us — and the difference it will make for your case:

• Former Prosecutors & Judges — We have experience and insights from our time in other areas of the law. 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.
• Trial-Ready From Day One — No matter what the charge is, we prepare as if for a trial. This posture often produces better plea negotiations and dismissals — because the prosecution knows we're not bluffing.
• Expungement Services — Our representation doesn't end at the verdict. We offer record clearing and expungement services to help you move on and protect your future career and opportunities.
• Superb Reputation – We are well-known for our tenacious representation.
• Always Availalbe — Arrests happen at all hours. So do we. If you need help or an update, you can get a hold of us, whenever it is.
• Fully Private — Everything you tell us is protected by attorney-client privilege. Speak freely — we need the full story to build the strongest possible defense for you.

Every Theft Charge We Defend in Murrieta, CA

Use the links below to navigate directly to a full explanation of the law, penalties, and how we defend it.

Attempted Burglary | Attempted Robbery | Bribery | Burglary (Residential) | Burglary of a Vehicle | Carjacking | Commercial Burglary | Credit Card Fraud | Elder Financial Abuse | Embezzlement | Extortion | Forgery | Fraud / False Pretenses | Grand Theft | Grand Theft Auto | Grand Theft of a Firearm | Health Care Fraud | Home Health Fraud | Home Invasion Burglary | Hospice Fraud | Identity Theft | Insurance Fraud | Joyriding | Looting | Medicare Fraud | Money Laundering | Perjury | Petty Theft | Petty Theft with a Prior | Possession of Stolen Vehicle | Receiving Stolen Property | Robbery | Shoplifting (PC 459.5) | Theft from an Elder | Trespassing | Vandalism | Vehicle Theft | Welfare Fraud | White Collar Crimes

Theft Cases We Fight in Murrieta, CA

Our attorneys know how to fight theft crime cases. If you're looking for a theft crimes lawyer in Murrieta, CA, act fast: Reach out right away for a free, confidential consultation.

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

Petty Theft Charges vs Grand Theft Charges

In Murrieta, CA, many theft accusations fall under one of these two charges: Petty theft and grand theft. Both consist of taking another person's property when you weren't allowed to. The main difference is the amount that was supposedly taken: If it was $950 or less, the charges will generally be petty theft, while any more will typically be grand theft.

Defending petty theft allegations is usually easier because the potential penalties are less severe (it's normally charged as a misdemeanor). However, fighting grand theft charges normally is a greater challenge, because it is more likely to be a felony. In either case, it's always important to have a theft crimes lawyer in your corner to minimize the consequences.

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. Shoplifting is defined as entering a business during normal business hours with the intent to steal merchandise valued at $950 or less.

While it's still technically possible for shoplifting charges to be felonies, this is not as common as when it was considered a form of burglary. Since 2014, most shoplifting charges are misdemeanors. However, you could still face felony charges in some circumstances, such as if you have certain previous convictions on your record. Regardless of what level of charge you're facing, a local Murrieta, CA theft crimes lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and avoid making mistakes that could have major consequences.

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

Shoplifting Possible Penalties:

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

Potential defenses include: No intention to steal, innocence, 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 Murrieta, 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 charge PC § 666, the prosecution must establish: (1) the defendant engaged in petty theft; and (2) the defendant has a criminal record including at least one of a set list of previous offenses (mostly including theft crimes, but also some sex crimes) — especially if the sentence included incarceration. This law is applicable in many cases today, even after being limited in scope by Proposition 47 in 2014. While most of the applicable prior convictions are theft related, they also include some sexual and violent crimes.

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: Previous theft, burglary, robbery, or carjacking convictions

Vehicle Theft Charges We Fight in Murrieta, CA

There are several vehicle theft charges we defend in Murrieta, CA. The first one that probably comes to mind is grand theft auto, but that's technically not a law of its own. Grand theft auto comes from a section of California's 'grand theft' law, which makes the theft of a vehicle always 'grand theft,' even if it was under $950 in value.

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 defendant did intend to return it, they're probably going to be charged with joyriding. While each of these vehicle crimes are 'wobbler' offenses, in Murrieta, CA, grand theft auto is normally charged as a felony, while joyriding is normally a misdemeanor.

One final vehicle theft-related charge that some people underestimate is possession of a stolen vehicle. In the same vein as receiving stolen property, you don't have to have actually stolen anything to be convicted of this crime. Even just owning or holding onto the vehicle can get you arrested for possession of a stolen vehicle.

When you contact our law firm, you'll work with 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 making your case.

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. 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.

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.

Possible Penalties:

• Charge Type: Wobbler (usually felony in Murrieta, CA)
• Felony Prison Sentence: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
• Misdemeanor Jail Sentence: Up to 1 year
• Fines: Up to $10,000

Vehicle Theft — California Vehicle Code § 10851

Vehicle Code § 10851 is commonly charged with or in place of grand theft auto. It covers situations where the alleged offender both did and didn't intend to return the vehicle. This law is relevant any time someone allegedly drives a vehicle without permission.

This is one of the most broadly written vehicle theft statutes in California, and prosecutors use it frequently because it's easier to prove than grand theft auto.

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

In Murrieta, CA, joyriding is most commonly charged as a misdemeanor, making it significantly less severe than grand theft auto. However, you could face felony charges if you have a criminal record, or the prosecutor thought the action was particularly bad.

Carjacking — California Penal Code § 215

Carjacking is one of the most serious vehicle-related charges in California. It is defined as taking a motor vehicle from another person through force or fear — essentially a robbery of a car. Because of the violent element, carjacking is always a felony and often has a mandatory prison sentence, as probation is not an option.

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

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

In Murrieta, CA, the prosecution can charge you with a related crime even if you didn't steal the vehicle. If you are in possession of a car that you knew or should have known 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 prosecution must prove you had knowledge the vehicle was stolen — a skillful vehicle theft crimes lawyer may use a strategy that raises doubts as to your knowledge.

Potential Penalties:

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

White Collar Crime Charges We Defend in Murrieta, CA

White collar crimes in Murrieta, CA, can be any one of a variety of charges, but each of them share a common trait: taking advantage of one's position within an organization to benefit oneself, illegally.

Most white collar crimes center around taking or hiding money in some way. Embezzlement is the theft of money someone was supposed to manage for others, like an investment banker taking from a client's account. Money laundering can be done by an individual or an operation, and involves attempts to disguise illegal money as money that was legally earned. Meanwhile, bribery doesn't just involve taking money, but instead consists of one person giving another money in exchange for some sort of benefit.

Not all white-collar crimes involve financial exchanges, though (at least at face value). Forgery can be as simple as signing another person's signature without permission, and identity theft is the taking of someone's personal information. You can face either of these charges without having taken money from the alleged victim.

Forgery, Identity Theft, Fraud & More

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

White Collar Crimes — Synopsis

There isn't a set list of "white collar crimes," but they do tend to have some qualities in common, particularly that they are non-violent and are related to one's workplace. What unites these offenses is the element of deception, breach of trust, or abuse of a position for personal benefit. Murrieta, CA, because of its proximity to major financial and entertainment centers, sees some of California's most complex white collar prosecutions.

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. In some cases, we can intervene early and prevent charges from even being filed.

Embezzlement — California Penal Code § 503

Embezzlement is when someone legally can use property for certain purposes, but uses it for different ones. The key element is the pre-existing lawful access — alleged embezzlement offenders had honest ways to access the supposedly stolen or misused goods.

Common contexts: An accountant siphoning company funds; 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
• High Amounts: Enhanced sentences up to 10+ years
• Additional: Full restitution, loss of professional licenses

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 (bringing the illegally-obtained money into the economy), layering (the dirty money is moved multiple times within the financial system to make it hard to follow), and integration (using the funds for legitimate purchases, to further disguise them).

California's money laundering law aims at transactions higher than $5,000 that involved illegally obtained funds, so long as the person involved knew they were illegal. You could also face federal money laundering charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1956, which tends to have much harsher penalties.

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

Bribery involves offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting something of value in order to affect the actions of a public official, juror, witness, or business partner. California law criminalizes bribery in many contexts — government officials, judges, legislators, executive officers, witnesses, and even private commercial bribery. Regardless of what the specifics of your case, a Murrieta, CA, theft crimes lawyer is essential to protect you from the prosecution.

Important: Both the person offering the bribe and the person accepting it can be charged in Murrieta, CA. Attempted bribery charges are even possible, if one person tries to bribe another, and the second person refuses it.

Potential Penalties:

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

Forgery — California Penal Code § 470

Murrieta, 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. California Penal Code § 470 is broad and covers bills, money orders, contracts, vehicle titles, wills, court orders, prescriptions, identification documents, and many other types of written instruments.

What if I didn't steal anything with it? The forgery charges are independent of any related fraud charges, so anyone can be charged even if they didn't use the forged item. Just the plan to commit fraud, in addition to the act of creating or using the forged item, is sufficient for a conviction.

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 Murrieta, CA if you use someone else's personal information without permission to perform a restricted activity, such as obtaining credit, property, services, or medical information.

Crucially: You can be found guilty even if the alleged victim didn't lose any money. Simply obtaining and using another person's information without permission is enough to violate California statute § 530.5. Because of this, you need to hire an expert theft crimes lawyer whatever the details of your case.

Identity theft accusations are aggressively prosecuted in Murrieta, CA, and frequently result in 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 Fight in Murrieta, CA

Fraud is a frequent white collar crime charge in Murrieta, CA, and can be divided into smaller categories of its own. Broadly speaking, someone who commits theft by lying about something so that another person gives away their money voluntarily can be charged with fraud. Theft by false pretenses is a basic type of this crime.

Insurance fraud is one of the most common types of fraud. It involves lying to an insurance company to collect more money than they are supposed to. As an example, a person who intentionally burns down their house then tells the insurance company that it was an accident can be charged with insurance fraud.

This is not unlike welfare fraud, where someone takes advantage of government assistance programs by providing false information to them. An example of this would be pretending that one's income is lower than it actually is in order to receive food stamps.

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

When you're on your own, trying to figure out what fraud charges you're facing can feel impossible. With a leading Murrieta, CA theft crimes lawyer, you have someone who can help you navigate through the complexity.

Different Kinds of Fraud, False Pretenses & Financial Deception

There are many types of fraud allegations in Murrieta, CA — from simple misrepresentations to elaborate financial schemes. Your theft crimes lawyer will need to have experience not only with the state law, but also following financial trails.

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

Theft by false pretenses — the foundational fraud offense — occurs when one person tricks another person through disonest means, causing them to voluntarily transfer money or property. The key element is that the victim willingly hands over the property as a result of being deceived.

Common examples: Selling a product that doesn't exist; misrepresenting credentials to get paid for work; creating fake invoices; lying about the condition of goods sold.

The charge level (misdemeanor vs. felony) depends on the how much was stolen — if the total value was more than $950, you are likely looking at grand theft (and possible felony) charges.

Insurance Fraud — California Penal Code § 550

Lying to an insurance company to receive a payout or other benefit is insurance fraud. If you're facing insurance fraud charges in Murrieta, 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 consider multiple defenses to help you find the best outcome possible

Frequent forms include: Staging or exaggerating auto accidents; filing claims for injuries that didn't occur; inflating repair cost claims; deliberately damaging your property for a payout; workers' compensation fraud; health insurance billing fraud.

Possible 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

Credit card fraud charges in Murrieta, CA, go beyond credit cards and involve the misuse of financial account access information. Charges can occur if someone is caught using another person's card without approvel, using a fake card or one acquired by theft, charging to an account when you don't have the card, or fraudulently taking or selling card account information.

Regarding federal charges: Credit card fraud frequently triggers federal charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1029 in addition to state charges, particularly when cards are used across state lines or the internet is involved. You're more likely to face harsh penalties from the federal charges, increasing the importance of having a leading theft crimes lawyer who knows the ins and outs of both state and national law.

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

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

Common examples: Claiming income is less than it actually is; misrepresenting household composition; using another person's EBT card; 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 Murrieta, CA, theft crimes lawyer can help show issues in the prosecution's case and find you alternative paths forward.

Potential Penalties:

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

Additional: Loss of future benefit eligibility

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

Hospice fraud occurs when a hospice provider bills Medicare, Medi-Cal, or private insurers for services that were not rendered, were medically unnecessary, or were provided to patients who did not actually qualify for hospice care. To be eligible forMedicare hospice benefits, a patient must have a terminal prognosis of six months or less to live if their current health conditions progress in a typically expected manner — it's common for the prosecution to allege that the patient's condition did not meet this criteria in these cases.

This type of fraud is more often alleged towards providers over patients. Because healthcare professionals have more access to control billing and provide diagnoses, they are at higher risk of being accused of hospice fraud. Murrieta, CA, and Southern California have been identified by federal investigators as high-risk regions for hospice fraud, and the Department of Justice and HHS Office of Inspector General have conducted coordinated multi-agency enforcement actions targeting hospice agencies operating in this area.

Critical 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.

Possible Penalties:

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

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

Medicare fraud encompasses a broad range of conduct involving the submission of false or fraudulent claims to the Medicare program. Because Medicare is a federal program, these charges are almost exclusively prosecuted at the federal level — typically by the U.S. Attorney's Office with support from the FBI, HHS Office of Inspector General, and the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which maintains an active presence in Murrieta, 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. The federal prosecutor is supported by an equally strong federal team of investigators, who can conduct their job very quietly. If you find out that you're under investigation for Medicare fraud, it's urgent that you contact your Murrieta, CA theft lawyer immediately.

Important: 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 federal law is defined as knowingly and willfully executing — or attempting to execute — a scheme to defraud any health care benefit program, or to obtain money or property from a health care benefit program by means of false or fraudulent pretenses. As opposed to Medicare fraud, these charges can be made whether you allegedly defrauded the government's healthcare programs or a private insurance company.

Under California Penal Code § 550, health insurance fraud is independently criminalized at the state level. 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. Without an expert Murrieta, CA theft lawyer, you could be stuck trying to sift through mountains of medical billing records and other specialized evidence on your own. Healthcare providers, billing companies, office managers, and support 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 is a subcategory of Medicare and Medicaid fraud that specifically targets the fraudulent billing for in-home health services — such as skilled nursing visits, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and home health aide services. In order to be eligible for Medicare reimbursement, the care recipient must be homebound and require special care. Because of the particulars of the definition, these cases can vary wildly from one another.

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 Murrieta, CA. Commonly accused individuals include physical therapists, administrative workers, and physicians performing the diagnoses.

Critical Note: 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 — and a Stark Law violation does not require proof of intent.

Possible Penalties:

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

Violent Theft Charges We Fight in Murrieta, CA

Violent crime charges and theft charges often go hand in hand in Murrieta, CA. This can be the case when you're accused of robbery. A person commits robbery when they take something directly from another person by force. As opposed to burglary, where the alleged victim is not present during the act. Carjacking can be compared to grand theft auto in the same way.

There is another way violence and theft crimes can overlap, though: when an initially nonviolent theft collides with a person. 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 the threat should be to harm the alleged victim in some form or fashion. As an example, if one person had a compromising photo of another and threatened to release it if not given money, that would be extortion.

Robbery, Extortion & Force-Related Theft

If you allegedly threatened or attacked someone in the course of committing theft, your case is even more serious. These charges are always felonies and often carry strike designations. Your Murrieta, CA theft crimes lawyer should be someone who knows how to fight violent crime charges as well — at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we have experience successfully defending against both.

Robbery — California Penal Code § 211

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

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

Possible Penalties:

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

Extortion (Blackmail) — California Penal Code § 518

Extortion occurs when someone threatens another person — with violence, property damage, accusation of a crime, or exposure of damaging information — in order to obtain money, property, or an official act. 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 to immigration authorities unless paid; threatening to post compromising photos of someone online if they leave; 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 Murrieta, 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. This is commonly a structure, like a convenience store (in which case it would be commercial burglary), but not always. For example, if you allegedly smashed a car window to steal a wallet sitting on the seat, that would be considered burglary of a vehicle.

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

Burglary Related Charges

Shoplifting is closely related to commercial burglary. Prior to 2014, what is now classified as shoplifting would be considered burglary in California. But after Proposition 47's passing in 2014, shoplifting was reclassified as its own offense. The differences in charges had a major impact for several offenses and penalties. One key reform was distinguishing shoplifting as a specific misdemeanor offense and preventing it from being charged as burglary (a "wobbler" that could be a felony) in qualifying cases.

Another related charge is vandalism. California defines vandalism and the intentional harming of someone else's property with permission, such as by kicking in a door to in the process of a theft. It's very likely that you'll be charged with both burglarizing and vandalizing a location together in Murrieta, CA, doubling the importance of working with a top quality theft crimes lawyer to protect your rights.

Lastly, you can face theft charges in Murrieta, CA, even if you didn't steal anything yourself. What can lead to this? 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

People commonly think of burglary as entering someone's house to commit theft, but that's not how Murrieta, CA law works — these charges apply when someone tresspasses on a property while planning to break the law, though it doesn't have to be a theft law specifically.

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

In California, first-degree burglary, sometimes called residential burglary, involves going to someone's dwelling place while planning to commit a theft or any felony inside. Nothing actually needs to be stolen. 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 Murrieta, 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 eligible 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. You could face either misdemeanor or felony charges for this offense.

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. A typical example of this would be an alleged offender breaking into a car to steal a backpack or wallet within. This could be either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on how the Murrieta, CA prosecutor interprets the circumstances.

Key distinction: Stealing from an unlocked vehicle does not qualify for a burglary charge. This is still against the law, 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. Murrieta, CA, prosecutors take these charges extremely seriously and often push for harsh punishments. If you're up against these charges, it's not good enough to settle for second-best — you need a leading theft crimes lawyer on your side.

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 facing home invasion charges, you need a law firm with a track record of success, and you need them right away.

Potential Penalties:

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

Property & 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. You need a Murrieta, 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

This charge applies to some people who are indirectly involved in a theft. Buying, selling, or disguising something that was stolen can lead to these charges.

Receiving stolen property charges can fall apart if you can prove you weren't 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 an unusually low price, without receipts, 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

Vandalism is the malicious defacement, damage, or destruction of another person's property. It is often charged alongside burglary when, for example, a window is broken to gain entry to a home or vehicle. It also applies to graffiti, which is one of the most commonly prosecuted forms of vandalism in Murrieta, CA.

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

Possible Penalties:

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

Trespassing — California Penal Code § 602

Trespassing involves entering or remaining on another person's property without permission. In the context of theft crimes, trespassing charges frequently accompany burglary or other property offense charges — because burglary inherently involves unauthorized entry.

Standing alone, trespassing is typically charged as a misdemeanor or infraction. However, Murrieta, CA, prosecutors can also use it as a part of a case for more serious charges. Defenses often hinge on whether permission was given or reasonably believed to exist.

Perjury — California Penal Code § 118

Intentionally providing false information to the authorities can result in a perjury charge. While this is not a theft crime per se, it's frequently charged in conjunction with them. This is because it's common for alleged offenders to be dishonest about information that could make them look guilty, not realizing that misleading the police can actually make things worse in the end.

Do not make this mistake: Anything you say during an investigation or prosecution can be used to support a perjury charge if it's later shown to be false. This is why we always advise clients to say nothing without a theft crimes attorney present.

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. This means the theft of 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 Murrieta, 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 work with 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.

This offense is aggressively prosecuted in Murrieta, CA, and enhanced sentencing applies. 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 only makes things more complex.

Examples: Caregiver overcharging for services; family member exerting undue influence over an elder's finances; fake contractor promises work but never completes it; impostor pretends to be a law enforcement official.

Potential Penalties:

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

Looting — California Penal Code § 463

Disasters can be a time of panic. If, during the confusion, someone attempts to get away with theft, they may face looting charges. California Penal Code § 463 treats looting as an aggravated form of the underlying theft or burglary offense, with mandatory enhanced penalties.

These charges are often looked upon very negatively in Murrieta, CA. The state will often pursue looting charges beyond what it would have for ordinary burglary or theft offenses. During declared states of emergency, prosecutors seek the harshest available penalties, and courts are generally unsympathetic. Looting of a business that is closed due to a civil disturbance, or taking property from an evacuated residence, commonly triggers these charges.

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 Murrieta, CA. Attempted theft, burglary, or robbery in California needs to include: (1) the desire to break the law, and (2) a direct, unequivocal act toward committing it — whatever the outcome was.

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

California's Three Strikes law doesn't provide any leeway if someone attempted to commit a crime unsuccessfully — robbery attempts and burglary attempts are still strikes, whether or not they were successful. We frequently challenge attempted charges by contesting the intent element or the nature of the "direct act" alleged.

No matter what you've been accused of, when you contact our firm, you can talk to an expert theft crimes lawyer in Murrieta, CA, who will help you break down and navigate the charges. Together, we will fight for the best outcomes possible in your case.

5 Steps to Take When Accused of Theft

You need to take these accusations seriously. The Murrieta, CA, government is after you, the alleged victim is accusing you, and you need to defend your reputation as well as your innocence. When you're alone, it can seem impossible.

But you have another option. When you call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you get premier California legal representation on your case. A Murrieta, 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. Respectfully complying with the police officers will make the process go smoother. Fighting back can only lead to additional charges.

2. Remain Calm and Don't Talk

You may be questioned by the police – stay silent. In fact, don't even talk on the ride to the station. Your answers can later be used as evidence in the case, and if anything you say is untruthful, you can be charged with perjury.

3. Reach Out to a Murrieta, 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. 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

In most cases, you'll need to go through a bail hearing. Our firm's theft crimes defense attorneys will argue against the prosecution for your release. You are innocent until proven guilty, and should enjoy your freedom while your case proceeds.

5. Coordinate With Your Lawyer to Create a Defense Strategy

This is perhaps the most important step: building a defense against the charges. An expert theft crimes lawyer in Murrieta, CA, will hear your side of the story, negotiate for deals with the prosecution, and argue for charges to be dismissed wherever possible.

Powerful Defense Strategies for Theft Charges

Every theft case is different — and every defense strategy must be oriented to the specific facts, proof, and accusations. Here are the major defense approaches our attorneys use to fight theft charges in Murrieta, CA.

Lack of Intent / Claim of Right Defense in Theft Cases

If you've been accused of stealing, you should discuss intent as a possible defense with your theft lawyer. In Murrieta, CA, intent to commit theft specifically requires someone to plan to permanently take someone else's property away. Where that intent cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, no theft conviction can stand regardless of the circumstances of the taking.

The claim of right defense applies when a defendant genuinely believed — even mistakenly — that they had a legal right to the property they took. If 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 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 principle: This is a major hurdle for the prosecution in any theft case. Challenging the intent element is not simply a fallback strategy. May defenses against stealing allegations will incorporate intent to some degree, particularly 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

If police searched your car, home, or person without a valid warrant or legal justification, you may have been the victim of an illegal search and/or seizure. In theft and burglary cases, the Murrieta, CA, police department will gather evidence through searches. If searches disobeyed regulations, the evidence can be thrown out and the district attorney may not be able to move forward with your case.

Common suppression issues in theft and property crime cases include: 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 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 legitimate warrant. California Penal Code § 1538.5 gives defendants a statutory right to move to suppress evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment — suppression of unlawfully abstained evidence motions can destroy the prosecution's argument, leading to dropped or dismissed charges.

If this applies to your case, it can be a major win for your defense. Even partial suppression — in cases where a subset of the evidence against the defendant is suppressed — can make a big difference. Suppression motions are fully litigated in Murrieta, CA, courts, and are an essential tool for the defense when facing theft charges.

Suppression Scenarios:

• Warrantless Home Entry: Evidence obtained from inside a home is generally suppressible absent an exception
• Vehicle Searches: Require a warrant, valid consent, or a recognized exception such as probable cause
• Digital Evidence / Cell Phones: Require a warrant under Riley v. California (2014)
• Fruit of the Poisonous Tree: Evidence derived from an illegal search may also be excluded

False Accusation / Misidentification

The Murrieta, CA, investigators and prosecution aren't perfect: Sometimes, they get the wrong guy. False accusations can result from personal disputes, witnesses mistaking the defendant for someone else, mistaken assumptions about ownership, ambiguous surveillance footage, or false accusations coming from a person who wants to cause you harm. You can't rely on your innocence to get you out of trouble — aggressive and immediate defense is essential from the moment of accusation.

False accusations in Murrieta, 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. While this can unfortunately lead to false accusations, the benefit is that it provides several defensive avenues in Murrieta, CA, court.

Defense strategies in false accusation cases include: showing that the defendant was elsewhere at the time of the crime; challenging the reliability of the identification procedure used by law enforcement (photo arrays, live lineups, show-ups); attacking the character of alleged victim; presenting expert testimony on the science of human memory and eyewitness reliability; and challenging inconsistencies between witness statements made at different points in time.

If you are falsely accused: Stay away from witnesses, do not try to collect evidence yourself, and do not tell your side of the story to the police without your theft lawyer present. Statements made to investigators — even truthful ones — can be mischaracterized, taken out of context, or used in unexpected ways. 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 — If you merely were holding property that turned out to be stolen, the state must prove you were aware that the property was stolen. We challenge this element aggressively — many people unknowingly purchase stolen goods with no way to verify their origin.

Consent / Permission — Theft requires that property be taken without the owner's consent. If you had permission to be in a location or to take an item — even if that permission was informal or later disputed — this is a complete defense to theft and burglary charges.

Constitutional Violations — 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 — For many first-time offenders, California offers sentencing alternatives that can protect you from a conviction. We identify every diversion opportunity available in your specific case.

Arguing the Value of Property — If you're up against grand theft charges, but the supposedly stolen property didn't reach the $950 value threshold, we will fight to have the charges reduced. We'll show the true value of the property and argue for lesser charges.

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, certain individuals with theft convictions can ask for their pleas to be removed — a process commonly called an expungement. To be eligible, the defendant generally must have: successfully completed all terms of probation, including fines and restitution; not have any pending criminal charges against you; and — following recent changes in the law — in several cases, must not have spent time in state prison (though there are some alternate options/exceptions — ask your theft lawyer if any apply in your case).

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

Expungement under § 1203.4 carries meaningful practical benefits: In particular, an expunged conviction generally does not need to be disclosed on private employment applications under state law. That said, there are still some restrictions in the expungement process — 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) created expanded automatic record relief for many non-violent and non-serious felony convictions in California, allowing eligible individuals to obtain relief without filing a petition after completing their sentence and remaining crime-free for a specified period.

Critical Note: Expungement under § 1203.4 does not seal the record from law enforcement, licensing boards, or subsequent criminal proceedings. If your goal is for the record to be totally inaccessible, to be able to legally own a gun again, or clearing a prior strike, you will need a different method of expungement. Consulting with an experienced attorney before pursuing any post-conviction relief is strongly advisable.

Relief Options:

• PC § 1203.4: Dismissal after successful probation completion
• PC § 1203.4a: Relief for misdemeanors without probation (available 1 year after the conviction)
• PC § 851.91: Seal records of arrests which did not end in a conviction
• SB 731 (2023): Automatic relief for qualifying non-violent felony convictions
• Limitations: Still restricted from owning guns, and the police can still review these records

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Frequently Asked Questions About Theft Charges in Murrieta, CA

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


How much was allegedly stolen determines the specific theft charge. Petty theft misdemeanors are typical for anything $950 and below. Grand theft is usually the result of thefts over $950, but can also be triggered in special circumstances (such as if the supposedly stolen item was a gun or a car). Grand theft can either be a misdemeanor or a felony. Your theft crimes lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared to defend you against either theft charge.

Can a theft charge be expunged from my record in California?


Frequently, yes. For probation sentences, expungement is often offered conditionally upon your completion. This will protect your record, prevent most of the public from being able to access it, and help you get a clean start. Our firm offers full expungement services.

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


First-time shoplifting charges in California are typically misdemeanors under Proposition 47 (for amounts under $950). Frequently, you can participate in a diversionary program instead of serving a jail sentence, and if you are successful, the charges will be dismissed. 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 sincerely didn't know and had no reasonable basis to suspect it, you can build the foundation of your defense upon that fact. We often use this as a way to protect our clients from accusations. However, circumstances like strangely good deal or lack of receipts can lessen the strength of your defense, which is why an attorney is essential.

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


Very serious. You can expect your grand theft auto case to be charged as a felony, with increased penalties. If you have any prior convictions, you could be up against increased sentences. Call us right away at (800) 755-5174.

What is a "wobbler" offense in California?


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

Will I go to jail for a theft charge?


You can avoid jail in many cases, actually. Many theft cases — especially misdemeanors and first offenses — can be resolved without jail time through diversion programs, probation, community service, or fines. Even felony charges often have options short of state prison. Your lawyer can make a major difference in this regard, and working with an experienced one is essential. Call us to understand what options you have.

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


Unfortunately, yes. In California, you can be convicted of burglary for trespassing for the purposes of committing theft or a felony. Whether or not you committed theft doesn't matter — 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 how it's presented — is critical to burglary defense.

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Accused of Theft in Murrieta, CA? Contact Us to Defend Your Freedom.

Without a theft crimes lawyer, it's easy to make mistakes that put you at a disadvantage. Our lawyers are prepared to defend you — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can call our attorneys today to start building your defense.

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We also offer the below legal services in Murrieta, CA:

• Violent Crimes Lawyer
• DUI Lawyer
• Criminal Defense Lawyer