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Theft Lawyer Palm Desert, CA. Accusations. Arrests. Criminal charges. You might even be facing multiple theft charges at once. It might look like all hope is lost.

Even when everything else seems to be going wrong, there is an option who will fight for you: The Law Offices of David S. Chesley. Our legal team has what it takes to guard your freedom against the prosecution. With a Palm Desert, CA, theft crimes lawyer from our team building your defense, every legal avenue will be explored to protect your rights.

Discuss your case with a theft crimes lawyer today at (800) 755-5174 or send us a message about your case for a free, confidential consultation. Delays can cost you your freedom, and we're ready to fight for you today.

The Importance of a Theft Lawyer in Palm Desert, CA

You should never take theft allegations lightly, no matter what the specifics are. Without a lawyer, you're stuck trying to figure out a intricate legal code and increase your risk of the following penalties:

1. Jail Sentence: Jail time is a common consequence for theft in Palm Desert, CA.
2. Financial Penalties: On top of paying back the value of whatever was stolen, fines can give you a serious financial burden.
3. Career Setbacks: Extended stints in jail can prevent you from doing your job, and cause you to lose it.
4. Stained Reputation: Even if you make it past everything else, the reputation as a "criminal" can stick with you.
5. And more.

If you want to avoid all of this, you need a distinguished Palm Desert, CA, theft crimes lawyer. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley. Here's some of what sets us apart:

Top Qualities of Our Palm Desert, CA Theft Defense Attorneys

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

• Former Prosecutors & Judges — We know exactly how the state builds a theft case because some of our attorneys have done it themselves. We know what weaknesses to exploit.
• Deep Court Relationships — Decades of practice in Palm Desert, CA, courts means we know the judges, the prosecutors, and the local procedures — and we leverage that for better outcomes for every client.
• Defenses Built for Trial — We prepare every case as if it's going to trial. Even if your case doesn't end up in trial, this gives us more leverage for negotiations.
• 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.
• Stellar Reputation – We are renowned professionally and by clients.
• Ready for Your Call Right Away — Our team is available whenever you need us most. If you need a theft crime attorney, you shouldn't need to wait for regular business hours. And with our team, you don't have to.
• Entirely Confidential — Everything you tell us is protected by attorney-client privilege. Speak freely — we need the full story to build the strongest possible defense for you.

Theft Charges We Defend in Palm Desert, CA

Click any charge below to jump directly to a full explanation of the law, penalties, and additional information.

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

Palm Desert, CA, Theft Allegations We Defend Against

At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we're experienced in defending against charges of theft. When you need a theft crimes lawyer in Palm Desert, CA, don't hesitate: Reach out right away for a free consult to go over your charges.

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

Petty Theft Charges vs Grand Theft Charges

California breaks down most theft crimes into two categories: Petty theft and grand theft. You can face these charges for taking someone's possessions without their consent. The main difference is the amount that was supposedly taken: For values $950 and under, the charges will ordinarily be petty theft, while higher values 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). On the other hand, fighting grand theft charges normally is a greater challenge, because it is more likely to be a felony. Regardless of what you're up against, it's always important to have a theft crimes lawyer in your corner to minimize the consequences.

Here's a breakdown of what distinguishes petty and grand theft:

Shoplifting — Proposition 47 / Penal Code § 459.5

Following the passage of Proposition 47 in 2014, shoplifting became its own distinct offense separate from commercial burglary. 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 Proposition 47, most shoplifting charges are misdemeanors. That said, repeat offenders, organized retail theft, or amounts over $950 can still result in felony charges. Regardless of what level of charge you're facing, a local Palm Desert, 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) is increasingly prosecuted aggressively by Palm Desert, CA, prosecutors following recent state legislation.

Shoplifting Potential Penalties:

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

Defense options consist of: 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

Petty theft charges are usually misdemeanors, but not always. Because of Penal Code § 666, a petty theft with a prior can be charged as a felony. Not every prior offense in Palm Desert, 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 Palm Desert, CA, district attorney must establish: (1) the suspect engaged in petty theft; and (2) the defendant has at least one prior conviction for theft, robbery, carjacking, burglary, or a similar qualifying offense — especially if the sentence included incarceration. Proposition 47 (2014) significantly narrowed the statute's reach, but did not eliminate it. Even if you have a non-theft prior conviction, you can still see your petty theft charge upgraded to a wobbler — several violent crime and sex crime convictions are also eligible.

Possible Penalties:

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

Vehicle Theft Charges We Defend in Palm Desert, CA

Whatever Palm Desert, CA, vehicle theft charge you're facing, we can help you fight it. An example that many people ask about is grand theft auto, but that's technically not a law of its own. Grand theft auto is a smaller part of California's 'grand theft' law, which makes the theft of a vehicle always 'grand theft,' even if it was under $950 in value.

Grand theft auto charges are usually used when the defendant allegedly didn't intend to return the vehicle. If the alleged offender wasn't going to keep it, they're more likely to be charged with joyriding. While grand theft auto and joyriding are both 'wobbler' offenses, it's almost always better to be charged with joyriding in Palm Desert, CA, since the prosecution is more likely to assign that as a misdemeanor.

You can even face criminal charges without having committed an act of theft; How so? Through "possession of a stolen vehicle". As a parallel to the charge of receiving stolen property, you don't have to have actually stolen anything to be convicted of this crime. Simply owning or holding onto the car or truck is enough for a conviction.

When you contact our law firm, you'll partner 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 defending your rights.

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

If you allegedly stole a car, you might expect to face grand theft auto charges. However, grand theft auto does not have its own statute 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 and joyriding have a close relationship in Palm Desert, CA, courts — grand theft auto only applies if you never intended to give the car back, but if you did, the lesser charge of joyriding would apply.

Potential Penalties:

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

Vehicle Theft — California Vehicle Code § 10851

Vehicle Code § 10851 — sometimes called "joyriding" broadly — is often charged alongside or instead of grand theft auto. It covers situations where the alleged offender both did and didn't intend to return the vehicle. If you deprive someone of their vehicle with any intentions, this law applies.

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 refers specifically to taking or driving a vehicle without the owner's consent, but with the intention of returning it. Even though it's not normally as bad as grand theft auto, it can still be charged as a felony. To protect your freedom, you need an experienced Palm Desert, CA, vehicle theft crimes lawyer to build you a solid defense.

It's typical for joyriding to be treated as a misdemeanor in Palm Desert, CA. That said, 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. Due to the violent nature of the crime, carjacking is always a felony and often has a mandatory prison sentence, as probation is not an option.

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

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 have or are storing a vehicle that you knew or should have known was stolen, PC § 496d still applies, regardless of your involvement in its theft.

This charge frequently catches people who buy vehicles through informal channels, accept a vehicle as a gift, or borrow a car without fully investigating its ownership history. The state must prove you had knowledge the vehicle was stolen — and that's often where your vehicle theft crimes lawyer can challenge the case.

Possible Penalties:

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

White Collar Crime Charges We Defend in Palm Desert, CA

White collar crimes in Palm Desert, CA, can look very different from each other, but they all have a common trait: misusing professional power for financial gain.

Most white collar crimes are defined by how money is transferred. Embezzlement is when one person steals money that they were in charge of, but was not their own. Money laundering is taking money that was otherwise gotten illegally and trying to disguise it as something that was earned legally. Meanwhile, bribery occurs when someone gives another person a gift in order to receive a favor, in a way that violates laws or regulations.

Not all white-collar crimes involve financial exchanges, though (at least not directly). Forgery can be as simple as signing another person's signature without permission, and identity theft involves stealing someone's personal information. 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

Despite there being no physical harm involved, white collar charges are treated harshly by the law — incarceration, massive fines, major career setbacks, and permanent reputational damage. These cases require attorneys with deep financial and legal sophistication.

White Collar Crimes — Overview

Individual "white collar crimes" can look very different from each other. For an alleged crime to qualify, it should feature the element of deceit, breach of trust, or abuse of a professional for personal benefit. It's common for white collar crime cases in Palm Desert, CA, to require specialized experts on both the prosecution and defensive sides.

These charges can seemingly come out of nowhere, as state investigators will take months to years to build a case before filing charges. Call us now if you have any reason to believe the police are looking into you. The sooner you bring in your legal defense, the better chance you have of a positive outcome.

Embezzlement — California Penal Code § 503

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

Frequent embezzlement scenarios: An accountant siphoning company funds; a payroll professional creating fake employees and taking their salaries; an employee overcharging customers and keeping the difference; A cashier voiding out a transaction but keeping the money; a charity collector taking cash donations while leaving other types alone.

Potential Penalties:

• Under $950: Misdemeanor — up to 6 months jail
• Over $950: Felony — up to 3 years prison
• High Amounts: Enhanced sentences up to 10+ years
• Additional: Financial recompensation, loss of professional licenses

Money Laundering — California Penal Code § 186.10

Money laundering is any way that someone can take 'dirty' money and make it appear 'clean.' It commonly involves 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 (investing the funds into something legal, or using another method to extract them into seemingly-legitimate assets).

California's money laundering law specifically targets financial actions higher than $5,000 that involved illegally obtained funds, so long as the person involved knew they were illegal. Federal money laundering charges (18 U.S.C. § 1956) can also apply, which tends to have much harsher penalties.

Potential Penalties (State):

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

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

You can face bribery charges for offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting something of value in exchange for influencing the actions of people in certain positions of power. California law criminalizes bribery in many contexts — government officials, judges, legislators, business executives, witnesses, and even private commercial bribery. Regardless of what form of bribery you've been accused of, a Palm Desert, CA, theft crimes lawyer is important to protect you from the prosecution.

What if they didn't accept the bribe? Both the person offering the bribe and the person accepting it could face charges in Palm Desert, CA. Attempted bribery charges are even possible, if one person tries to bribe another, and the second person refuses it.

Possible Penalties:

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

Forgery — California Penal Code § 470

Forgery involves creating, altering, or using a false document with intent to defraud. State law is broad and covers bills, money orders, stock certificates, deeds, wills, court orders, prescriptions, lottery tickets, 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. The intent to defraud, in addition to the act of creating or using the forged document, 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

In Palm Desert, CA, identity theft is the unauthorized use of another person's personal identifying information — name, Social Security number, driver's license number, financial account numbers, or other data — for any unlawful purpose, such as obtaining credit, property, services, or medical information.

What if it didn't affect them financially? No financial loss to the victim has to occur for a conviction. Simply taking and using someone else's information without permission is enough to warrant a crime under state law. This makes it critical to work with an expert theft crimes lawyer whatever the particular of your situation.

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

Possible 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 Palm Desert, CA

Fraud encompasses a variety of specific theft types in Palm Desert, CA. Broadly speaking, a person who commits theft by misrepresenting themselves or a situation in order to get another person to give away money voluntarily can be charged with fraud. Theft by false pretenses is is one of the more common version of fraud.

Insurance fraud is a specific variation where a person allegedly lies on an insurance claim to increase their benefit. As an example, after a car accident, a person who lies about how much damage was caused to get a bigger payout commits 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 variation is credit card fraud. This one is a little different because instead of representing someone about themselves, for credit card fraud, normally a person is lying about the credit card they are using. Maybe it's stolen, expired, or fake, but the bottom line is that the card was not supposed to be used in this way.

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

Types of Fraud, False Pretenses & Financial Deception

There are many types of fraud allegations in Palm Desert, CA — it could be as little as a seemingly white lie or as major as large an organized insurance fraud ring. Because the evidence can be very complex and there can be a large amount of it, you need an expert theft crimes lawyer who can effectively navigate all of the intricacies.

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

Many "fraud" charges in Palm Desert fall under California's 'theft by false pretenses' law. This is when one person tricks another person through disonest means, 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: Selling a product that doesn't exist; misrepresenting credentials to get paid for work; creating fake invoices; collecting donations for a nonexistent charity.

Because the amount defrauded can vary, so does the penalty. It depends on the how much was stolen — if the total value was more than $950, you are likely looking at grand theft (and possible felony) charges.

Insurance Fraud — California Penal Code § 550

Insurance fraud involves knowingly making a false or misleading statement to an insurance company to obtain benefits, payments, or compensation you are not entitled to receive. If you're facing insurance fraud charges in Palm Desert, CA, it's possible that you'll go to prison for several years if convicted. An experienced theft crimes lawyer will defend your freedom and consider multiple defenses to help you find the best outcome possible

Frequent forms include: Staging or exaggerating auto accidents; filing false theft reports; inflating repair cost claims; deliberately damaging your property for a payout; workers' compensation fraud; double billing for a health service.

Possible Penalties:

• Felony Prison: 2, 3, or 5 years
• Fines: Up to $150,000 or double the fraud amount
• Restitution: Give the amount defrauded back to the alleged victim
• Additional: License revocation for professionals

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

Credit card fraud charges in Palm Desert, CA, go beyond credit cards and involve the misuse of financial account access information. This includes using someone else'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 illegally acquiring or selling card account information.

What to know about federal charges: You are likely to face both federal and state charges, especially when accounts 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

Charges of welfare fraud in Palm Desert, CA, can range widely in their specifics, but all have one thing in common: Deceiving the government in order to receive some kind of welfare benefit. Similar to other types of fraud, this could be part of an isolated individual incident or a widespread organized crime ring.

Common examples: Failing to report income; using fake identities to collect extra benefits; using another person's EBT card; falsely claiming a dependent child; continuing to collect benefits after a qualifying event ends your eligibility.

These crimes often have special investigation teams that target alleged offenders. If convicted, you could be looking at years in prison and serious financial consequences. Your premier Palm Desert, CA, theft crimes lawyer can help show issues in the prosecution's case and boost your chances of a positive outcome.

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: Lose your right to receive benefits in the future

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

Hospice fraud occurs when a hospice provider bills Medicare, Medi-Cal, or private insurers for services that were not rendered, were medically unnecessary, or were provided to patients who did not actually qualify for hospice care. To legally receiveMedicare hospice benefits, a patient must have a terminal prognosis of six months or less to live if nothing drastic changes in their health condition — a threshold that fraudulent providers routinely falsify.

While it's possible for care recipients to face hospice fraud accusations, they are more commonly made against the care provider. Hospice can be a challenging situation for many people, and frustrations with the situation can turn into unjust accusations. These accusations are particularly dangerous because they are often charged in federal court in Palm Desert, CA, meaning you're up against very difficult odds.

Important Note: Even if you have a plan for the criminal charges, don't let your guard down — it's very likely that you'll face a civil lawsuit in conjunction with the criminal charges. 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. These investigations can go on for extended periods of time without your knowledge, until the state is ready to file charges.

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 allegations go beyond that of a typical theft. As the name would suggest, these are accusations that someone took undeserved benefits from the government's Medicare program. In Palm Desert, CA, Medicare fraud charges are normally conducted in federal court, rather than by the local prosecutor. You need a theft lawyer who operates at a high level to protect you from these charges.

Common schemes include: billing for services never rendered; upcoding (billing for a more expensive service than was actually provided); unbundling (billing separately for procedures that should be billed together at a lower combined rate); billing for medically unnecessary services; kickback arrangements for patient referrals; and identity theft of patient or physician billing credentials. 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 Palm Desert, CA theft lawyer immediately.

Important: It's possible to be accused of Medicare fraud even when all forms of medical care were honest and legitimate. This can occur if a provider offers money to someone in exchange for accessing Medicare-sponsored services through that provider. You can be accused of breaking this law whether you gave or received the money.

Possible Penalties:

• Federal Prison: Up to 10 years per count (up to 20 if serious bodily injury results)
• Anti-Kickback Violations: Up to 10 years per violation
• Civil FCA Liability: Treble damages plus civil monetary penalties per claim
• Additional: Ineligibility for all federal health care programs

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

Health care fraud, under United States federal law, is when an individual lies to either their insurance agency or the government to receive some kind of benefit related to health care. 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. Health care fraud cases in Palm Desert, CA, are frequently complex, involving large volumes of billing records, expert testimony from medical billing specialists, and coordination between state and federal agencies. Physicians, billing companies, office workers, and clerical staff have all found themselves accused of health care fraud in the past.

Potential Penalties:

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

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

Home health fraud, at a fundamental level, it involves the same alleged act (lying in order to receive health care benefits). This one in particular is related to in-home health services — including skilled nursing visits, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and medical social services. In order to be eligible for Medicare benefits, the care recipient must be homebound and require skilled care. Because of the particulars of the definition, these cases can vary wildly from one another.

A patient could be accused of this if they had a less serious condition, but claimed it was more dire, in order to receive in-home assistance. Meanwhile, a provider could be charged if a health service team member performs unneeded medical services in order to drive up bills. Southern California has historically been one of the country's highest-risk regions for home health fraud, and federal task forces have conducted simultaneous multi-agency takedowns targeting dozens of home health agencies in Palm Desert, CA. Commonly accused individuals include physical therapists, administrative workers, and physicians performing the diagnoses.

Important: There are special restrictions placed on doctors to prevent home health fraud. For example, the United States' Stark Law makes it illegal for a doctor to send a patient to a home health services provider that the physician financially benefits from. Outside of the criminal case, you can face fines, need to pay restitution, and be excluded from Medicare — even if you broke the law accidentally.

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 Palm Desert, CA

Violent crime charges and theft charges often go hand in hand in Palm Desert, CA. One common example is robbery. A person commits robbery when they take something directly from another person by force. Versus 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 take place when a person allegedly breaks into a location to commit a burglary, but finds people inside and threatens them with violence.

Extortion relies more on threats than actual violence to commit a theft. When one person commits extortion, they threaten another in order to get something from them. This doesn't always need to include physical violence, but it can consist of any form of harm to the victim, including emotional or reputational. For example, if a person threatened to attack their manager unless they were given a favorable schedule, that person could be accused of extortion.

Robbery, Extortion & Force-Related Theft

When theft involves force, fear, or coercion, the penalties increase dramatically. These charges are always felonies and often carry strike designations. Your Palm Desert, 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. Robbery is always a felony and always a strike offense.

Your robbery charge in Palm Desert, 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.

Potential 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 to immigration authorities unless paid; threatening to release private photos unless money is provided; threatening to deny someone a rightful certification unless special favors are given.

Possible Penalties:

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

Burglary Charges We Fight in Palm Desert, CA

Burglary charges in Palm Desert, CA, are distinct from theft, but often go hand-in-hand. California defines burglary as entering a location without permission in order to steal something or break a different law. Ordinarily, this is a building, like a retail store (which would make it commercial burglary), but not always. For example, if you supposedly broke a car window to steal a wallet sitting on the seat, that would be considered burglary of a vehicle.

No matter what kind of burglary you're charged with, you can almost always be charged with trespassing, too. Because of this, defenses to burglary charges can hinge on whether or not you had permission to be in the structure, and what your intentions were while you were there.

Burglary Related Charges

Shoplifting also involves the theft of items from a store, similar to commercial burglary. Prior to 2014, what is now classified as shoplifting would be considered burglary in California. However, after Proposition 47's passing in 2014, shoplifting was reclassified as its own offense. These changes had an immediate impact, even for people who had already been convicted. One key reform was distinguishing shoplifting as a specific misdemeanor offense and preventing it from being charged as burglary (a "wobbler" that could be a felony) in qualifying cases.

Vandalism also shares many qualities with burglary. California defines vandalism and the intentional harming of someone else's property with permission, such as by breaking a window to in order to steal from the building. It's very likely that you'll be charged with both burglarizing and vandalizing a location together in Palm Desert, CA, doubling the importance of working with a top quality theft crimes lawyer to protect your rights.

Finally, you can face theft charges in Palm Desert, CA, even if you didn't steal anything yourself. How does this happen? Receiving stolen property charges. If you allegedly buy or take something that you know is stolen, or help the person who stole it hide the property, you can face these charges.

Burglary, Home Invasion & Related Charges

People commonly think of burglary as entering someone's house to commit theft, but that's not how Palm Desert, 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 for the purpose of committing a theft or any felony inside. Nothing actually needs to be stolen. The intent at the moment of entry is what matters.

Residential burglary is always a felony and is considered a "strike" offense. Outside of violent crimes, first-degree burglary is one of the worst theft charges you can face in California, and Palm Desert, 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 Term: 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 covers entering any non-residential structure with the intent to commit theft or a felony — stores, offices, warehouses, garages, and other commercial buildings. 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

Breaking into a car, truck, or other vehicle to steal something inside — or to commit any felony — constitutes vehicle burglary under California law. A typical example of this would be an alleged offender breaking into a car to steal a backpack or wallet within. This could be either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on how the Palm Desert, CA prosecutor interprets the circumstances.

Important note: 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

If you're accused of breaking into a home and threatening or hurting the people inside, that would fall under home invasion charges. Palm Desert, CA, prosecutors take these charges extremely seriously and often push for harsh punishments. It's even more important to hire an expert theft crimes lawyer than usual in these cases.

Home invasion burglary frequently brings multiple charges simultaneously — first-degree burglary, robbery, assault, and potentially kidnapping — all carrying their own prison terms, often served consecutively. If you are facing home invasion charges, you need a law firm with a track record of success, and you need them right away.

Possible Penalties:

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

Property & Related Offenses

Receiving Stolen Property, Vandalism & Trespassing

These offenses are frequently charged alongside primary theft crimes and can significantly compound the penalties you face. Your Palm Desert, CA, theft crimes lawyer will need to balance all of the allegations and form a narrative to defeat them.

Receiving Stolen Property — California Penal Code § 496

This charge applies to some people who are indirectly involved in a theft. California law makes it illegal to hide, purchase, sell, or otherwise possess stolen property, regardless of whether or not you're the one who stole it.

The prosecution must prove you knew — or had reason to know — the property was stolen. This knowledge element is often where we can mount an effective defense. 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 Palm Desert, CA.

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
• Additional: Graffiti cleanup, community service

Trespassing — California Penal Code § 602

Trespassing is another property crime, though it doesn't involve stealing (directly). Trespassing is when one person goes onto someone else's property when they aren't supposed to be, and/or refuses to exit. Tresspassing is often charged alongside burglary, because the latter also involves entering a location without permission.

Standing alone, trespassing is normally charged as a misdemeanor or infraction. However, Palm Desert, CA, prosecutors can also use it as a part of a case for more serious charges. Fighting these charges is often a matter of whether or not the alleged offender did in fact have permission or the right to be there.

Perjury — California Penal Code § 118

Perjury charges aren't unique to theft crimes, but are commonly seen alongside them. You can be found guilty of perjury if you lie to the police or during a trial. In theft cases, this can occur if you were interviewed by the police and stated you did not know where any of the stolen property was, even if you did.

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

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)

Stealing a gun is extra serious in California — while the usual threshold for stealing something to be considered 'grand theft' is $950, there is no minimum value if the item stolen was a gun. This means stealing even a nearly worthless firearm results in a felony charge. Firearm theft can have long-lasting implications, beyond most other theft offenses — this is because it counts as a strike on your record.

As if fighting the charges in your local Palm Desert, 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

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 Palm Desert, CA, and enhanced sentencing applies. Prison sentences can be increased even further if the alleged victim was 70 years or older. People convicted of financial elder abuse often also have to repay the alleged victim, and Adult Protective Services involvement only makes things more complex.

Common scenarios: Caregiver taking money from a client's account; family member using power of attorney to take money; fake contractor promises work but never completes it; fraudulent investment schemes targeting retirees.

Possible Penalties:

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

Looting — California Penal Code § 463

During emergencies, stealing property can be charged as looting. These cases are prosecuted especially hard under California Penal Code § 463, which increases the minimum penalties for many charges.

These charges are often looked upon very negatively in Palm Desert, 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. 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

Under California law, you can be charged with a crime even if the theft, burglary, or robbery was never completed. An attempt requires: (1) the desire to break the law, and (2) a direct, unequivocal act toward committing it — regardless of whether it was successful or not.

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

Attempted burglary and attempted robbery are still strike offenses in California. We frequently challenge attempted charges by contesting the intent element or the nature of the "direct act" alleged.

For any of the charges above, or more, when you reach out to us, you can talk to an expert theft crimes lawyer in Palm Desert, CA, who has the training and experience needed to find a path forward. Together, we will craft a staunch defense against the allegations.

What to Do if You're Accused of Theft

Being charged with theft can be intimidating. There could be a warrant out for your arrest, 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're not alone. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is here to help. When you work with us, you will get a Palm Desert, CA, theft crimes lawyer who will listen to your story and advocate for your rights. If you're up against theft crime accusations, here are our recommendations:

1. Do Not Resist Arrest

Nobody wants to be arrested. However, don't resist. Be polite and respectful during the process. Resisting can only lead to additional charges.

2. Remain Calm and Don't Talk

There's a chance you'll be interviewed or interrogated – stay silent. Simply say "I decline to answer any questions and am invoking my right to an attorney." Your answers can later be used as evidence in the case, and if anything you say is untruthful, you can be accused of perjury.

3. Contact a Palm Desert, 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. The sooner you hire an expert to help with your case, the better your chances are for a positive outcome. 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 fight for your pre-trial release and lower bail requirements. Your rights and freedom matter, no matter what you've been accused of.

5. Coordinate With Your Lawyer to Create a Defense Strategy

Finally, you work with your attorney to craft a strong defense. An accomplished theft crimes lawyer in Palm Desert, CA, will hear your side of the story, negotiate with the prosecution, and argue for a dismissal whenever possible.

Theft Lawyer Defensive Strategies

Your case is unique — and your defense strategy needs to be oriented to the specific facts, proof, and accusations. Here are the major defense approaches our attorneys use to fight theft charges in Palm Desert, CA.

Lack of Intent / Claim of Right Defense in Theft Cases

One of the most powerful defenses in any theft case is the absence of criminal intent. Your mindset is key to this defense. Unintentionally taking another person's goods does not qualify as theft, generally. In many cases, especially if the physical evidence indicates the defendant took the item, everything will center around intent.

A related defense is the "claim of right" defense, where someone states that they believed they were allowed to take the property. This applies as long as they honestly believed they were allowed to, even if they were incorrect. If 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. Additional intent-based defenses include: mistake of fact (the accused took the wrong item believing it to be their own); voluntary intoxication (which may negate specific intent in limited circumstances); and absence of permanence (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: 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 property disputes, family conflicts, and many civil debt situations.

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 Palm Desert, CA, police department will gather evidence through searches. If the authorities disobeyed regulations, the evidence can be thrown out and the prosecution may be unable to proceed.

Common suppression issues in theft and property crime cases include: warrantless searches of vehicles, homes, or persons without valid legal justification; searches conducted under a warrant obtained through false or misleading information in the supporting affidavit; arrests without probable cause resulting in an invalid search incident to arrest; GPS tracking or digital surveillance conducted without appropriate legal authority; and searches that go beyond the limits of a valid warrant. In Palm Desert, CA, your defense attorney can file a motion to throw out any evidence the prosecution acquired through improper means — 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 Palm Desert, 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 Palm Desert, CA, investigators and prosecution aren't perfect: Sometimes, they get the wrong guy. False accusations can stem from personal disagreements, cases of mistaken identity, misunderstandings 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 — you need a Palm Desert, CA, theft crimes lawyer to protect your freedom.

One of the ways that innocent people are commonly accused in Palm Desert, CA is by eyewitnesses mistaking them for the offender. In theft, robbery, and burglary cases, witnesses under stress frequently misidentify suspects — especially across racial lines, under poor lighting conditions, or when things moved too fast. Even if the witness is sure, they could be mistaken. California courts have increasingly recognized this science, and jury instructions now require courts to instruct juries on the inherent limitations of eyewitness identification evidence.

Defense strategies in false accusation cases include: showing that the defendant was elsewhere at the time of the crime; 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 issues with eyewitness testimony; and demonstrating inconsistencies between different witnesses' versions of events.

If you are facing false allegations: Stay away from witnesses, do not attempt to gather evidence independently, and do not tell your side of the story to the police without your theft crimes lawyer present. You might make a mistake, or the police might misinterpret something you say. Contact defense counsel immediately and say nothing.

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 challenge this element aggressively — many people unknowingly purchase stolen goods with no way to verify their origin.

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

Rights Violations — From Miranda rights violations to due process claims, we examine your case for every constitutional protection that may have been violated — and use those violations to suppress evidence, challenge the prosecution's case, or secure a dismissal.

Diversion Programs — Particularly for offenders without a record, California offers sentencing alternatives that can result in charges being dismissed after completing community service, restitution, or counseling. We identify every diversion opportunity available in your specific case.

Disputing the Property Valuation — The difference between petty theft and grand theft — misdemeanor vs. felony — can hinge on the dollar value of what was allegedly stolen. 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, certain individuals with theft convictions can ask for their pleas to be removed — a process commonly called an expungement. Before you can do so, you will likely have to have fit the following critera: successfully done all that was asked of you as a part of probation, including fines and restitution; not currently be charged with, on probation for, or serving a sentence for any other offense; and — following recent changes in the law — in several cases, must not have served time in state prison (though SB 731 and related reforms have expanded relief options for some state prison cases).

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: In particular, an expunged conviction generally does not need to be disclosed on private employment applications under state law. However, there are still some restrictions in the expungement process — it does not restore firearm rights, doesn't prevent the conviction from impacting future cases, and does not affect most professional licensing decisions. Senate Bill 731 (effective July 1, 2023) 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: While expungement under § 1203.4 offers many benefits, it doesn't make the record go away entirely; it can still be viewed by the police, licensing boards, and be used in future criminal cases. If your goal is the total removal of the record, restoration of firearm rights, or clearing a prior strike, you'll have to look into other ways to have your record sealed. When you work with an expert theft crimes lawyer, you'll be able to explore other options for protecting yourself.

Relief Options:

• PC § 1203.4: Charges dismissed after successful probation completion
• PC § 1203.4a: Relief for misdemeanors without probation (available 1 year after the conviction)
• PC § 851.91: Arrest record sealing where no conviction resulted
• SB 731 (2023): Automatic relief for qualifying non-violent felony convictions
• Limitations: Does not restore firearm rights or remove record from law enforcement databases

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Common Theft Crimes Questions in Palm Desert, CA

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


What you are charged with is primarily determined by how much whatever was supposedly taken was worth. Petty theft misdemeanors are typical for anything $950 and below. Property valued above $950 — or involving specific categories like firearms or vehicles — is grand theft (a wobbler that can be a misdemeanor or felony). Your theft crimes lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared to defend you against either theft charge.

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


Often, yes. For probation sentences, expungement is often offered conditionally upon your completion. Expungement removes the conviction from your public record and allows you to truthfully say you have not been convicted of that crime in most circumstances. 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 Palm Desert, CA?


While this is still serious, you don't need to panic just yet — you will probably only face misdemeanor charges. Additionally, we can often secure alternative sentencing options which will keep you out of jail. An attorney 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?


Receiving stolen property (PC § 496) requires that you knew — or had good reason to know — the property was stolen. If you genuinely didn't know and didn't have a reason to suspect it, that is a strong defense. Our attorneys challenge the "knowledge" element aggressively in these cases. However, circumstances like strangely good deal or no documentation of ownership can lessen the strength of your defense, making it imperative that you hire a skillful theft crimes lawyer.

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


Very serious. You're probably looking at felony charges, with higher prison time, fines, and long-lasting record impacts. If you have a criminal record, you could be up against increased sentences. Call one of our attorneys as soon as possible 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. Several theft-related offenses — such as 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. The specifics of your circumstances will play into this, and your attorney will fight for reduced (if not eliminated) jail time. Call our firm to understand what options are available to you.

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


Yes. California defines burglary as entering a structure with the intent to commit theft or a felony inside. Whether 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. As a result, intent evidence — and arguments surrounding it — is critical to burglary defense.

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Looking for a Palm Desert, CA, Theft Lawyer? Call Right Away.

Every theft allegation is a big deal. Our attorneys are equipped to defend you — whenver you need help. You can call our attorneys today to start building your defense.

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We also offer the below legal services in Palm Desert, CA:

• Violent Crimes Lawyer
• DUI Lawyer
• Criminal Defense Lawyer