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Theft Lawyer Palmdale, 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 the charges are piling up against you, there is an option who will fight for you: The Law Offices of David S. Chesley. Our legal team has extensive experience defending clients against all manner of theft crime charges. With a Palmdale, CA, theft crimes lawyer from our team protecting your rights, you can rest assured that you're getting expert legal representation.

Discuss your case with an attorney right away at (800) 755-5174 or send us a message about your case for a free, confidential consultation. It's easy to get started, and acting fast can mean everything.

Why You Need a Leading Palmdale, CA, Theft Defense Lawyer

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

1. Prison Sentence: Jail time is a common consequence for theft in Palmdale, CA.
2. Financial Penalties: On top of paying back the value of whatever was stolen, fines can give you a serious financial burden.
3. Loss of Employmnet: Background checks can derail job applications, and you can lose access to professional licenses.
4. Damaged Character: 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 Palmdale, CA theft crimes lawyer on your case. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is ready to help. Here's some of what sets us apart:

Top Qualities of Our Palmdale, CA Theft Defense Attorneys

Picking the right Palmdale, CA theft crimes defense lawyer can make all the difference for your case. Here's what set us apart — and how it will impact your case:

• A Team Of Former Prosecutors & Judges — We know exactly how the state builds a theft case because some of our attorneys have done it themselves. We use that inside knowledge to dismantle the prosecution's strategy.
• Deep 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 — We prepare every case as if it's going to trial. This not only ensures that we're prepared, but also helps us secure more favorable plea deals or get your case dismissed.
• Expungement Services — Our representation doesn't end at the verdict. We offer record clearing and expungement services to help you move on and protect your future career and opportunities.
• Terrific Reputation – We are well-known for our tenacious representation.
• Ready for Your Call Right Away — Our team is available whenever you need us most. You can reach a theft crimes attorney any time of day or night — because waiting until Monday morning can cost you critical opportunities.
• Completely Private — You can trust us with everything about your case. We won't judge — we're just here to build the strongest case possible.

Theft Charges We Defend in Palmdale, CA

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

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

Major Palmdale, CA, Theft Crimes We Defend Against

With over 50 years of combined legal experience, we have what it takes to protect your rights. Should you need a theft crimes lawyer in Palmdale, CA, act fast: Reach out now for a free consult to go over your charges.

We cover all of the following types of charges and more:

Petty Theft Charges vs Grand Theft Charges

While there are many different theft case types in Palmdale, CA, odds are high you're facing one of these two: Petty theft and grand theft. You can face these charges for taking someone's possessions when you weren't allowed to. The distinguishing factor is how much value was allegedly stolen: For values $950 and under, the classification will typically be petty theft, while higher values will typically be grand theft.

Fighting petty theft allegations is usually easier because the potential penalties are less severe (it's normally charged as a misdemeanor). However, defending grand theft charges normally is a greater challenge, because it is more likely to be a felony. Whichever type of charge you're facing, it's always important to have a theft crimes lawyer in your corner to minimize the consequences.

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

Shoplifting — Proposition 47 / Penal Code § 459.5

Proposition 47 was passed in 2014, defining and setting penalties for shoplifting. Prior to 2014, it was actually considered a form of burglary, instead of a distinct crime. A person commits shoplifting when they go into an open store in order to steal $950 or less worth of goods.

In the past, because shoplifting fell under burglary, it was more likely to be charged as a felony. Today, most shoplifting charges are misdemeanors. However, 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 Palmdale, CA theft crimes lawyer can help you maximize your chances of a positive outcome.

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

Shoplifting Potential Penalties:

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

Defensive strategies consist of: Theft was unintentional, wrong identity, entrapment by loss prevention, unlawful search and seizure, and diversion programs for first-time offenders.

Petty Theft with a Prior — California Penal Code § 666

Petty theft with a prior — sometimes abbreviated PTWP — allows prosecutors to elevate what would ordinarily be a misdemeanor petty theft charge into a wobbler when the defendant has a qualifying prior conviction on their record. Palmdale, CA prosecutors can use this law against you to turn even a small-time theft allegation into a wobbler — meaning that you could be facing years in prison.

To activate this sentencing enhancement, the state must establish: (1) the suspect committed petty theft; and (2) the suspect 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. Proposition 47 (2014) significantly narrowed the statute's reach, but did not eliminate it. Defendants with certain prior serious or violent felonies, prior sex offense registration requirements, or prior burglary convictions under PC § 459 remain fully exposed to felony enhancement even for minor shoplifting incidents.

Potential Penalties:

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

Vehicle Theft Charges We Fight in Palmdale, CA

There are several vehicle theft charges we defend in Palmdale, CA. One of the ones people commonly think of is grand theft auto, but that's actually not a unique charge. Grand theft auto is defined in a subsection of California's 'grand theft' law, which states that anyone who steals an automobile (regardless of its value) can be charged with grand theft.

If the prosecution is stating that someone took the vehicle and was planning to keep it for themselves, not return it, they're likely going to face grand theft auto charges. 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 Palmdale, CA, since the prosecution is more likely to assign that as 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 can be convicted even if you didn't take an active part in the theft. Just owning or keeping the car or truck is enough for a conviction.

When you work with us, 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. Call today to start protecting your freedom.

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 — it is a subcategory of grand theft that applies specifically to the theft of any motor vehicle, regardless of its value. This means even stealing a beater worth $200 can result in a grand theft auto charge.

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

Potential Penalties:

• Charge Type: Wobbler (usually felony in Palmdale, 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 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. 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 is a similar charge to grand theft auto, with one key difference: The alleged offender was going to give the car back. 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 Palmdale, CA, vehicle theft crimes lawyer to build you a solid defense.

It's typical for joyriding to be treated as a misdemeanor in Palmdale, CA. That said, prior criminal history or aggravating circumstances can push it to a felony.

Carjacking — California Penal Code § 215

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

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

Potential Penalties:

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

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

In Palmdale, 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 vehicle when you knew or should have know it 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 were aware that the vehicle was stolen — and that's often where your vehicle theft crimes lawyer can challenge the case.

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 Palmdale, CA

White collar crimes in Palmdale, CA, can be any one of a variety of charges, but all of them share one thing in common: abuse of an organization for personal gain.

Most white collar crimes are non-violent, and even non-physical, forms of theft. Embezzlement is a good example of this: For this alleged crime, someone would legally be in charge of a person's or organization's money, but would take from it for personal use. Money laundering an attempt to hide illegal money as legal income. For example, if someone made money from a drug deal, then pretended to have another person pay them for a job, that would be money laundering. Meanwhile, bribery is about illegal gifts done for a favor or another benefit. An example of this would be an employee giving money to their boss in exchange for a promotion.

Not all white-collar crimes are centered around the exchange of money, though (at least at first glance). Forgery occurs when one person makes a fake document to later use for fraud, 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, Bribery & More

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

White Collar Crimes — Synopsis

The term "white collar crime" describes non-violent financial offenses typically committed in business or professional settings. For an alleged crime to qualify, it should feature the element of deceit, breach of trust, or abuse of a position for personal gain. These cases are some of the most complicated in Palmdale, CA, and normally require highly experienced representation to defend.

White collar cases are often investigated for months or even years before charges are filed. 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 main feature is the pre-existing lawful access — alleged embezzlement offenders had honest ways to access the supposedly stolen or misused goods.

Hypothetical examples: An accountant siphoning company funds; a payroll professional creating fake employees and taking their salaries; a financial advisor moving client funds to personal accounts; an employee skimming from cash registers; a charity collector taking cash donations while leaving other types alone.

Possible Penalties:

• Under $950: Misdemeanor — up to 6 months jail
• Over $950: Felony — up to 3 years prison
• Large Amounts: Enhanced sentences up to 10+ years
• Additional: Full restitution, employment restrictions

Money Laundering — California Penal Code § 186.10

Money laundering involves taking money gained from a different crime and disguising it as being honestly earned. It typically consists of three steps: placement (adding the dirty money into the legitimate financial system), layering (disguising the trail through complex transactions), and integration (investing the funds into something legal, or using another method to extract them into seemingly-legitimate assets).

California's money laundering law is set to combat transactions of more than $5,000 conducted with knowledge that the money was obtained through criminal activity. You could also face federal money laundering charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1956, carrying sentences up to 20 years.

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

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 targets multiple forms of bribery — that of government officials, judges, lawmakers, business executives, witnesses, and even private commercial bribery. Whatever form of bribery you've been accused of, a Palmdale, CA, theft crimes lawyer is critical to protect you from the prosecution.

Important: Both the person offering the bribe and the person accepting it could face charges in Palmdale, 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 disqualification from office
• Federal: Up to 15 years (if federal officials involved)

Forgery — California Penal Code § 470

You can be charged with forgery in Palmdale, CA, if you allegedly changed or made a fake document to trick someone into giving you money or other valuables. State law is broad and covers bills, receipts, stock certificates, vehicle titles, power of attorney documents, warrants, notary public symbols, 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

In Palmdale, 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 — to perform a restricted activity, such as obtaining credit, property, services, or medical information.

What if it didn't affect them financially? You can be found guilty even if the alleged victim didn't lose any money. Just taking and using another person's information without authorization is enough to trigger criminal charges under California law. This makes it critical to hire an expert theft crimes lawyer regardless of the particular of your situation.

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

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 Palmdale, CA

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

Insurance fraud is one of the most common types of fraud. It involves lying on an insurance claim to increase their benefit. As an example, 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 claiming a child as a dependent to receive financial support, when the child has in fact moved out.

Another common variation is credit card fraud. This type of fraud involves dishonesty about the credit card and/or how it was acquired. Maybe it's stolen, expired, or fake, but the bottom line is that the card was not supposed to be used in this way.

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

Different Kinds of Fraud, False Pretenses & Financial Deception

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

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

Many "fraud" charges in Palmdale fall under California's 'theft by false pretenses' law. This is when a person tricks another person through disonest means, leading to the second person willingly giving away goods or services. Theft by false pretenses is distinct because the supposed victim intentionally parts with their valuables, as opposed to robbery, where they are taken by force.

Common examples: Selling a product that doesn't exist; pretending to be a tech support assistant; creating fake invoices; lying about the condition of goods sold.

The charge level (misdemeanor vs. felony) depends on the value of the property obtained through fraud, using the same $950 threshold as petty/grand theft.

Insurance Fraud — California Penal Code § 550

Lying to an insurance company to receive a payout or other benefit is insurance fraud. If you're facing insurance fraud charges in Palmdale, CA, it's possible that you'll go to prison for several years if convicted. An experienced theft crimes lawyer will fight the allegations and analyze all the evidence to help you find the best outcome possible

Typical examples include: Staging or exaggerating auto accidents; filing claims for injuries that didn't occur; exaggerating property damage; deliberately damaging your property for a payout; fabricating injuries; double billing for a health service.

Possible Penalties:

• Felony Prison Sentence: 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: Loss of professional licenses

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

You can face credit card fraud charges in Palmdale, CA, for a variety of actions done with a credit or debit card. You could be accused of using another individual's card without consent, using a card that has been stolen or counterfeited, using an account number without physical possession of the card, or fraudulently acquiring or selling card account information.

Note on federal charges: It's common in California credit card fraud cases for there to also be federal charges, particularly when accounts are used across state lines or some part of the alleged crime occurred online. Your theft crimes lawyer needs to have experience fighting fraud charges in both state and federal court.

Possible Penalties (State):

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

Welfare Fraud — California Welfare & Institutions Code § 10980

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

Common examples: Failing to report income; misrepresenting household composition; using another person's EBT card; pretending that a child is still a dependent when they are not; not reporting new circumstances that would end benefits eligibility.

Penalties for welfare fraud, if convicted, can result in fines, prison time, and required repayment of the value taken. Your local Palmdale, CA, theft crimes lawyer can push back against 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: Lose your right to receive benefits in the future

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

Hospice fraud accusations in Palmdale, CA, are very serious. They are often applied to healthcare practitioners who create fake requests for payment or prescribe unneeded treatments related to hospice. To legally receiveMedicare hospice benefits, the recipient must have a projected lifespan of six months or less if nothing drastic changes in their health condition — it's common for the prosecution to allege that the patient's condition did not meet this criteria in these cases.

While it's possible for care recipients to face hospice fraud accusations, they are more commonly made against the care provider. Hospice can be a challenging situation for many people, and frustrations with the situation can turn into unjust accusations. Palmdale, 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.

Important Note: Hospice fraud investigations frequently involve parallel criminal and civil proceedings. If someone reaches out to the authorities, they may share their findings in order to allow for a civil suit. These investigations can go on for extended periods of time without your knowledge, until the state is ready to file charges.

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 Palmdale, CA.

While both providers and receivers of care can be convicted of medicare fraud, it's most often providers who are accused. This is especially devastating because of its career impact: you can lose your license and be excluded from working in a healthcare program. Because Medicare billing data is centrally maintained, federal agents can identify statistical anomalies and billing patterns across thousands of claims — meaning investigations often begin long before a provider is aware they are being scrutinized.

Critical Note: 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. You can be accused of breaking this law whether you gave or received the money.

Potential Penalties:

• Federal Prison: Up to 10 years per count (up to 20 if serious bodily injury results)
• Anti-Kickback Violations: Up to 10 years per violation
• Civil FCA Liability: Treble damages plus civil monetary penalties per claim
• Additional: Ineligibility 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's statute specifically targets situations where a person lies or embellishes insurance claims, such as filing multiple claims in situations where only one would apply. Without an expert Palmdale, CA theft lawyer, you could be stuck trying to sift through mountains of medical billing records and other specialized evidence on your own. Physicians, billing companies, office managers, and clerks have all faced prosecution depending on their level of involvement.

Potential Penalties:

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

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

Home health fraud, like other health care fraud types, also consists of making false statements to an insurance or government health care entity. The difference is that it describes specific types of healthcare services — including skilled nursing visits, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and home health aide services. To qualify for Medicare reimbursement, the person receiving care must be homebound and require specialized care. Home health fraud exploits this framework in a variety of ways.

A patient could be accused of this if they had a less serious condition, but claimed it was more dire, in order to receive in-home assistance. Meanwhile, a provider could be charged if a health service team member performs unneeded medical services in order to drive up bills. Home health fraud charges in Palmdale, CA, are taken very seriously, and you need a theft defense lawyer who's ready to give your case the attention it deserves. Commonly accused individuals include physical therapists, administrative workers, and physicians performing the diagnoses.

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 — to make matters worse, you can be convicted of violating this law even if you unintentionally broke it.

Potential Penalties:

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

Violent Theft Charges We Defend in Palmdale, CA

There is often a crossover between theft and violent crime charges in Palmdale, 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 is to grand theft auto what robbery is to burglary.

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. 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. For example, if a person would commit extortion if she saw a man commit a crime, and threatened to turn him in if he didn't pay her.

Robbery, Extortion & Force-Related Theft

When theft involves force, fear, or coercion, the penalties increase dramatically. Beyond the felony charges themselves, you could also be up against a strike on your record. Immediate Palmdale, CA, legal counsel is non-negotiable.

Robbery — California Penal Code § 211

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

Your robbery charge in Palmdale, 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. 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 damage someone's storefront unless they pay "protection money;" 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 Palmdale, 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. Ordinarily, this is a building, like a retail store (in which case it would be commercial burglary), but not always. For example, if you supposedly broke a car window to take something from the glovebox, 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, these cases can often hinge on if you were allowed to be in the location or not.

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. But that all changed with the passage of Proposition 47 in 2014, which made shoplifting a separate crime, applicable when the alleged offender was attempting theft from a store while it is open for operations. 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 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 Palmdale, CA, making it all the more important to get an expert theft crimes lawyer to fight for your freedom.

Finally, even if you don't commit a theft, you can face related charges in Palmdale, CA. 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

Palmdale, CA burglary charges can be wildly different from one another, and may not even involve theft — these charges apply when someone tresspasses on a property while planning to break the law, though it doesn't have to be a theft law specifically.

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

First-degree burglary involves entering an inhabited dwelling — someone's home, apartment, or any place where people live — for the purpose of committing a theft or any felony inside. You do not have to actually steal anything. The reason that you went there is the key to burglary charges.

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

Possible Penalties:

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

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

Second-degree burglary is someones called "commercial burglary" because it also involves entering a location with the intent to steal or commit a felony, but as opposed to first-degree burglary, the location is non-residential. This charge is considered a wobbler and could be either a misdemeanor or a felony.

Commercial burglary is closely related to shoplifting, and used to be the same offense. However, the passage of Proposition 47 in 2014 distinguished the two, and it's possible your theft crimes lawyer will use this to advantage in your case.

Possible Penalties:

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

Burglary of a Vehicle — California Penal Code § 459

Breaking into a car, truck, or other vehicle to steal something inside — or to commit any felony — constitutes vehicle burglary under California law. This charge commonly arises when someone smashes a car window to take items left inside. Unlike residential burglary, vehicle burglary is a wobbler.

Important note: Stealing from an unlocked vehicle does not qualify for a burglary charge. This would still likely be prosecuted as theft, but the burglary enhancement requires that the vehicle was secured in some way.

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

A home invasion occurs when someone commits burglary of a residential structure while the occupants are present, often involving threats or violence. This is treated as one of the gravest offenses in the California penal code, and prosecutors pursue maximum penalties. Without the help of an experienced theft crimes lawyer, you could be looking at over a decade in prison.

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 defense attorneys that can give you top-quality service, and you need them as soon as possible.

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 not theft charges in and of themselves, vandalism, trespassing, perjury, and receiving stolen property charges are closely associated and often charged together. Understanding how they interact is critical to building an effective defense.

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 automatically mean you had knowledge of theft.

Possible Penalties:

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

Vandalism — California Penal Code § 594

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

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

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 involves entering or remaining on another person's property without permission. In many cases, because thefts often involve entering a location where one is not supposed to be, trespassing is charged alongside other offenses.

Standing alone, trespassing is most often charged as a misdemeanor or infraction. However, when combined with other charges (particularly burglary), the trespassing element can be used to establish elements of more serious offenses. 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 is making a false statement under oath, knowing it is false, in a legal proceeding or official document. While not a theft crime per se, perjury frequently arises in theft cases — for example, making false statements to police, lying in a court declaration, or providing false testimony at trial.

Do not make this mistake: You don't want to dig a deeper hole for yourself — if you're in a situation where you don't want to give an honest answer, just stay silent and ask for your theft crimes lawyer to help you out.

Possible Penalties:

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

Specialized & Enhanced Charges

Elder Theft, Firearm Theft, Looting & Attempted Crimes

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

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

California law treats firearms very seriously, restricting their availability and usage. Regarding theft, current statutes regarding firearm theft ignore the value of the device and always make it grand theft. This means stealing even a low-value firearm results in 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.

To make things worse, you may also have to fight in federal court. 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 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

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

This offense is aggressively prosecuted in Palmdale, 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: Lenders pressuring the elderly to take bad loans; family member exerting undue influence over an elder's finances; contractor overcharging vulnerable seniors; phising emails that impersonate loved ones.

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

Looting charges arise when theft or burglary occurs during a state of emergency, local emergency, evacuation order, or major disaster. While theft and burglary are the root charges behind the action, looting increases the penalties significantly.

In Palmdale, CA — a city prone to wildfires, earthquakes, and civil unrest events — looting charges have been prosecuted with particular vigor. During declared states of emergency, prosecutors seek the harshest available penalties, and courts are generally unsympathetic. An example might be breaking into someone's home during a riot and grabbing valuables to run away with.

Potential Penalties (Enhanced):

• Petty Theft → Looting: Misdemeanor with mandatory jail (no OR release)
• Commercial Burglary → Looting: Felony — 16 months to 3 years
• Residential Burglary → Looting: Felony — 2 to 6 years
• Bail: Often denied or set very high during emergency periods

Attempted Theft, Attempted Burglary & Attempted Robbery

Even if the supposed burglary or robbery failed, attempted theft charges will still apply. 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.

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. Our theft crime lawyers will fight against these charges to create reasonable doubt and position us for favorable negotiations.

No matter what you've been accused of, when you call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you can speak with an expert theft crimes lawyer in Palmdale, CA, who will listen to your side of the story and build a defense around that. Together, we will fight for the best outcomes possible in your case.

What to Do if You're Accused of Theft

You need to take these accusations seriously. The Palmdale, CA, government is after you, you could be facing major legal consequences, and the collateral consequences could be devastating. Without help, the odds can seem insurmountable.

But you have an ally. You have the Law Offices of David S. Chesley on your side. A Palmdale, CA, theft crimes lawyer from our team will guide you on how to navigate your case. To get started, use the five steps below to protect your freedom and avoid common pitfalls:

1. Do Not Resist Arrest

Nobody wants to be arrested. However, don't resist. Respectfully complying with the police officers will make the process go smoother. Refusing to comply can only make things worse.

2. Act Calm and Don't Talk

There's a chance you'll be interviewed or interrogated – invoke your right to remain silent. Simply say "I decline to answer any questions and am invoking my right to an attorney." Your answers can later be used as evidence in the case, and you say something untruthful, you can be charged with perjury.

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

In California, you will be given the opportunity to make three completed phone calls after being arrested. One of these should be to your theft crimes lawyer. When you hire an attorney early on, you're increasing your opportunities for a favorable deal or case dismissal. You can reach us at (800) 755-5174, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

4. Secure Bail for Release

Before you can leave the jail, you'll probably have to go through a bail hearing. Our firm's theft crimes defense attorneys will fight for your pre-trial release and lower bail requirements. We believe that protecting your freedom now is a part of protecting it for the long term.

5. Cooperate With Your Attorney to Make a Personalized Defense

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

How Our Theft Lawyers Fight Against These Charges

As expert theft crime attorneys, we know that each case's defense strategy must be tailored to the specific details, circumstances, and allegations. Here are the major defense approaches our attorneys use to fight theft charges in Palmdale, 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. All theft offenses under California law require that the defendant acted with specific intent to steal — that is, to permanently deprive another person of their property. Where that intent cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, no theft conviction can stand regardless of the circumstances of the taking.

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 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 defendant took the wrong item believing it to be their own); voluntary intoxication (which may negate specific intent in limited circumstances); and absence of permanence (the defendant intended to return the property, which may reduce or eliminate a grand theft charge even if another theft offense still applies).

Key principle: 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, particularly in cases involving disagreements regarding property ownership, where one person honestly believed they had a right to use property when they didn't.

Using This Defense:

• Grand Theft: Negates specific intent to permanently deprive
• Embezzlement: Challenges the fraudulent conversion element
• Fraud / False Pretenses: Can apply when the defendant didn't know that what they were saying was false
• Receiving Stolen Property: Challenges knowledge that property was stolen

Illegal Search & Seizure in Theft/Burglary Cases

The state needs to follow rules when building its case. One critically important one is the 4th Amendment, which stops authorities from performing illegal searches and seizures. In theft and burglary cases, the Palmdale, CA, police department will gather evidence through searches. If the authorities disobeyed regulations, the evidence can be suppressed and the state may need to drop charges.

Common suppression issues in theft and property crime cases include: warrantless searches of vehicles, homes, or persons without valid legal justification; searches conducted under a warrant obtained through false or misleading information in the supporting affidavit; arrests without probable cause resulting in an invalid search incident to arrest; GPS tracking or digital surveillance conducted without getting proper approval; and searches that exceeded the limits of a valid warrant. California Penal Code § 1538.5 gives defendants a statutory right to move to suppress evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment — 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 — eliminating a single piece of highly damaging evidence — can make a big difference. Suppression motions are fully litigated in Palmdale, CA, courts, and frequently come up in theft cases.

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, valid consent, or a recognized exception such as probable cause
• Digital Evidence / Cell Phones: Require a warrant under Riley v. California (2014)
• Fruit of the Poisonous Tree: If illegally obtained evidence leads to future evidence that was legally obtained, it's possible that all of it can be thrown out

False Accusation / Misidentification

The Palmdale, CA, investigators and prosecution aren't perfect: Sometimes, they get the wrong guy. False accusations can stem from personal arguments, misidentification by witnesses, mistaken assumptions about ownership, errors in surveillance footage interpretation, or false accusations coming from a person who wants to cause you harm. You can't rely on your innocence to get you out of trouble — without a strong defensive strategy, you're gambling with your freedom.

Eyewitness misidentification is one of the leading causes of wrongful convictions nationally. In theft, robbery, and burglary cases, witnesses under stress frequently misidentify suspects — particularly across racial lines, under poor lighting conditions, or when things moved too fast. No matter how confident the eyewitness is, there is always room for error. California courts have increasingly recognized this science, and jury instructions now require courts to instruct juries on the inherent limitations of eyewitness identification evidence.

Defense strategies in false accusation cases include: showing that the defendant was elsewhere at the time of the crime; showing issues with how eyewitness identifications were obtained; attacking the character of alleged victim; presenting expert testimony on the science of human memory and eyewitness reliability; and demonstrating inconsistencies between different statements and testimony between witnesses.

If you are falsely accused: Stay away from witnesses, do not attempt to gather evidence independently, and do not talk 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 — For receiving stolen property and possession of a stolen vehicle, the prosecution must prove you knew the property was obtained through theft. We will challenge whether or not you had this knowledge — it's common for people to make purchases without being aware of how the seller got the item.

Consent / Permission — Consent is the defining feature behind many theft charges; if you didn't have permission to use take an item, you could be found guilty. If you had permission to be in a location or to take an item — even if that permission was informal or later disputed — this is a complete defense to theft and burglary charges.

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

Sentencing Alternatives — In many cases with offenders with no prior offenses, California offers diversion programs that can protect you from a conviction. If you are eligible, we will explore it as an option to protect your freedom.

Challenging the Value of Property — 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

California gives you options to clear your record and get a fresh start. 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. The following criteria typically apply: successfully done all that was asked of you as a part of probation, such as paying fines and restitution; not currently be charged with, on probation for, or serving a sentence for any other offense; and — in a newly added requirement — in many cases, must not have spent time in state prison (though SB 731 and related reforms have expanded relief options for some state prison cases).

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

Here are some of the advantages of getting your theft conviction expunged: Of note, you won't have to note any convictions on private job applications. However, there are still some restrictions in the expungement process — it doesn't allow gun ownership, does not prevent the conviction from being used in subsequent criminal proceedings, and does not affect most professional licensing decisions. Senate Bill 731 (effective July 1, 2023) provides additional expungement assistance for individuals in Palmdale, CA who don't break any other laws after finishing their sentence, if enough time has passed.

Important: While expungement under § 1203.4 offers many benefits, it doesn't make the record go away entirely; it can still be viewed by the police, licensing boards, and be used in future criminal cases. If your goal is for the record to be totally inaccessible, restoration of firearm rights, or clearing a prior strike, a more comprehensive post-conviction strategy is required. By talking to a theft conviction expungement attorney, you get help with exploring what other possibilities could help in your situation.

Relief Options:

• PC § 1203.4: Charges dismissed after successful probation completion
• PC § 1203.4a: Relief for misdemeanors without probation (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: Does not restore firearm rights or remove record from law enforcement databases

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Frequently Asked Questions About Theft Charges in Palmdale, CA

What's the difference between petty theft and grand theft in Palmdale, California?


The primary distinction is the value of the property allegedly taken. Anything $950 and under should be a petty theft charge, which is often a misdemeanor. 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?


Frequently, yes. For probation sentences, expungement is often offered conditionally upon your completion. If you want to leave the past behind and move on with your life, this can be a major step forward. Our firm offers full expungement services.

What happens if I'm charged with shoplifting for the first time in Palmdale, CA?


You will usually face misdemeanor charges for a first offense, as long as the amount alleged stolen is less than $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 protecting your record.

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


In many cases, being unaware of stolen property's origins can make for a strong defense. If you sincerely didn't know and had no reasonable basis to suspect it, that is a strong defense. This is a strategy we frequently lean on in receiving stolen property cases. However, circumstances like strangely good deal or lack of receipts can lessen the strength of your defense, making it imperative that you hire a skillful theft crimes lawyer.

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


Very serious. You can expect your grand theft auto case to be charged as a felony, with increased penalties. If you have a criminal record, you could be up against increased sentences. Call one of our theft crimes lawyers as soon as possible if you're facing this charge.

What is a "wobbler" offense in California?


The state of California defines several offenses as "wobblers," which can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. The prosecuting attorney makes this call based on the circumstances of the alleged crime. A large portion of theft-related offenses — including grand theft, commercial burglary, receiving stolen property, and forgery — are wobblers. One of the most important things a theft crimes attorney can do is push for misdemeanor treatment of wobbler charges, which dramatically reduces potential consequences.

Will I go to jail for a theft charge?


Not necessarily. Palmdale, CA courts have sentencing alternatives that will give you an alternative to incarceration, particularly for misdemeanors and first-time offenders. While felony charges can be harder to avoid prison for, it is still possible in some cases. Your lawyer can make a major difference in this regard, and working with an experienced one is essential. Call our firm to understand what options are available to you.

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


Unfortunately, yes. In California, you can be convicted of burglary for trespassing for the purposes of committing theft or a felony. Whether you stole something or not is irrelevant — the prosecution's goal is to show that you trespassed and had that event. This is why intent evidence — and challenging how it's proven — is central to burglary defense.

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Need a Theft Lawyer in Palmdale, CA? Contact Our Team Now.

Every theft allegation is a big deal. Our firm is equipped to defend you — whenver you need help. Call now for a no-obligation consult on your case.

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