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Theft Lawyer Pomona, CA. Nobody wants to be in a situation where they're facing criminal charges. If you're facing theft allegations, the system can move against you extremely fast. On your own, it can feel impossible to win.

Even when it feels like there is no hope, there is an option who will fight for you: The Law Offices of David S. Chesley. Our attorneys have extensive experience defending clients against all manner of theft crime charges. With a Pomona, CA, theft crimes lawyer from our team protecting your rights, every legal avenue will be explored to protect your rights.

Discuss your case with a theft crimes lawyer today at (800) 755-5174 or 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 Pomona, 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 convoluted legal system and increase your risk of the following penalties:

1. Prison Sentence: Most theft charges in Pomona, CA, carry a potential jail sentence of six months or more.
2. Financial Penalties: You can lose hundreds or thousands of dollars in addition to paying recompense to the alleged victim.
3. Career Setbacks: Extended stints in jail can prevent you from doing your job, and cause you to lose it.
4. Reputational Damage: Regardless of the facts and circumstances surrounding your case, some people will only look at the conviction.
5. And more.

If you want to avoid all of this, you need a distinguished Pomona, CA, theft crimes lawyer. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley. Look at what makes us the right attorneys for the job:

What Sets the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Apart

Picking the right Pomona, 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 District Attorneys & Judges — We have experience and insights from our time in other areas of the law. We know what weaknesses to exploit.
• Extensive Court Relationships — With over 50 years of combined courtroom experience, we have built up relationships with the Pomona, CA prosecutors and judges, which we will use when securing plea deals.
• Prepared to Fight Your Case at Trial — Misdemeanor or felony, we build your defense to be trial-ready. This posture often produces better plea negotiations and dismissals — because the prosecution knows we're not bluffing.
• Record Expungement Services — Even after the fact, we're still here to help. You deserve to move forward with your life, and we can help you do it.
• Superb Reputation – well-respected amongst both clients and peers.
• Always Availalbe — Arrests happen at all hours. So do we. You can reach a theft crimes attorney any time of day or night — because waiting until Monday morning can cost you critical opportunities.
• Totally Confidential — You can trust us with everything about your case. We won't judge — we're just here to build the strongest case possible.

Theft Charges We Defend in Pomona, CA

Use the links below to jump directly to a full breakdown 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

Pomona, CA, Theft Allegations We Defend Against

At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we're experienced in defending against charges of theft. if you require a theft crimes lawyer in Pomona, CA, don't hesitate: contact us now for a free consult to go over your charges.

Below are some of the main theft crime accusations we fight against in Pomona, CA:

Petty Theft Charges vs Grand Theft Charges

In Pomona, CA, many theft accusations fall under one of these two charges: Petty theft and grand theft. You can face these charges for taking someone's possessions without their consent. The main difference is how much value was allegedly stolen: If it was $950 or less, the classification will typically be petty theft, while higher values will generally be grand theft.

Fighting petty theft charges is usually easier because the potential penalties are less severe (it's normally charged as a misdemeanor). On the other hand, defending grand theft charges is usually more challenging because it is more frequently charged as a felony. Whichever type of charge you're facing, a skillful theft crimes lawyer can help you minimize penalties.

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

Shoplifting — Proposition 47 / Penal Code § 459.5

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

Before Prop 47, what we now call "shoplifting" was prosecuted as burglary — a felony. Since 2014, the majority of shoplifting cases 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 Pomona, CA theft crimes lawyer can help protect you from the worst consequences.

Organized retail theft (either a crime ring or repeated instances of shoplifting) is increasingly prosecuted aggressively by Pomona, CA, prosecutors following recent state legislation.

Shoplifting Possible Penalties:

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

Defense options include: Theft was unintentional, innocence, entrapment by loss prevention, unlawful search and seizure, and diversion programs for first-time offenders.

Petty Theft with a Prior — California Penal Code § 666

Don't underestimate a petty theft charge — it can become a felony under Penal Code § 666 if charged as a petty theft with a prior. Not every prior offense in Pomona, 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.

If you're facing petty theft with a prior allegations, the prosecution must establish: (1) the defendant performed petty theft; and (2) the accused 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. While most of the applicable prior convictions are theft related, they also include some sexual and violent crimes.

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: Prior theft, burglary, robbery, or carjacking convictions

Vehicle Theft Charges We Fight in Pomona, CA

There are several vehicle theft charges we defend in Pomona, CA. An example that many people ask about is grand theft auto, but that's technically not a unique charge. Grand theft auto comes from a section of the state's 'grand theft' law, which states that anyone who steals an automobile (regardless of its value) can be charged with grand theft.

If the prosecution is stating that someone took the vehicle and was planning to keep it for themselves, not return it, they're likely going to face grand theft auto charges. On the other hand, if they were only doing to drive it briefly and then bring it back, they're probably going to be charged with joyriding. While each of these vehicle crimes are 'wobbler' offenses, in Pomona, CA, grand theft auto is normally charged as a felony, while joyriding is normally a misdemeanor.

You can even face criminal charges without having committed an act of theft; How so? Through "possession of a stolen vehicle". Similar to receiving stolen property, you don't have to have actually stolen anything to be convicted of this crime. Just owning or keeping the vehicle can result in these charges.

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. Reach out today to start protecting your freedom.

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

Grand theft auto is not a standalone California crime — 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.

The critical element prosecutors must prove is that you intended to permanently deprive the owner of the vehicle. If you intended to return it, the charge is more likely joyriding (see below).

Possible Penalties:

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

Vehicle Theft — California Vehicle Code § 10851

Vehicle Code § 10851 — 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. This law is relevant any time someone allegedly drives a vehicle without permission.

This charge is popular in Pomona, CA, courts as either a plea deal or as its own charge.

Joyriding — California Vehicle Code § 10851

Joyriding charges focus on intent. If you allegedly drove a car without permission, but brought it back afterwards, that would be joyriding. But if you did the same thing and planned to keep the vehicle, that would be grand theft. It may not sound like a big deal to borrow a car without permission and bring it back, but a joyriding conviction can be a felony in Pomona, CA, making it critical to get an expert vehicle theft crimes lawyer to defend you.

In Pomona, CA, joyriding is most commonly charged as a misdemeanor, making it significantly less severe than grand theft auto. However, you can still face felony charges. This mostly applies to individuals with a criminal history, but not always.

Carjacking — California Penal Code § 215

Carjacking is one of the most serious vehicle-related charges in California. The key element of carjacking is how the vehicle was allegedly stolen — if force or fear was used, the Pomona, CA prosecutor is likely going to pick carjacking over another offense. Because of the violent element, carjacking is always a felony and is not eligible for probation in many circumstances.

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

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

It may be hard to believe, but you can face vehicle theft related charges without committing theft. If you are in possession of a automobile when you knew or should have know it was stolen, you can be charged under PC § 496d — even if you had no role in the original theft.

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

Possible Penalties:

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

White Collar Crime Charges We Fight in Pomona, CA

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

Most white collar crimes are defined by how money is transferred. Embezzlement is the theft of money someone was supposed to manage for others, like an investment banker taking from a client's account. Money laundering is taking money that was otherwise gotten illegally and trying to disguise it as something that was earned legally. Meanwhile, bribery doesn't just involve taking money, but instead consists of one person giving another money in exchange for some sort of benefit.

Not all white-collar crimes are centered around the exchange of money, though (at least not directly). Forgery is when someone creates a fake document with intentions to use it in a future theft, and identity theft is the taking of another person's personal information. Note that no financial theft has to occur for a person to be charged with either of these.

Forgery, Money Laundering, Fraud & More

Despite there being no physical harm involved, white collar charges are treated harshly by the law — prison sentences, financial penalties, major career setbacks, and long-lasting stains on your reputation. 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. What unites these offenses is the element of deceit, breach of trust, or abuse of a professional for personal gain. Pomona, CA, because of its proximity to major financial and entertainment centers, sees some of California's most complex white collar prosecutions.

In contrast to other crime categories (like DUIs, where police may cite you immediately at a checkpoint), state investigators can spend a long time building a case before you are formally accused. If you believe you are under investigation — or have received a subpoena, a target letter, or a visit from federal agents — call us immediately. The sooner you bring in your legal defense, the better chance you have of a positive outcome.

Embezzlement — California Penal Code § 503

Embezzlement is different from other forms of theft. For an embezzlement charge, the alleged offender would have lawful access to the property, just not for personal use. The key element is the pre-existing lawful access — embezzlers have legitimate control over the money or property they steal.

Common contexts: 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 non-profit director misusing donated funds.

Possible 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, employment restrictions

Money Laundering — California Penal Code § 186.10

Money laundering is any way that someone can take 'dirty' money and make it appear 'clean.' It typically involves three steps: placement (bringing the illegally-obtained money into the economy), layering (in an attempt to confuse future investigators, the money is shifted through complicated financial trades and transfers), and integration (investing the funds into something legal, or using another method to extract them into seemingly-legitimate assets).

California's money laundering law specifically targets financial actions 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, risking up to two decades of prison time.

Potential Penalties (State):

• Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
• Fines: Up to $250,000 or double the laundered amount
• 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 order to affect the actions of a public official, juror, witness, or business partner. California law targets multiple forms of bribery — that of elected officials, judges, legislators, executive officers, witnesses, and even private commercial bribery. Whatever position you're in, a Pomona, CA, theft crimes lawyer is essential to advise you on how to address these charges.

What if they didn't accept the bribe? Whether you offered or accepted a bribe, you can be charged in Pomona, CA. Even an attempt to bribe can result in criminal charges, regardless of whether the other party accepts.

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

Who can face forgery charges? 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, combined with the creation or use of the false document, is enough 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 Pomona, 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, goods, services, or medical information.

What if it didn't affect them financially? No financial loss to the victim has to occur for a conviction. Just taking and using someone's information without permission is enough to trigger criminal charges under California law. This makes it critical to work with an expert theft crimes lawyer regardless of the particular of your case.

Identity theft accusations are aggressively prosecuted in Pomona, CA, and increasingly result in federal charges for more serious, widespread, or online cases.

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 Fight in Pomona, CA

Fraud encompasses a variety of specific theft types in Pomona, CA. Generally 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 a basic type of this crime.

Insurance fraud is a popular type of fraud in Pomona, CA, wherein someone lies 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 commits insurance fraud.

This is not unlike welfare fraud, where a person lies about their current circumstances to receive extra assistance from the government. An example of this would be pretending that one's income is lower than it actually is in order to receive food stamps.

Another common form is credit card fraud. This type of fraud involves dishonesty about the credit card and/or how it was acquired. If the card is counterfeit or expired, but you allegedly try to use it anyways, you can face these charges.

An expert theft crimes lawyer in Pomona, CA, can help you navigate the differences between all of these fraud charges, and try to find a deal that gives you the best outcome possible.

Types of Fraud, False Pretenses & Financial Deception

You could face accusations of fraud in Pomona, CA, for a wide variety of actions — from simple misrepresentations to elaborate financial schemes. These cases are often document-heavy and require a theft crimes lawyer who understands both the law and financial evidence.

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

Theft by false pretenses is one of the most common fraud charges in Pomona. These allegations are used when a person lies to someone else, 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: Lying about being a contest winner; misrepresenting credentials to get paid for work; creating fake invoices; lying about the condition of goods sold.

If you're facing theft by false pretenses charges, it could be either a misdemeanor or a felony. The level depends on the value of the property obtained through fraud, using the same $950 threshold as petty/grand theft.

Insurance Fraud — California Penal Code § 550

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. Insurance fraud charges are always a big deal, and are often felonies in Pomona, CA. An experienced theft crimes lawyer will defend your freedom and explore all avenues to help you find the best outcome possible

Typical examples include: Claiming existing auto damage is newly occuring; filing claims for injuries that didn't occur; inflating repair cost claims; deliberately damaging your property for a payout; fabricating injuries; health insurance billing fraud.

Potential Penalties:

• Felony Prison Sentence: 2, 3, or 5 years
• Fines: Up to $150,000 or double the fraud amount
• Restitution: Full repayment to insurer
• Additional: Loss of professional licenses

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

Credit card fraud charges in Pomona, CA, go beyond credit cards and involve the misuse of financial account access information. You could be accused of using someone else's card without approvel, using a card that has been stolen or counterfeited, charging to an account when you don't have the card, or fraudulently taking or selling card account information.

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

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; 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.

Penalties for welfare fraud, if convicted, can result in fines, prison time, and required repayment of the value taken. Your leading Pomona, CA, theft crimes lawyer can dissect the prosecution's case and greatly improve your case's outlook.

Potential Penalties:

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

Additional: Loss of future benefit eligibility

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

Hospice fraud accusations in Pomona, 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 qualify forMedicare hospice benefits, the recipient must have a projected lifespan of six months or less if nothing drastic changes in their health condition — many hospice fraud cases are the result of these predictions being inaccurate.

This type of fraud is more often alleged towards providers over patients. Because healthcare professionals have more access to control billing and provide diagnoses, they are at higher risk of being accused of hospice fraud. These accusations are particularly dangerous because they are often charged in federal court in Pomona, CA, meaning you're up against very difficult odds.

Critical Note: If you've been accused of hospice fraud in criminal court, you can expect a civil suit to follow. If someone reaches out to the authorities, they may share their findings in order to allow for a civil suit. Providers are often unaware that an investigation is underway until a search warrant is executed.

Possible Penalties:

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

Medicare fraud convictions are particularly bad because they can prevent you from ever receiving Medicare or Medi-Cal benefits in the future. This is on top of other consequences, like the loss of professional licensing. Medicare fraud investigations are especially tricky to detect, because they often involve datasets rather than on-the-ground investigators. This means that the first warning sign that you're being investigated can come too late to clear things up.

Critical Note: 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. Providers and referrers are both at risk of prosecution under these circumstances.

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: Loss of eligibility for all federal health care programs

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

Health care fraud, under United States federal law, is when an individual lies to either their insurance agency or the government to receive some kind of benefit related to health care. Critically, the statute applies to all health benefit programs, not just Medicare and Medicaid — including private commercial insurers.

Under California Penal Code § 550, health insurance fraud is independently criminalized at the state level. California law specifically outlaws 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 Pomona, CA, are frequently complex, involving large volumes of billing records, expert testimony from medical billing specialists, and coordination between state and federal agencies. Healthcare providers, billing companies, office managers, and support 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 person receiving care must be homebound and require special 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 Pomona, CA, are taken very seriously, and you need a theft defense lawyer who's ready to give your case the attention it deserves. Commonly accused individuals include physical therapists, administrative workers, and physicians performing the diagnoses.

Important: The Physician Self-Referral Law (Stark Law, 42 U.S.C. § 1395nn) prohibits physicians from referring Medicare patients to home health entities in which they have a financial interest. Outside of the criminal case, you can face fines, need to pay restitution, and be excluded from Medicare — to make matters worse, you can be convicted of violating this law even if you unintentionally broke it.

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 Defend in Pomona, CA

Depending on the circumstances of your case, you could be facing both theft charges and violent crime charges in Pomona, 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.

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

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

Robbery, Extortion & Force-Related Theft

If you allegedly threatened or attacked someone in the course of committing theft, your case is even more serious. These charges are always felonies and often carry strike designations. Immediate Pomona, 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. Being convicted of robbery will likely result in a prison sentence as well as a strike.

Your robbery charge in Pomona, 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

A person can be convicted of extortion if they coerce someone using threats, rather than force. The goal of extortion is normally to acquire some sort of benefit, either financial or through an action of the victim. Not every extortion case involves threats of violence; several involve threats to harm someone's reputation instead.

Common examples: Threatening to report someone for a crime unless paid; threatening to post compromising photos of someone online if they leave; threatening to deny someone a rightful certification unless special favors are given.

Potential Penalties:

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

Burglary Charges We Defend in Pomona, CA

Burglary charges in Pomona, CA, are distinct from theft, but often go hand-in-hand. In California, you can be charged with this crime if you break into a site to either commit theft or commit another crime. This is commonly a building, like a retail store (which would make it commercial burglary), but not always. For example, if you allegedly smashed a car window to steal a wallet sitting on the seat, that would fall under burglary of a vehicle.

No matter what kind of burglary you're charged with, there is always an element of trespassing involved. Due to this, what you were allegedly planning to do in a location can be just as important as how you got access to it.

Burglary Related Charges

Shoplifting also involves the theft of items from a store, similar to commercial burglary. Prior to 2014, what is now classified as shoplifting would be considered burglary in California. However, 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. Today, shoplifting is no longer a subset of burglary offenses in Pomona, CA, and faces more lenient penalties if convicted.

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

Lastly, even if you don't commit a theft, you can face related charges in Pomona, CA. How does this happen? Receiving stolen property charges. This applies when someone supposedly buys, hides, or receives something that they know was taken unlawfully from another person.

Burglary, Home Invasion & Related Charges

Pomona, CA burglary charges can be wildly different from one another, and may not even involve theft — you can be charged with burglary for entering a wide range of structures with the intent to commit a crime inside, even if you never actually steal anything.

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

The different degrees of burglary depend on the location of the alleged crime. You can be convicted of first-degree burglary if you break into someone's residence while planning to commit a theft or any felony inside. Nothing actually needs to be stolen. Your motivation for entering the location is what matters.

This charge 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 Pomona, 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 Sentence: 2, 4, or 6 years in state prison
• Three Strikes: Yes — serious felony strike
• Probation: Generally not available 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. You could face either misdemeanor or felony charges for this offense.

Since Proposition 47, entering a store during business hours to steal $950 or less is shoplifting (PC 459.5), not commercial burglary. But entering after hours, or with intent to steal more than $950, is still prosecuted as commercial burglary.

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. Unlike residential burglary, vehicle burglary is a wobbler.

Common misconception: The vehicle must be locked for a burglary charge to apply. An unlocked vehicle can still lead to theft charges, but the burglary enhancement requires that the vehicle was secured in some way.

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

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. If you're up against these charges, it's not good enough to settle for second-best — you need a leading theft crimes lawyer on your side.

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 fighting 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 & Other 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. Your Pomona, 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. Buying, selling, or disguising something that was stolen can lead to these charges.

These cases often hinge on your mental state — namely, whether or not you were (or should have been) aware that the item was stolen. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we often argue this point in these cases. Buying items at an unusually low price, without knowing their full history, 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 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 Pomona, CA.

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.

Possible Penalties:

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

Trespassing — California Penal Code § 602

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

Without compounding charges, trespassing is ordinarilly 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. Defenses often hinge on whether permission was given or reasonably believed to exist.

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: 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

Sometimes, two very similar theft offenses can receive very different charges. This can hinge on details such as what was allegedly stolen and/or who the alleged victim was.

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

Under California Penal Code § 487(d)(2), theft of a firearm is always grand theft — regardless of the weapon's monetary value. Due to this the theft of even a low-value firearm will end up with a felony charge. On top of that, a grand theft of a firearm felony can count for a strike on your criminal record if convicted.

To make things worse, you may also have to fight in federal court. The combination of state and federal exposure makes this one of the most legally complex theft charges you can face. And it's even more important to work with an attorney who is able to protect you from even the toughest opponents.

Potential 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. You can be accused of financial elder abuse (also known as theft from an elder) if you were allegedly in a position of trust for an older adult, and took advantage of their money.

This offense is aggressively prosecuted in Pomona, CA, and enhanced sentencing applies. If the victim is 70 years or older, additional consecutive prison time can be added. 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: Lenders pressuring the elderly to take bad loans; family member using power of attorney to take money; fake contractor promises work but never completes it; impostor pretends to be a law enforcement official.

Potential Penalties:

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

Looting — California Penal Code § 463

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

In Pomona, CA — a city prone to wildfires, earthquakes, and civil unrest events — looting charges have been prosecuted with particular vigor. Looting is considered a way of taking advantage of Pomona while it's at its most vulnerable, and judges are never pleased by this. 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. Attempted theft, burglary, or robbery in California needs to include: (1) the specific intent to commit the crime, and (2) some form of action that furthers the criminal ends — 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 attempted robbery carries half the prison exposure of robbery. However, this is still a serious criminal conviction with lasting consequences.

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

No matter what you've been accused of, when you reach out to the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you can connect with an expert theft crimes lawyer in Pomona, CA, who will help you break down and navigate the charges. Together, we will fight for the best outcomes possible in your case.

What to Do if You're Accused of Theft

Being charged with theft can be intimidating. You're up against the Pomona, CA, prosecutor's office, not everyone will believe your side of the story, and a conviction could derail your life. Without help, the odds can seem insurmountable.

But you're not alone. You have the Law Offices of David S. Chesley on your side. A Pomona, CA, theft crimes lawyer from our team will guide you on how to navigate your case. If you're up against theft crime accusations, here are our recommendations:

1. Comply With the Police

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 lead to additional charges.

2. Stay Calm and Stay Silent

You may be questioned by the police – 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. Reach Out to a Pomona, CA, Theft Crimes Defense Attorney Right Away

In California, people who have been arrested are given three phone calls. Be sure to contact a theft crimes lawyer with one of your calls. 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

In most cases, you'll need to go through a bail hearing. Our theft crimes defense attorneys will fight for your pre-trial release and lower bail requirements. We believe that protecting your freedom now is a part of protecting it for the long term.

5. Cooperate With Your Attorney to Create a Defense Strategy

With the right attorney by your side, it's time to create a strategy to fight the charges. An accomplished theft crimes lawyer in Pomona, CA, will take the time to listen to you, negotiate with the state, and argue for a dismissal wherever possible.

Powerful Defense Strategies for Theft Charges

Your case is unique — and your defense strategy needs to be adapted to the specific facts, evidence, and charges. If you're up against theft allegations in Pomona, CA, here are some of the main defensive strategies your theft crimes lawyer should consider. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we have experience with all of them.

Lack of Intent / Claim of Right Defense in Theft Cases

If you've been accused of stealing, you should discuss intent as a possible defense with your theft lawyer. 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.

Claim of right is a related defense — if the accused didn't know that they were stealing a piece of property because they thought that they had permission to take it, they would lack the intent needed for a conviction. If you genuinely believed you had the right to take the property — even if that belief was mistaken — it negates the criminal intent required for a theft conviction. More related defenses include: mistake of fact (the defendant took the wrong item believing it to be their own); voluntary intoxication (this does not always apply, but can limit intent in some cases); and absence of permanence (joyriding is a good example of this: it comes into play when a person took property away from its owner, but planned to return it).

Key principle: This is a major hurdle for the prosecution in any theft case. This isn't merely a backup plan. It is often the strongest available defense, especially 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 Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I, Section 13 of the California Constitution protect individuals against unreasonable searches and seizures. In many criminal cases, critical evidence — stolen property, alleged tools of the crime, communications, financial records — is frequently obtained through police searches. If the investigators didn't follow the rules, the evidence can be suppressed and the state may not be able to move forward with your case.

Common suppression issues in theft and property crime cases include: searches conducted without either a warrant or just cause; 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 exceeded the scope of a legal warrant. In Pomona, CA, your defense attorney can file a motion to throw out any evidence the prosecution acquired through improper means — this motion can be filed early on in your case, and has the potential to stop the state in its tracks.

When evidence is suppressed under the exclusionary rule, prosecutors often cannot proceed with charges at all. Even partial suppression — in cases where a subset of the evidence against the defendant is suppressed — can be the difference between a conviction and acquittal. Suppression motions are fully litigated in Pomona, CA, courts, and frequently come up in theft cases.

Suppression Scenarios:

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

False Accusation / Misidentification

Innocent people are charged with theft crimes more often than the public realizes. False accusations can come from personal disagreements, witnesses mistaking the defendant for someone else, mistaken assumptions about ownership, ambiguous surveillance footage, or false accusations coming from a person who wants to cause you harm. Being wrongly accused does not mean the charges will not proceed — you need a Pomona, CA, theft crimes lawyer to protect your freedom.

Eyewitness misidentification is one of the leading causes of wrongful convictions nationally. In theft, robbery, and burglary cases, the high intensity of the circumstances can lead to witnesses not remembering details clearly — particularly across racial lines, under poor lighting conditions, or when the perpetrator was briefly seen. No matter how confident the eyewitness is, there is always room for error. While this can unfortunately lead to false accusations, the benefit is that it provides several defensive avenues in Pomona, CA, court.

Defense strategies in false accusation cases include: showing that the defendant was elsewhere at the time of the crime; challenging the reliability of the identification procedure used by law enforcement (photo arrays, live lineups, show-ups); attacking the character of alleged victim; presenting expert testimony on the issues with eyewitness testimony; and demonstrating inconsistencies between different witnesses' versions of events.

If you are falsely accused: Do not confront witnesses, do not attempt to gather evidence independently, and do not attempt to explain your innocence to police without your theft crimes lawyer present. It's easy to say something that seems innocuous but accidentally makes yourself look guilty. Whatever your circumstances, if you're facing theft charges, call our lawyers now for help.

Lack of Knowledge — If you merely were holding property that turned out to be stolen, the prosecution must prove you were aware that the property was stolen. If you're facing an applicable charge, we will raise doubt as to your knowledge that the goods were stolen and explain how you could come to possess them without realizing.

Consent / Permission — Consent regarding your use of the property is a strong defense in Pomona, CA, theft cases. 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 — 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 — Especially for offenders without a record, California offers diversion programs that can protect you from a conviction. We identify every diversion opportunity available in your specific case.

Contesting the Value of Property — In many cases, your charges are determined by how much was allegedly taken. Lower amounts lead to lesser charges. We challenge inflated or unsupported property valuations, which can dramatically reduce the charges you face.

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

California gives you options to clear your record and get a fresh start. Under California Penal Code § 1203.4, individuals who have successfully completed probation for a misdemeanor or felony theft conviction may petition the court to dismiss the charges and withdraw their guilty or no contest plea — a process commonly called an expungement. The following criteria typically apply: successfully completed all terms of probation, such as paying fines and restitution; not have any pending criminal charges against you; and — following recent changes in the law — in several cases, must not have spent time in state prison (though there are some alternate options/exceptions — ask your theft lawyer if any apply in your case).

In cases where probation was not granted, a petition under Penal Code § 1203.4a may provide relief after one year has elapsed since conviction. For those whose cases were dismissed without conviction, a separate petition under Penal Code § 851.91 may be available to seal the underlying arrest record entirely.

Here are some of the advantages of getting your theft conviction expunged: In particular, an expunged conviction generally does not need to be disclosed on private employment applications under state law. That said, there are still some restrictions in the expungement process — it does not restore firearm rights, 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) 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.

Important: Even after typically California expungement proceedings under § 1203.4, your criminal record can still be seen by the police and certain other organizations. If your goal is full sealing, to be able to legally own a gun again, 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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Pomona, CA, Theft Crimes Frequently Asked Questions

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


The primary distinction is the value of the property allegedly taken. Petty theft misdemeanors are typical for anything $950 and below. Grand theft is usually the result of thefts over $950, but can also be triggered in special circumstances (such as if the supposedly stolen item was a gun or a car). Grand theft can either be a misdemeanor or a felony. Both require an attorney, but grand theft charges demand urgent and aggressive representation.

Is it possible to expunge a theft conviction in California?


In many cases, 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 Pomona, 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. 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?


In many cases, being unaware of stolen property's origins can make for a strong defense. If you honestly didn't know and didn't have a reason to suspect it, you can build the foundation of your defense upon that fact. We often use this as a way to protect our clients from accusations. That said, circumstances like strangely good deal or no documentation of ownership can erode your case, making it imperative that you hire a skillful theft crimes lawyer.

How serious is a grand theft auto charge in Pomona, 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 are at risk of harsher penalties. Call one of our attorneys right away at (800) 755-5174.

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. Several theft-related offenses — including grand theft, commercial burglary, receiving stolen property, and forgery — are wobblers. As your theft crimes lawyer, we will argue for misdemeanor charges if you are facing a wobbler, to protect your record and freedom.

Will I go to jail for a theft charge?


You can avoid jail in many cases, actually. Pomona, 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. 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 review what options are available to you.

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


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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Fighting Theft Allegations in Pomona, CA? Contact Us to Protect Your Rights.

You need a theft crimes lawyer to protect you. It's not about innocence or guilt — it's about getting help navigating the Pomona, CA, legal system. Our attorneys are ready to defend you — whenver you need help. You can call our attorneys today to start building your defense.

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