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Theft Lawyer Santa Ana, CA. Accusations. Arrests. Criminal charges. Theft accusations in particular can be scary, because they are often layered with multiple charges. It might look like all hope is lost.

Even when you can't figure out what to do on your own, don't give up yet. You have a team who will defend your freedom: The Law Offices of David S. Chesley. Our attorneys have the tools and training to fight against any theft and related charges. With a Santa Ana, CA, theft crimes lawyer from our team on your case, you don't have to worry about how you'll handle things alone anymore.

Talk to an attorney right away at (800) 755-5174 or connect with us online for a private review of your case at no cost. Waiting too long to reach out can cost you everything.

How a Santa Ana, CA, Theft Lawyer Can Help You

Theft crime accusations are always a big deal, regardless of whether or not you're innocent. Without a lawyer, you're stuck trying to figure out a convoluted legal code and potentially set yourself up for the below consequences:

1. Prison Sentence: Jail time is a common consequence for theft in Santa Ana, CA.
2. Fines: You can lose hundreds or thousands of dollars in addition to paying recompense to the alleged victim.
3. Loss of Employmnet: Having a criminal record can negatively affect your future career goals.
4. Stained Reputation: Even if you make it past everything else, the reputation as a "criminal" can stick with you.
5. And more.

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

Why You Should Hire Our Santa Ana, CA Theft Defense Lawyers

Not every criminal defense firm is created equal. Here's what you get when you call us — and why it matters for your theft case:

• Former Prosecutors & Judges — We have experience and insights from our time in other areas of the law. We know common weak points and how to attack the prosecution's case.
• Deep Court Relationships — Decades of practice in Santa Ana, CA, courts means we know the judges, the prosecutors, and the local procedures — and we leverage that for better outcomes for every client.
• Trial-Ready From Day One — 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 — Even after the fact, we're still here to help. We offer record clearing and expungement services to help you move on and protect your future career and opportunities.
• Excellent Reputation – well-respected amongst both clients and peers.
• Always Availalbe — We know that arrests don't happen on a schedule. If you need help or an update, you can get a hold of us, whenever it is.
• Fully Private — Everything you tell us is protected by attorney-client privilege. Speak freely — we need the full story to build the strongest possible defense for you.

Every Theft Charge We Defend in Santa Ana, CA

Click any charge below to navigate directly to a full explanation of the law, consequences, and how we defend it.

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

Theft Cases We Fight in Santa Ana, CA

At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we're experienced in defending against charges of theft. If you need a theft crimes lawyer in Santa Ana, CA, act fast: Reach out right away for a free consult to go over your charges.

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

Petty Theft Charges vs Grand Theft Charges

California breaks down most theft crimes into two categories: Petty theft and grand theft. Both consist of taking another person's property when you weren't allowed to. The main difference is the amount that was supposedly taken: For values $950 and under, the classification will normally be petty theft, while higher values will normally be grand theft.

Defending petty theft charges often lead to more positive outcomes, in part because they are often misdemeanors. 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

Shoplifting used to be a type of commercial burglary, rather than its own offense. This changed after California passed Proposition 47 in 2014. Shoplifting is defined as entering a business during normal business hours with the intent to steal merchandise valued at $950 or less.

While it's still technically possible for shoplifting charges to be felonies, this is not as common as when it was considered a form of burglary. Since Proposition 47, most shoplifting charges are misdemeanors. Keep in mind, though, that 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 Santa Ana, CA theft crimes lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and avoid making mistakes that could have major consequences.

Organized retail theft (either a crime ring or repeated instances of shoplifting) is an elevated form of shoplifting that has been a recent focus in California, and is often charged as a felony.

Shoplifting Potential Penalties:

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

Potential defenses include: Lack of intent to steal, mistake of fact, entrapment by loss prevention, Fourth Amendment violations during detention, and diversion programs for first-time offenders.

Petty Theft with a Prior — California Penal Code § 666

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. Santa Ana, 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 charge PC § 666, the Santa Ana, CA, district attorney must establish: (1) the accused committed petty theft; and (2) the suspect has previously been found guilty for certain crimes, mostly theft related — 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: Previous theft, burglary, robbery, or carjacking convictions

Vehicle Theft Charges We Fight in Santa Ana, CA

Whatever Santa Ana, CA, vehicle theft charge you're facing, we can help you fight it. The first one that probably comes to mind is grand theft auto, but that's actually not a law of its own. Grand theft auto is a smaller part of the state's 'grand theft' law, which universally characterizes stealing a vehicle as 'grand theft', even if it wasn't worth more than $950.

Grand theft auto charges are usually used when the defendant allegedly didn't intend to return the vehicle. On the other hand, if the alleged offender wasn't going to keep it, they're more likely to be charged with joyriding. While each of these vehicle crimes are 'wobbler' offenses, in Santa Ana, CA, grand theft auto is normally charged as a felony, while joyriding is normally a misdemeanor.

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

When you contact our law firm, you'll partner with a vehicle theft crimes lawyer who knows the ins and outs of each offense type, how to fight against them, and what deals are realistic. Call today to start making your case.

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

Grand theft auto is not a standalone California crime — it is a subcategory of grand theft that applies specifically to the theft of any motor vehicle, regardless of its value. The law doesn't even specify if the vehicle needs to be working — stealing a nearly worthless broken down car would still qualify as grand theft.

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 Santa Ana, CA)
• Felony Prison Sentence: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
• Misdemeanor Jail Sentence: Up to 1 year
• Fines: Up to $10,000

Vehicle Theft — California Vehicle Code § 10851

Vehicle Code § 10851 is one of the main vehicle theft laws in California. Unlike grand theft auto, this statute does not require intent to permanently deprive the owner. This law is relevant any time someone allegedly drives a vehicle without permission.

This charge is popular in Santa Ana, 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. Despite the casual name, this is a serious criminal offense that is treated as a wobbler in California — it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony.

It's typical for joyriding to be treated as a misdemeanor in Santa Ana, CA. However, you could face felony charges if you have a criminal record, or the prosecutor thought the action was particularly bad.

Carjacking — California Penal Code § 215

Carjacking is one of the most serious vehicle-related charges in California. It is defined as taking a motor vehicle from another person through force or fear — essentially a robbery of a car. Because this action involves violence, carjacking is always a felony and is not eligible for probation in many circumstances.

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

Possible Penalties:

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

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

Many people are shocked to learn they can be convicted of a theft-related crime without actually having stolen anything. If you have a vehicle that you knew or should have known was stolen, PC § 496d still applies, regardless of your involvement in its theft.

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

Possible Penalties:

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

White Collar Crime Charges We Fight in Santa Ana, CA

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

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

Not all white-collar crimes are centered around the exchange of money, though (at least not directly). Forgery can be as simple as signing another person's signature without permission, and identity theft is the taking of someone's personal information. In both forgery and identity theft cases, you don't need to have stolen someone else's money to be found guilty.

Embezzlement, Money Laundering, Bribery & More

It's easy to think that white collar accusations aren't taken as seriously as violent crimes in Santa Ana, CA, but you'd be wrong. The punishments can be dire — incarceration, massive fines, professional license revocation, and long-lasting reputational damage. To protect yourself against these consequences, it's critical to have a theft crimes lawyer with local experience and expertise in your corner.

White Collar Crimes — Overview

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 benefit. It's common for white collar crime cases in Santa Ana, CA, to require specialized experts on both the prosecution and defensive sides.

These charges can seemingly come out of nowhere, as state investigators will take months to years to build a case before filing charges. Call us now if you have any reason to believe the police are looking into you. Pre-charge representation can sometimes prevent an indictment entirely.

Embezzlement — California Penal Code § 503

Embezzlement occurs when someone who has been entrusted with property fraudulently converts that property for their own use. The key element is the pre-existing legal access — alleged embezzlement offenders had honest ways to access the supposedly stolen or misused goods.

Common contexts: An accountant siphoning company funds; a payroll professional creating fake employees and taking their salaries; an employee overcharging customers and keeping the difference; an employee skimming from cash registers; a charity collector taking cash donations while leaving other types alone.

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: Repay alleged victims, professional consequences

Money Laundering — California Penal Code § 186.10

Money laundering is any way that someone can take 'dirty' money and make it appear 'clean.' It usually is made up of three stages: placement (introducing dirty money into the financial system), layering (disguising the trail through complex transactions), and integration (using the funds for legitimate purchases, to further disguise them).

California's money laundering statute is set to combat financial actions over $5,000 that involved illegally obtained funds, so long as the person involved knew they were illegal. Federal money laundering charges (18 U.S.C. § 1956) can also apply, carrying sentences up to 20 years.

Possible Penalties (State):

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

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

You can face bribery charges for offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting something of value in order to affect the actions of people in certain positions of power. California law targets multiple forms of bribery — that of elected officials, judges, legislators, executive officers, witnesses, and even private commercial bribery. Whatever form of bribery you've been accused of, a Santa Ana, CA, theft crimes lawyer is essential to give you insights into successful defense strategies.

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

Possible Penalties:

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

Forgery — California Penal Code § 470

You can be charged with forgery in Santa Ana, CA, if you allegedly changed or made a fake document to trick someone into giving you money or other valuables. California Penal Code § 470 is broad and covers bills, money orders, stock certificates, vehicle titles, power of attorney documents, court orders, notary public symbols, identification documents, and many other types of written instruments.

Critical point: Whether or not you allegedly did something with the forgery is irrelevant. Just the plan to commit fraud, combined with the creation or use of the false item, is enough to be convicted.

Potential Penalties:

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

Identity Theft — California Penal Code § 530.5

You can face identity theft allegations in Santa Ana, CA if you use someone else's personal information without permission to perform a restricted activity, such as obtaining credit, property, services, or medical information.

Important factor: No financial loss to the victim has to occur for a conviction. Simply obtaining and using another person's information without authorization is enough to trigger criminal charges under California statute § 530.5. This makes it critical to work with an expert theft crimes lawyer regardless of the particular of your situation.

Identity theft accusations are aggressively prosecuted in Santa Ana, CA, and often involve 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 Defend in Santa Ana, CA

Fraud is a frequent white collar crime charge in Santa Ana, CA, and can be divided into smaller categories of its own. 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 a basic type of this crime.

Insurance fraud is a specific variation where a person allegedly 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 is guilty of insurance fraud.

A related fraud crime is welfare fraud, where a person lies about their current circumstances to receive extra assistance from the government. An example of this would be claiming a child as a dependent to receive financial support, when the child has in fact moved out.

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

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

Fraud, False Pretenses & Financial Deception

You could face accusations of fraud in Santa Ana, CA, for a wide variety of actions — from simple misrepresentations to elaborate financial schemes. Because the evidence can be very complex and there can be a large amount of it, you need an expert theft crimes lawyer who can effectively navigate all of the intricacies.

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

Many "fraud" charges in Santa Ana fall under California's 'theft by false pretenses' law. This is when one person tricks another person through disonest means, who then freely gives up something of value based on the false information. 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; misrepresenting credentials to get paid for work; pitching investments based on false information; lying about the condition of goods sold.

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

Insurance Fraud — California Penal Code § 550

Insurance fraud involves knowingly making a false or misleading statement to an insurance company to obtain benefits, payments, or compensation you are not entitled to receive. Insurance fraud charges are always a big deal, and are often felonies in Santa Ana, CA. A leading theft crimes lawyer will protect your rights and negotiation with the prosecutor to help you find the best outcome possible

Typical forms include: Claiming existing auto damage is newly occuring; filing claims for injuries that didn't occur; exaggerating property damage; arson for insurance proceeds; fabricating injuries; health insurance billing fraud.

Possible Penalties:

• Felony Prison: 2, 3, or 5 years
• Fines: Up to $150,000 or double the fraud amount
• Restitution: Full repayment to insurer
• Additional: Career and job restrictions/penalties

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

You can face credit card fraud charges in Santa Ana, CA, for a variety of actions done with a credit or debit card. You could be accused of using someone else's card without authorization, using a fake card or one acquired by theft, using an account number without physical possession of the card, or illegally 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, especially when accounts are used across state lines or some part of the alleged crime occurred online. 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; Trading or selling food stamps; falsely claiming a dependent child; continuing to collect benefits after a qualifying event ends your eligibility.

These crimes often have special investigation teams that target alleged offenders. If convicted, you could be looking at years in prison and serious financial consequences. A leading Santa Ana, CA, theft crimes lawyer can push back against the prosecution's case and boost your chances of a positive outcome.

Potential Penalties:

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

Additional: Lose your right to receive benefits in the future

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

Hospice fraud occurs when a hospice provider bills Medicare, Medi-Cal, or private insurers for services that were not rendered, were medically unnecessary, or were provided to patients who did not actually qualify for hospice care. To be eligible forMedicare hospice benefits, the recipient must have a projected lifespan of six months or less if the illness runs its normal course — a threshold that fraudulent providers routinely falsify.

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

Important Note: Hospice fraud investigations frequently involve parallel criminal and civil proceedings. A qui tam relator (whistleblower) can trigger a False Claims Act lawsuit resulting in treble damages and civil penalties entirely separate from any criminal indictment. 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)
• Extra: Exclusion from Medicare/Medi-Cal programs; license revocation

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

Medicare fraud charges vary in scope, but all consist of attempts to defraud the government's Medicare program in one form or another. 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 Santa Ana, CA theft lawyer who has your back.

While both providers and receivers of care can be convicted of medicare fraud, it's most often providers who are accused. This is especially devastating because of its career impact: you can lose your license and be excluded from working in a healthcare program. Medicare fraud investigations are especially tricky to detect, because they often involve datasets rather than on-the-ground investigators. This means that the first warning sign that you're being investigated can come too late to clear things up.

Critical Note: The Anti-Kickback Statute (42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7b) makes it a federal crime to offer, pay, solicit, or receive anything of value to induce referrals of Medicare-covered services. Violations can arise even when the underlying medical service was legitimately provided. Both the person paying and the person receiving a kickback can face prosecution.

Possible Penalties:

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

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

Health care fraud charges are normally related to a person providing false information on an insurance form, in order to receive an undeserved payout. 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 false or misleading statements made in connection with insurance claims, including the submission of multiple claims for a single loss and the preparation of false medical reports. Without an expert Santa Ana, CA theft lawyer, you could be stuck trying to sift through mountains of medical billing records and other specialized evidence on your own. Doctors, billing companies, office managers, and support staff have all been accused of this violation at various points in time.

Possible Penalties:

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

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

Home health fraud is a subcategory of Medicare and Medicaid fraud that specifically targets the fraudulent billing for in-home health services — including skilled nursing visits, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and home health aide services. In order to be eligible for Medicare benefits, the person receiving care must be homebound and require special care. Because of the particulars of the definition, these cases can vary wildly from one another.

Common schemes include: billing for visits to patients who are not homebound and do not qualify; billing for services that were never provided; falsifying physician orders and certifications to manufacture eligibility; paying illegal kickbacks to recruiters, physicians, or patient cappers for referrals; and billing therapy services at inflated frequency levels unsupported by clinical documentation. Home health fraud charges in Santa Ana, 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.

Warning: The United States' Stark Law makes it a crime for a doctor to refer a medicare patient to a home health company, if the doctor makes money from that company. Outside of the criminal case, you can face fines, need to pay restitution, and be excluded from Medicare — and a Stark Law violation does not require proof of intent.

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 Santa Ana, CA

Depending on the circumstances of your case, you could be facing both theft charges and violent crime charges in Santa Ana, CA. This can occur if you're charged with robbery. A person commits robbery when they take something directly from another person by force. This is in contrast to burglary, the alleged theft occurred away from the alleged victim. Carjacking is to grand theft auto what robbery is to burglary.

That said, sometimes what started out as a burglary can end up with violent crime charges. 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 is a unique form of theft. When one person commits extortion, they threaten another in order to get something from them. The alleged offender doesn't necessarily need to threaten physical violence, but the threat should be to harm the alleged victim in some form or fashion. As an example, if a person threatened to attack their manager unless they were given a favorable schedule, that person could be accused of extortion.

Robbery, Extortion & Force-Related Theft

When theft involves force, fear, or coercion, the penalties increase dramatically. These charges are always felonies and often carry strike designations. It's essential to get a theft crimes lawyer in Santa Ana, CA to protect your freedom.

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 Santa Ana, 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. The threat does not have to be of physical violence; threatening to reveal embarrassing or damaging information is sufficient.

Common examples: Threatening to falsely accuse someone of theft unless the property is given up; threatening to release private photos unless money is provided; threatening to deny someone a rightful certification unless special favors are given.

Possible Penalties:

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

Burglary Charges We Fight in Santa Ana, CA

Burglary charges in Santa Ana, 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 break a different law. Ordinarily, this is a building, like a storefront (in which case it would be commercial burglary), but not always. For example, if you allegedly smashed 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, there is always an element of trespassing involved. Because of 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 is closely related to commercial burglary. Prior to 2014, what is now classified as shoplifting would be considered burglary in California. However, as we discussed above a new law Proposition 47 (officially the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act), a ballot initiative passed by California voters on November 4, 2014 that distinguishes shoplifting as specifically attempting to steal merchandise from a business during regular business hours. The differences in charges had a major impact for several offenses and penalties. Today, shoplifting is no longer a subset of burglary offenses in Santa Ana, CA, and faces more lenient penalties if convicted.

Vandalism also shares many qualities with burglary. California defines vandalism and the intentional harming of someone else's property with permission, such as by breaking a window to burglarize someone's home. It's common to face burglary and vandalism charges together in Santa Ana, CA, making it all the more important to get a top quality theft crimes lawyer to protect your rights.

Finally, even if you don't commit a theft, you can face related charges in Santa Ana, CA. How can this be? Receiving stolen property charges. If you allegedly buy or take something that you know is stolen, or help the person who stole it hide the property, you can face these charges.

Burglary, Home Invasion & Related Charges

People commonly think of burglary as entering someone's house to commit theft, but that's not how Santa Ana, CA law works — 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

First-degree burglary involves entering an inhabited dwelling — someone's home, apartment, or any place where people live — while planning to commit a theft or any felony inside. This means that you can be found guilty even without actually committing theft. Your motivation for entering the location is what matters.

Residential burglary is always a felony and will add a strike to your record upon a conviction. This is one of the most serious theft-adjacent charges in California law, and Santa Ana, CA courts are likely to give you a long sentence. Without the right theft crimes defense lawyer, you're fighting an uphill battle

Possible Penalties:

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

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

Although less serious than first-degree burglary, second-degree burglary (AKA commercial burglary) charges are still not to be taken lightly. 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. 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: Taking something out of an open vehicle, although it would still be stealing, would 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

At the intersection of burglary and violent crimes are home invasion charges. This is treated as one of the gravest offenses in the California penal code, and prosecutors pursue maximum penalties. It's even more important to hire an expert theft crimes lawyer than usual in these cases.

While it's possible to be charged with home invasion on its own, it's rare — more often, they'll be accompanied with additional theft and/or violence charges. If you are facing home invasion charges, you need a law firm with a track record of success, and you need them now.

Potential Penalties:

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

Property & Other Offenses

Receiving Stolen Property, Vandalism & Trespassing

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. California law makes it illegal to hide, purchase, sell, or otherwise possess stolen property, regardless of whether or not you're the one who stole it.

The prosecution must prove you knew — or had reason to know — the property was stolen. This knowledge element is often where we can mount an effective defense. Buying items at a great deal, without receipts, or from unknown sellers, does not prove that you were aware the items were stolen.

Potential 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 Santa Ana, 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).

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

Possible Penalties:

• Under $400: Misdemeanor — up to 1 year jail
• Over $400: Wobbler — up to 3 years prison
• Restitution: Full repair/replacement cost to victim
• Other Common Penalties: 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. In the context of theft crimes, trespassing charges frequently accompany burglary or other property offense charges — because burglary inherently involves unauthorized entry.

Standing alone, trespassing is typically charged as a misdemeanor or infraction. However, 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

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

Do not make this mistake: Speaking to the police at all is a risk, and it's even worse if you lie to them. By keeping a theft crimes lawyer on hand, you can avoid perjury charges and build a strong defense.

Potential Penalties:

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

Specialized & Enhanced Charges

Elder Theft, Firearm Theft, Looting & Attempted Crimes

These charges often carry enhanced penalties beyond standard theft offenses, and require attorneys with specific knowledge of the statutes involved.

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

Stealing a gun is extra serious in California — while the usual threshold for stealing something to be considered 'grand theft' is $950, there is no minimum value if the item stolen was a gun. Due to this stealing even a low-value firearm will end up with a felony charge. Grand theft of a firearm is considered a serious felony and can count as a strike under California's Three Strikes law.

Federal firearms theft charges may also apply. The potential dual nature of these charges multiplies the complexity. And it's even more critical to have an attorney with the skills to fight for you at all levels.

Possible Penalties:

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

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

If the alleged victim was 65 or older, you might be up against elevated penalties. 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.

The prosecution in Santa Ana, CA, does not take these charges lightly and usually pursues harsh penalties. This is further exacerbated if the alleged victim is 70 or older, which can lead to increased penalties. In addition to the legal penalties, you could also face a civil suit, and Adult Protective Services involvement can complicate cases further.

Examples: Caregiver overcharging for services; family member using power of attorney to take money; contractor overcharging vulnerable seniors; phising emails that impersonate loved ones.

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.

If the enhanced penalties weren't enough on their own, the Santa Ana, CA, prosecuting attorney is likely going to go the extra mile for looting whenever possible. These acts are viewed as particularly heinous, and penalties can be severe. 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

Under California law, you can be charged with a crime even if the theft, burglary, or robbery was never completed. An attempt requires: (1) the specific intent to commit the crime, and (2) a tangible step is taken towards breaking the law — regardless of whether it was successful or not.

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.

Even though they are not successful, attempted robbery and attempted burglary can still leave a strike on your criminal record. Our theft crime lawyers will fight against these charges to create reasonable doubt and position us for favorable negotiations.

For any of the charges above, or more, when you contact our firm, you can speak with an expert theft crimes lawyer in Santa Ana, CA, who has the training and experience needed to find a path forward. Together, we will defend your rights and your freedom.

Facing Theft Allegations? These Are Your Next Steps

Being charged with theft can be intimidating. There could be a warrant out for your arrest, you could be facing major legal consequences, and a conviction could derail your life. Trying to handle it yourself, the odds can seem insurmountable.

But you're not alone. You have the Law Offices of David S. Chesley on your side. A Santa Ana, 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. Be polite and respectful during the process. Fighting back can only make things worse.

2. Stay Calm and Don't Talk

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

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

In California, after you are processed for arrest, you get three phone calls. 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. We are available 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 theft crimes defense attorneys will fight for your pre-trial release and lower bail requirements. Your rights and freedom matter, no matter what you've been accused of.

5. Coordinate With Your Lawyer to Create a Defense Strategy

With the right attorney by your side, it's time to create a strategy to fight the charges. An accomplished theft crimes lawyer in Santa Ana, CA, will take the time to listen to you, negotiate with the prosecution, and fight for charges to be dismissed whenever possible.

How Our Theft Lawyers Fight Against These Charges

Every theft case is different — and every defense strategy needs to be customized to the specific details, proof, and charges. Here are the major defense approaches our attorneys use to fight theft charges in Santa Ana, CA.

Lack of Intent / Claim of Right Defense in Theft Cases

One of the most powerful defenses in any theft case is the absence of criminal intent. Your mindset is key to this defense. Unintentionally taking another person's goods does not qualify as theft, generally. Where that intent cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, no theft conviction can stand regardless of the circumstances of the taking.

The claim of right defense applies when a defendant genuinely believed — even mistakenly — that they had a legal right to the property they took. If a defendant sincerely believed the property was theirs, owed to them as payment, or that they had permission to take it, this can negate the required criminal intent. The belief does not have to be correct; it only has to be genuine. Similar defenses consist of: mistake of fact (the accused took something that they thought was theirs); 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. Challenging the intent element is not simply a fallback strategy. It is often the strongest available defense, particularly in cases involving property disputes, family conflicts, and many civil debt situations.

Using This Defense:

• Grand Theft: Charges may not apply if there was no intention to keep the allegedly stolen item
• Embezzlement: Challenges the fraudulent conversion element
• Fraud / False Pretenses: Attacks the knowing misrepresentation element
• 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 many criminal cases, how the evidence was obtained is just as important as what it is. If searches broke the law, the evidence can be suppressed and the district attorney may not be able to move forward with your case.

Here are some of the reasons that evidence is thrown out in theft cases: warrantless searches of vehicles, homes, or persons without valid legal justification; searches 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 limits of a legal warrant. California Penal Code § 1538.5 gives defendants a statutory right to move to suppress evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment — suppression of unlawfully abstained evidence motions can destroy the prosecution's argument, leading to dropped or dismissed charges.

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 Santa Ana, 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, permission, or a recognized exception such as probable cause
• Digital Evidence / Cell Phones: Require a warrant under Riley v. California (2014)
• Fruit of the Poisonous Tree: 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 arguments, misidentification by witnesses, misunderstandings 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 — aggressive and immediate defense is essential from the moment of accusation.

False accusations in Santa Ana, CA, often aren't the result of malice, but of a witness making an error. In theft, robbery, and burglary cases, the high intensity of the circumstances can lead to witnesses not remembering details clearly — particularly across racial lines, in scenarios of poor visibility, or when the perpetrator was briefly seen. Studies consistently show that witness confidence does not correlate with accuracy. California courts have increasingly recognized this science, and jury instructions now require courts to instruct juries on the inherent limitations of eyewitness identification evidence.

Defense strategies in false accusation cases include: showing that the defendant was elsewhere at the time of the crime; challenging the reliability of the identification procedure used by law enforcement (photo arrays, live lineups, show-ups); exposing bias or motive on the part the person making the allegations; presenting expert testimony on the issues with eyewitness testimony; and demonstrating inconsistencies between witness statements made at different points in time.

If you are facing false allegations: Stay away from witnesses, do not try to collect evidence yourself, and do not attempt to explain your innocence to police without your theft attorney 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 some charges, the state must prove you were aware that the property was obtained through theft. 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 is the defining feature behind many theft charges; if you didn't have permission to use take an item, you could be found guilty. It's not illegal to use someone else's property if you had permission.

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

Sentencing Alternatives — Particularly for first-time offenders, California offers sentencing alternatives that can keep you out of prison by participating. If you are eligible, we will explore it as an option to protect your freedom.

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

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

A theft conviction does not have to define you for life. Under California Penal Code § 1203.4, as long as you've finished probation, you can ask for a guilty or no contest plea to be removed — a process commonly called an expungement. To be eligible, the defendant generally must have: successfully completed all terms of probation, such as paying fines and restitution; not currently be charged with, on probation for, or serving a sentence for any other offense; and — following recent changes in the law — in many cases, must not have served time in state prison (though SB 731 and related reforms have expanded relief options for some state prison cases).

If you were not given probation, there are still options for you — Penal Code § 1203.4a provides another form of conviction relief. 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, job applications become a lot easier, as you won't have to mention your conviction. However, expungement does not seal a criminal record from all access — it does not restore firearm rights, doesn't prevent the conviction from impacting future cases, and doesn't restore health care or other professional licenses. Senate Bill 731 (effective July 1, 2023) created expanded automatic record relief for many non-violent and non-serious felony convictions in California, allowing eligible individuals to obtain relief without filing a petition after completing their sentence and remaining crime-free for a specified period.

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 for the record to be totally inaccessible, restoration of firearm rights, or clearing a prior strike, you'll have to look into other ways to have your record sealed. 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: Dismissal after successful probation completion
• PC § 1203.4a: Relief for misdemeanors without probation (available 1 year after the conviction)
• PC § 851.91: Seal records of arrests which did not end in a conviction
• SB 731 (2023): Automatic relief for qualifying non-violent felony convictions
• Limitations: Still restricted from owning guns, and the police can still review these records

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Common Theft Crimes Questions in Santa Ana, CA

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


The primary distinction is the value of the property allegedly taken. Property valued at $950 or less results in petty theft charges (usually a misdemeanor). Anything over $950, guns, or vehicles all result in grand theft charges, which can either be a misdemeanor or a felony. Grand theft charges will require elite legal representation in particular, though you will always need a theft crimes lawyer to defend you, regardless of the specifics.

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


Often, yes. California Penal Code § 1203.4 allows for expungement of misdemeanor and many felony theft convictions after successful completion of probation. Expungement removes the conviction from your public record and allows you to truthfully say you have not been convicted of that crime in most circumstances. Our firm offers full expungement services.

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


First-time shoplifting charges in California are typically misdemeanors under Proposition 47 (for amounts under $950). Additionally, we can often secure alternative sentencing options which will keep you out of jail. Our theft crimes attorneys 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 weren't aware and had no reasonable basis to suspect it, that is a strong defense. We often use this as a way to protect our clients from accusations. That said, circumstances like an unusually low price or no documentation of ownership can erode your case, which is why an attorney is essential.

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


Extremely. You can expect your grand theft auto case to be charged as a felony, with increased penalties. If you have any prior convictions, you are at risk of harsher penalties. Call one of our attorneys as soon as possible at (800) 755-5174.

What is a "wobbler" offense in California?


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

Will I go to jail for a theft charge?


It depends, but it is not always the case. Many theft cases — especially misdemeanors and first offenses — can be resolved without jail time through diversion programs, probation, community service, or fines. Even felony charges often have options short of state prison. The specifics of your circumstances will play into this, and your attorney will fight for reduced (if not eliminated) jail time. Call us to review what options you have.

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


Unfortunately, yes. In California, you can be convicted of burglary for trespassing for the purposes of committing theft or a felony. Whether you stole something or not doesn't matter — if prosecutors can prove you entered with criminal intent, you can be convicted of burglary even if you left empty-handed. As a result, intent evidence — and arguments surrounding it — is critical to burglary defense.

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Need a Theft Lawyer in Santa Ana, CA? Contact Us Right Away.

Every theft allegation is a big deal. Our firm is equipped to defend you — no matter when you need us. Contact us now for a free, confidential case review.

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We also offer the below legal services in Santa Ana, CA:

• Violent Crimes Lawyer
• DUI Lawyer
• Criminal Defense Lawyer