Theft Lawyer Santa Clarita, CA. When you are charged with a crime in Santa Clarita, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. 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 all hope seems lost, don't give up yet. You have a team who will defend your freedom: The Law Offices of David S. Chesley. Our team of legal experts has the tools and training to fight against any theft and related charges. With a Santa Clarita, CA, theft crimes lawyer from our team on your side, every legal avenue will be explored to protect your rights.
Discuss your case with a theft crimes attorney now at (800) 755-5174 or send us a message about your case for a free, confidential consultation. It's easy to get started, and acting fast can mean everything.
Why You Need a Leading Santa Clarita, CA, Theft Defense Lawyer
Theft charges need to be treated seriously, regardless of whether or not you're innocent. Without a lawyer, you're stuck trying to navigate a convoluted legal system and make it more likely that you'll face the following:
- Prison Sentence: Santa Clarita, CA, theft convictions can send you to prison, for years in some cases.
- Financial Penalties: On top of paying back the value of whatever was stolen, fines can give you a serious financial burden.
- Career Setbacks: Extended stints in jail can prevent you from doing your job, and cause you to lose it.
- Reputational Damage: Regardless of the facts and circumstances surrounding your case, some people will only look at the conviction.
- And more.
To maximize your chances of replacing these consequences with freedom, you'll need a Santa Clarita, CA theft crimes lawyer on your case. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is ready to help. Look at what makes us the right attorneys for the job:
What Sets the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Apart
Not every criminal defense firm is created equal. Here's what you get when you call us — and how it will impact your case:
- Former Prosecutors & Judges — We know exactly how the state builds a theft case because some of our attorneys have done it themselves. We know common weak points and how to attack the prosecution's case.
- Extensive Court Relationships — With over 50 years of combined courtroom experience, we have built up relationships with the Santa Clarita, CA prosecutors and judges, which we will use when securing plea deals.
- Trial-Ready From Day One — No matter what the charge is, we prepare as if for a trial. This not only ensures that we're prepared, but also helps us secure more favorable plea deals or get your case dismissed.
- 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.
- Excellent Reputation – We deliver results, and are known for doing so.
- Ready for Your Call Right Away — 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.
- Completely Private — You can trust us with everything about your case. We won't judge — we're just here to build the strongest case possible.
Theft Charges We Defend in Santa Clarita, CA
Use the links below to jump directly to a full breakdown of the law, consequences, 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
Theft Cases We Fight in Santa Clarita, CA
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we're experienced in defending against charges of theft. Should you need a theft crimes lawyer in Santa Clarita, CA, don't hesitate: contact us now for a no obligation review of your case.
Our lawyers can help you fight all of the following allegations:
Petty Theft Charges vs Grand Theft Charges
While there are many different theft case types in Santa Clarita, CA, odds are high you're facing one of these two: Petty theft and grand theft. Both consist of taking another person's property when you weren't allowed to. The main difference is how much value was allegedly stolen: For anything $950 or less, the charges will generally be petty theft, while any more will ordinarily be grand theft.
Defending petty theft allegations is typically more straightforward, as they are often (but not always) charged as misdemeanors. On the other hand, fighting grand theft charges pose a greater obstacle, because they are frequently charged as felonies. Whichever type of charge you're facing, the right theft crimes lawyer will improve your chances of reaching a positive outcome.
Here's a breakdown of what distinguishes petty and grand theft:
| Alleged Violation | Petty Theft | Grand Theft |
|---|---|---|
| Stolen Property Value | $950 or Less | More than $950 |
| Charge Type? | Usually Misdemeanor | Misdemeanor or Felony |
| Misdemeanor Penalties | Up to six months in jail, and up to $1,000 in fines | Up to one year in jail, and up to $1,000 in fines |
| Felony Penalties | Up to three years in prison, and up to $10,000 in fines | Up to three years in prison, and up to $10,000 in fines |
Shoplifting — Proposition 47 / Penal Code § 459.5
Proposition 47 was passed in 2014, defining and setting penalties for shoplifting. Prior to 2014, it was actually considered a form of burglary, instead of a distinct crime. Shoplifting is defined as entering a business during normal business hours with the intent to steal merchandise valued at $950 or less.
In the past, because shoplifting fell under burglary, it was more likely to be charged as a felony. Today, the majority of shoplifting cases are misdemeanors. However, repeat offenders, organized retail theft, or amounts over $950 can still result in felony charges. Regardless of what level of charge you're facing, a local Santa Clarita, CA theft crimes lawyer can help protect you from the worst consequences.
Organized retail theft (multiple defendants or repeat offenses coordinated to steal from retailers) has been a target of recent California laws, and is prosecuted harshly in Santa Clarita, CA.
Shoplifting Possible Penalties:
- Jail Sentence: Up to 6 months
- Fines: Up to $1,000
- Civil Demand: Retailers may send civil demand letters
- Other: Probation, banned from store
Defense options consist of: No intention to steal, mistake of fact, entrapment by loss prevention, unlawful search and seizure, and diversion programs for first-time offenders.
Petty Theft with a Prior — California Penal Code § 666
Petty theft with a prior — sometimes abbreviated PTWP — allows prosecutors to elevate what would ordinarily be a misdemeanor petty theft charge into a wobbler when the defendant has a qualifying prior conviction on their record. This is one of the most common mechanisms used in Santa Clarita, CA, to increase exposure for repeat offenders, even when the underlying theft involves a modest amount.
To activate this sentencing enhancement, the Santa Clarita, CA, district attorney must establish: (1) the defendant performed petty theft; and (2) the suspect has at least one prior conviction for theft, robbery, carjacking, burglary, or a similar qualifying offense — particularly where the defendant served time in jail or prison for that prior. This law is applicable in many cases today, even after being limited in scope by Proposition 47 in 2014. While most of the applicable prior convictions are theft related, they also include some sexual and violent crimes.
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 Santa Clarita, CA
We will fight against all sorts of vehicle theft crimes in Santa Clarita, CA. One of the ones people commonly think of is grand theft auto, but that's technically not a law of its own. Grand theft auto is defined in a subsection 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 face charges of joyriding. While either joyriding or grand theft auto can be 'wobbler' offenses, it's almost always better to be charged with joyriding in Santa Clarita, CA, since the prosecution is more likely to assign that as a misdemeanor.
One final vehicle theft-related charge that some people underestimate is possession of a stolen vehicle. As a parallel to the charge of receiving stolen property, you don't have to have actually stolen anything to be convicted of this crime. Just owning or holding onto the car or truck is enough for a conviction.
When you contact our law firm, you'll work with a vehicle theft crimes lawyer who has relationships with the local courts and can argue for reduced charges in many cases. Call today to start building your defense.
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.
Grand theft auto and joyriding have a close relationship in Santa Clarita, CA, courts — grand theft auto only applies if you never intended to give the car back, but if you did, the lesser charge of joyriding would apply.
Potential Penalties:
- Charge Type: Wobbler (usually felony in Santa Clarita, CA)
- Felony Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
- Misdemeanor Jail: Up to 1 year
- Fines: Up to $10,000
Vehicle Theft — California Vehicle Code § 10851
Vehicle Code § 10851 is commonly charged with or in place of grand theft auto. This is because § 10851 applies whether or not the alleged offender was going to return the automobile. Simply taking or driving someone's vehicle without permission is enough.
Grand theft auto is a more serious offense, but is also harder for prosecutors to secure convictions for. Because of this, they often use § 10851 instead.
Joyriding — California Vehicle Code § 10851
Joyriding is a similar charge to grand theft auto, with one key difference: The alleged offender was going to give the car back. 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 Santa Clarita, CA, making it critical to get an expert vehicle theft crimes lawyer to defend you.
In most circumstances, Santa Clarita, CA, joyriding cases are handled as misdemeanors. That said, you can still face felony charges. This mostly applies to individuals with a criminal history, but not always.
| Joyriding | Grand Theft Auto | |
|---|---|---|
| Main Difference | Return the vehicle afterwards | Keep the vehicle forever |
| Normal Charge | Misdemeanor | Felony |
| Misdemeanor Jail | Up to 1 year | — |
| Felony Prison | — | 16 months, 2, or 3 years |
Carjacking — California Penal Code § 215
All vehicle theft crime charges are a big deal, but carjacking in particular is a major one. The key element of carjacking is how the vehicle was allegedly stolen — if force or fear was used, the Santa Clarita, CA prosecutor is likely going to pick carjacking over another offense. Because this action involves violence, 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 car when you knew or should have know it was stolen, PC § 496d still applies, regardless of your involvement in its theft.
This charge can sneak up on you, especially if you ever have purchased a vehicle outside of formal sales channels. The state must prove you had knowledge the vehicle was stolen — and that's often where your vehicle theft crimes lawyer can challenge the case.
Potential Penalties:
- Charge Type: Wobbler
- Felony Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
- Misdemeanor Jail: Up to 1 year
White Collar Crime Charges We Defend in Santa Clarita, CA
White collar crimes in Santa Clarita, CA, can be any one of a variety of charges, but each of them have one thing in common: misusing professional power for financial gain.
Many white collar crimes are defined by how money is transferred. Embezzlement is when one person steals money that they were in charge of, but was not their own. Money laundering is taking money that was otherwise gotten illegally and trying to disguise it as something that was earned legally. Meanwhile, bribery is about illegal gifts done for a favor or another benefit. An example of this would be an employee giving money to their boss in exchange for a promotion.
Not all white-collar crimes involve financial exchanges, though (at least at face value). Forgery can be as simple as signing another person's signature without permission, and identity theft involves stealing someone's personal information. Note that no financial theft has to occur for a person to be charged with either of these.
Forgery, Identity Theft, Fraud & More
It's easy to think that white collar accusations aren't taken as seriously as violent crimes in Santa Clarita, CA, but you'd be wrong. The punishments can be dire — years in prison, massive fines, major career setbacks, and permanent stains on your reputation. If you want to fight back against these consequences, you need a financial theft crimes lawyer who knows the ins and outs of California white collar crime law.
White Collar Crimes — Synopsis
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 deception, breach of trust, or abuse of a professional for personal benefit. It's common for white collar crime cases in Santa Clarita, CA, to require specialized experts on both the prosecution and defensive sides.
White collar cases are often investigated for months or even years before charges are filed. Call us now if you have any reason to believe the police are looking into you. In some cases, we can intervene early and prevent charges from even being filed.
Embezzlement — California Penal Code § 503
Embezzlement 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.
Frequent embezzlement scenarios: A company credit card holder using it for personal purchases; a bookkeeper writing unauthorized checks to themselves; a financial advisor moving client funds to personal accounts; A cashier voiding out a transaction but keeping the money; a non-profit director misusing donated funds.
Potential Penalties:
- Under $950: Misdemeanor — up to 6 months jail
- Over $950: Felony — up to 3 years prison
- Large Amounts: Enhanced sentences up to 10+ years
- Additional: Repay alleged victims, loss of professional licenses
Money Laundering — California Penal Code § 186.10
Money laundering is any way that someone can take 'dirty' money and make it appear 'clean.' It ordinarilly is made up of three stages: placement (introducing dirty money into the financial system), layering (in an attempt to confuse future investigators, the money is shifted through complicated financial trades and transfers), and integration (making the funds appear legitimate).
California's money laundering law is set to combat transactions higher than $5,000 conducted with knowledge that the money was obtained through criminal activity. Federal money laundering charges (18 U.S.C. § 1956) can also apply, 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
Bribery involves offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting something of value in order to affect the actions of people in certain positions of power. California law criminalizes bribery in many contexts — elected officials, judges, legislators, executive officers, witnesses, and even private commercial bribery. Regardless of what position you're in, a Santa Clarita, CA, theft crimes lawyer is critical to protect you from the prosecution.
Who can face bribery charges? Both the person offering the bribe and the person accepting it can be charged in Santa Clarita, CA. Even an attempt to bribe can result in criminal charges, regardless of whether the other party accepts.
Potential Penalties:
- Charge Type: Felony
- Prison: 2, 3, or 4 years state prison
- Public Officials: Permanent ineligibility for office
- Federal: Up to 15 years (if federal officials involved)
Forgery — California Penal Code § 470
Santa Clarita, CA, forgery charges don't directly involve theft, but instead the creation or modification of a document in order to aid with a future fraud attempt. State law is broad and covers bills, receipts, contracts, vehicle titles, power of attorney documents, warrants, notary public symbols, identification documents, and many other types of written instruments.
What if I didn't steal anything with it? The forgery charges are independent of any related fraud charges, so anyone can be charged even if they didn't use the forged item. The intent to defraud, in addition to the creation or use of the forged item, is sufficient 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
In Santa Clarita, 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, including obtaining credit, property, services, or medical information.
Important factor: No financial loss to the victim has to occur for a conviction. Just taking and using another person's information without authorization is enough to warrant a crime under California statute § 530.5. Because of this, you need to hire an expert theft crimes lawyer regardless of the particular of your situation.
Identity theft accusations are aggressively prosecuted in Santa Clarita, CA, and frequently 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 Fight in Santa Clarita, CA
Fraud is one of the most common white collar crimes in Santa Clarita, CA, and it has several subcategories. Generally speaking, someone who commits theft by lying about something so that another person gives away their money voluntarily can be convicted of 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, after a car accident, a person who lies about how much damage was caused to get a bigger payout commits insurance fraud.
This is not unlike welfare fraud, where someone takes advantage of government assistance programs by providing false information to them. An example of this would be claiming a child as a dependent to receive financial support, when the child has in fact moved out.
Another common variation is credit card fraud. This one is a little different because instead of representing someone about themselves, for credit card fraud, normally a person is lying about the credit card they are using. Maybe it's stolen, expired, or fake, but the bottom line is that the card was not supposed to be used in this way.
An expert theft crimes lawyer in Santa Clarita, 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
There are many types of fraud allegations in Santa Clarita, CA — in most cases, it's a small, individual action, but there have been massive systems of fraud as well. Your theft crimes lawyer will need to have experience not only with the state law, but also following financial trails.
Theft by False Pretenses / Fraud — California Penal Code § 532
Theft by false pretenses is one of the most common fraud charges in Santa Clarita. These allegations are used when one person tricks another person through disonest means, causing them to voluntarily transfer money or property. The key element is that the victim willingly hands over the property as a result of being deceived.
Common examples: Selling a product that doesn't exist; pretending to be a tech support assistant; pitching investments based on false information; lying about the condition of goods sold.
The charge level (misdemeanor vs. felony) depends on the how much was stolen — if the total value was more than $950, you are likely looking at grand theft (and possible felony) charges.
Insurance Fraud — California Penal Code § 550
Lying to an insurance company to receive a payout or other benefit is insurance fraud. If you're facing insurance fraud charges in Santa Clarita, CA, it's possible that you'll go to prison for several years if convicted. A leading theft crimes lawyer will defend your freedom and negotiation with the prosecutor 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; workers' compensation fraud; health insurance billing fraud.
Possible Penalties:
- Felony Prison: 2, 3, or 5 years
- Fines: Up to $150,000 or twice what was defrauded
- Restitution: Full repayment to insurer
- Additional: Career and job restrictions/penalties
Credit Card Fraud — California Penal Code § 484e–484j
In Santa Clarita, CA, credit card fraud covers a wide range of conduct involving fraudulent use of credit or debit cards. Charges can occur if someone is caught using someone else's card without permission, using a fake card or one acquired by theft, using an account number without physical possession of the card, or fraudulently acquiring or selling card account information.
Note on federal charges: You are likely to face both federal and state charges, particularly when accounts are used across state lines or online. Your theft crimes lawyer needs to have experience fighting fraud charges in both state and federal court.
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: Claiming income is less than it actually is; 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.
Welfare fraud investigations are conducted by county district attorney welfare fraud units and can result in both criminal charges and demands for repayment of all benefits received. Your local Santa Clarita, CA, theft crimes lawyer can dissect the prosecution's case and boost your chances of a positive outcome.
Possible Penalties:
- Under $950 (usually): Misdemeanor — up to 6 months jail
- Over $950: Felony — up to 3 years prison
- Repayment: Full restitution to the government
Additional: Loss of future benefit eligibility
Hospice Fraud — 18 U.S.C. § 1347 / California Penal Code § 550
Hospice fraud occurs when a hospice provider bills Medicare, Medi-Cal, or private insurers for services that were not rendered, were medically unnecessary, or were provided to patients who did not actually qualify for hospice care. To be eligible forMedicare hospice benefits, the recipient must be predicted to pass away within half a year if the illness runs its normal course — a threshold that fraudulent providers routinely falsify.
While it's possible for care recipients to face hospice fraud accusations, they are more commonly made against the care provider. Hospice can be a challenging situation for many people, and frustrations with the situation can turn into unjust accusations. Santa Clarita, CA, and Southern California have been identified by federal investigators as high-risk regions for hospice fraud, and the Department of Justice and HHS Office of Inspector General have conducted coordinated multi-agency enforcement actions targeting hospice agencies operating in this area.
Warning: 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. These investigations can go on for extended periods of time without your knowledge, until the state is ready to file charges.
Potential Penalties:
- Federal Prison: Up to 10 years per count (18 U.S.C. § 1347)
- Civil FCA Liability: Treble damages plus $13,000–$27,000 per false claim
- State Charges: Up to 5 years (CA Penal Code § 550)
- Additional: Exclusion from Medicare/Medi-Cal programs; license revocation
Medicare Fraud — 18 U.S.C. § 1347 / 42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7b
Medicare fraud encompasses a broad range of conduct involving the submission of false or fraudulent claims to the Medicare program. In Santa Clarita, CA, Medicare fraud charges are normally conducted in federal court, rather than by the local prosecutor. You need a theft lawyer who operates at a high level to protect you from these charges.
Common schemes include: billing for services never rendered; upcoding (billing for a more expensive service than was actually provided); unbundling (billing separately for procedures that should be billed together at a lower combined rate); billing for medically unnecessary services; kickback arrangements for patient referrals; and identity theft of patient or physician billing credentials. The federal prosecutor is supported by an equally strong federal team of investigators, who can conduct their job very quietly. If you find out that you're under investigation for Medicare fraud, it's urgent that you contact your Santa Clarita, CA theft lawyer immediately.
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. 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: Mandatory exclusion from all federal health care programs
Health Care Fraud — 18 U.S.C. § 1347 / California Penal Code § 550
Health care fraud, under United States federal law, is when an individual lies to either their insurance agency or the government to receive some kind of benefit related to health care. As opposed to Medicare fraud, these charges can be made whether you allegedly defrauded the government's healthcare programs or a private insurance company.
Under California Penal Code § 550, health insurance fraud is independently criminalized at the state level. California's statute specifically targets situations where a person lies or embellishes insurance claims, such as filing multiple claims in situations where only one would apply. Health care fraud cases in Santa Clarita, CA, are frequently complex, involving large volumes of billing records, expert testimony from medical billing specialists, and coordination between state and federal agencies. Doctors, billing companies, office workers, and clerks have all been accused of this violation at various points in time.
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 — such as skilled nursing visits, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and medical social services. To qualify for Medicare reimbursement, the care recipient must be homebound and require skilled care. Because of the particulars of the definition, these cases can vary wildly from one another.
One example would be a patient who lied about being homebound in order to receive special benefits. A counterexample would be a home service provider who submitted claims to Medicare for services that were never provided. Southern California has historically been one of the country's highest-risk regions for home health fraud, and federal task forces have conducted simultaneous multi-agency takedowns targeting dozens of home health agencies in Santa Clarita, CA. Owners, administrators, therapists, and referring physicians have all been prosecuted.
Important: There are special restrictions placed on doctors to prevent home health fraud. For example, the United States' Stark Law makes it illegal for a doctor to send a patient to a home health services provider that the physician financially benefits from. Violations result in civil monetary penalties and Medicare exclusion entirely separate from any criminal prosecution — to make matters worse, you can be convicted of violating this law even if you unintentionally broke it.
Potential Penalties:
- Federal Prison: Up to 10 years per count
- Anti-Kickback Violations: Up to 10 years per violation
- Civil FCA Liability: Treble damages plus penalties per false claim
- Administrative: Exclusion from Medicare/Medi-Cal; agency decertification
Violent Theft Charges We Fight in Santa Clarita, CA
There is often a crossover between theft and violent crime charges in Santa Clarita, CA. This can occur if you're charged with robbery. A person commits robbery when they take something directly from another person by force. As opposed to burglary, where the alleged victim is not present during the act. Carjacking can be compared to grand theft auto in the same way.
However, some thefts which did not start out violent can end up involving violence. Home invasion charges can take place when a person allegedly breaks into a location to commit a burglary, but finds people inside and threatens them with violence.
Extortion relies more on threats than actual violence to commit a theft. When one person commits extortion, they threaten another in order to get something from them. The 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. For example, if a person threatened to attack their manager unless they were given a favorable schedule, that person could be accused of extortion.
Robbery, Extortion & Force-Related Theft
When theft involves force, fear, or coercion, the penalties increase dramatically. These charges are always felonies and often carry strike designations. Immediate Santa Clarita, CA, legal counsel is non-negotiable.
Robbery — California Penal Code § 211
Robbery is a violent form of theft that involves either threatening or assaulting someone in order to take their belongings. Being convicted of robbery will likely result in a prison sentence as well as a strike.
California distinguishes between first-degree robbery (committed against someone in an inhabited structure, a taxi/rideshare driver, or while using an ATM) and second-degree robbery (all other cases). First-degree robbery carries significantly higher penalties.
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
If it's alleged that you threatened someone in order to make them give you money or favors, you are likely facing extortion charges. The threat does not have to be of physical violence; threatening to reveal embarrassing or damaging information is sufficient.
Common examples: Threatening to report someone to immigration authorities unless paid; threatening to post compromising photos of someone online if they leave; threatening to deny someone a rightful certification unless special favors are given.
Potential Penalties:
- Charge Type: Felony
- Prison: 2, 3, or 4 years
- Fines: Up to $10,000
Burglary Charges We Defend in Santa Clarita, CA
Burglary is often charged along with theft in Santa Clarita, CA. In California, you can be charged with this crime if you break into a site to either commit theft or break a different law. This is commonly a structure, like a convenience store (which would make it commercial burglary), but not always. For example, if you supposedly smashed a car window to steal a wallet sitting on the seat, that would be considered burglary of a vehicle.
Regardless of the specifics of your burglary charges, there is always an element of trespassing involved. Because of this, these cases can often hinge on if you were allowed to be in the location or not.
Burglary Related Charges
Shoplifting also involves the theft of items from a store, similar to commercial burglary. In fact, before 2014, what you think of as shoplifting would be classified as burglary under California law. But after Proposition 47's passing in 2014, shoplifting was reclassified as its own offense. The differences in charges had a major impact for several offenses and penalties. One key reform was distinguishing shoplifting as a specific misdemeanor offense and preventing it from being charged as burglary (a "wobbler" that could be a felony) in qualifying cases.
Another related charge is vandalism. You can be charged with vandalism in California if you purposely damage another person's property, such as by breaking a window to burglarize someone's home. It's very likely that you'll be charged with both burglarizing and vandalizing a location together in Santa Clarita, CA, heightening your need for an expert theft crimes lawyer to fight for your freedom.
Finally, even if you don't commit a theft, you can face related charges in Santa Clarita, CA. How can this be? 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
Santa Clarita, 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
In California, first-degree burglary, sometimes called residential burglary, involves going to someone's dwelling place while planning to commit a theft or any felony inside. You do not have to actually steal anything. Your motivation for entering the location is what matters.
Residential burglary is always a felony and is considered a "strike" offense. This is one of the most serious theft-adjacent charges in California law, and Santa Clarita, CA courts treat it extremely harshly because it involves violation of someone's home. Without the right theft crimes defense lawyer, you're fighting an uphill battle
Possible Penalties:
- Prison Sentence: 2, 4, or 6 years in state prison
- Three Strikes: Yes — serious felony strike
- Probation: Generally not eligible for first-degree
- Fines: Up to $10,000
Commercial Burglary (Second Degree) — California Penal Code § 459
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.
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
Vehicle burglary is similar to residential or commercial burglary — it also involves unlawfully entering a location, but in this case, that location is a vehicle. This charge commonly arises when someone smashes a car window to take items left inside. Unlike residential burglary, vehicle burglary is a wobbler.
Important note: Stealing from an unlocked vehicle does not qualify for a burglary charge. This is still against the law, but for it to be burglary, the vehicle must have been protected.
Home Invasion Burglary With Violence — California Penal Code § 459 / § 211
If you're accused of breaking into a home and threatening or hurting the people inside, that would fall under home invasion charges. 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 the most experienced criminal defense team available, and you need them immediately.
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
These offenses are frequently charged alongside primary theft crimes and can significantly compound the penalties you face. Understanding how they interact is critical to building an effective defense.
Receiving Stolen Property — California Penal Code § 496
You don't have to steal something to face theft-related criminal charges. Under PC § 496, if you buy, receive, conceal, sell, or help conceal property that you know is stolen, you can be convicted — even if you had no role in the original theft.
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
Instead of violently harming another person or animal, vandalism is focused on property harm. It occurs when one person marks or damages another person's property, without permission and for bad purposes. This is related to theft because in many cases, the accused will be alleged to have broken into a location as a part of the theft.
Vandalism can either be a misdemeanor or a felony in California: For damage under $400, it's a misdemeanor, while for anything over, it's a felony.
Potential Penalties:
- Under $400: Misdemeanor — up to 1 year jail
- Over $400: Wobbler — up to 3 years prison
- Restitution: Full repair/replacement cost to victim
- Additional: Graffiti cleanup, community service
Trespassing — California Penal Code § 602
Trespassing is another property crime, though it doesn't involve stealing (directly). Trespassing is when one person goes onto someone else's property when they aren't supposed to be, and/or refuses to exit. In many cases, because thefts often involve entering a location where one is not supposed to be, trespassing is charged alongside other offenses.
On its own, trespassing is normally charged as a misdemeanor or infraction. However, Santa Clarita, CA, prosecutors can also use it as a part of a case for more serious charges. Defenses often hinge on whether permission was given or reasonably believed to exist.
Perjury — California Penal Code § 118
Intentionally providing false information to the authorities can result in a perjury charge. While this is not a theft crime per se, it's frequently charged in conjunction with them. This is because it's common for alleged offenders to be dishonest about information that could make them look guilty, not realizing that misleading the police can actually make things worse in the end.
Do not make this mistake: Anything you say during an investigation or prosecution can be used to support a perjury charge if it's later shown to be false. This is why we always advise clients to say nothing without a theft crimes attorney present.
Possible Penalties:
- Charge Type: Felony
- Prison: 2, 3, or 4 years state prison
Specialized & Enhanced Charges
Elder Theft, Firearm Theft, Looting & Attempted Crimes
Not all alleged thefts are treated equally; in the cases listed below, you can face harsher penalties and elevated charges. Your theft crimes lawyer will need to be prepared to battle for your freedom. And at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we are.
Grand Theft of a Firearm — California Penal Code § 487(d)(2)
California law treats firearms very seriously, restricting their availability and usage. Regarding theft, current statutes regarding firearm theft ignore the value of the device and always make it grand theft. Because of this stealing even a nearly worthless firearm will end up with a felony charge. Firearm theft can have long-lasting implications, beyond most other theft offenses — this is because it counts as a strike on your record.
To make things worse, you may also have to fight in federal court. When you're fighting in two courts, it becomes substantially more complicated to avoid a guilty plea. And it's even more important to 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 Santa Clarita, CA, and enhanced sentencing applies. This is further exacerbated if the alleged victim is 70 or older, which can lead to increased penalties. Civil liability and restitution orders frequently accompany criminal proceedings, and Adult Protective Services involvement only makes things more complex.
Common scenarios: Caregiver taking money from a client's account; family member exerting undue influence over an elder's finances; contractor overcharging vulnerable seniors; 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
During emergencies, stealing property can be charged as looting. California Penal Code § 463 treats looting as an aggravated form of the underlying theft or burglary offense, with mandatory enhanced penalties.
These charges are often looked upon very negatively in Santa Clarita, CA. The state will often pursue looting charges beyond what it would have for ordinary burglary or theft offenses. During declared states of emergency, prosecutors seek the harshest available penalties, and courts are generally unsympathetic. Looting of a business that is closed due to a civil disturbance, or taking property from an evacuated residence, commonly triggers these charges.
Potential Penalties (Enhanced):
- Petty Theft → Looting: Misdemeanor with mandatory jail (no OR release)
- Commercial Burglary → Looting: Felony — 16 months to 3 years
- Residential Burglary → Looting: Felony — 2 to 6 years
- Bail: Often denied or set very high during emergency periods
Attempted Theft, Attempted Burglary & Attempted Robbery
Even if the supposed burglary or robbery failed, attempted theft charges will still apply. An attempt requires: (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.
The general rule is that attempted crimes are punished at half the sentence of the completed offense. So attempted robbery carries half the prison exposure of robbery. However, this is still a serious criminal conviction with lasting consequences.
Even though they are not successful, attempted robbery and attempted burglary can still leave a strike on your criminal record. We frequently challenge attempted charges by contesting the intent element or the nature of the "direct act" alleged.
Regardless of what charge you're facing, when you contact our firm, you can speak with an expert theft crimes lawyer in Santa Clarita, CA, who has the training and experience needed to find a path forward. Together, we will craft a staunch defense against the allegations.
Facing Theft Allegations? These Are Your Next Steps
Being charged with theft can be intimidating. There could be a warrant out for your arrest, not everyone will believe your side of the story, and the collateral consequences could be devastating. When you're alone, the odds can seem insurmountable.
But you have another option. When you call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you get premier California legal representation on your case. When you work with us, you will get a Santa Clarita, CA, theft crimes lawyer who will listen to your story and advocate for your rights. Here are the steps we recommend taking:
1. Comply With the Police
While it's reasonable to feel angry about being arrested, don't resist. Be polite and respectful during the process. Refusing to comply can only get you into more trouble.
2. Stay Calm and Stay Silent
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. Your answers can later be used as evidence in the case, and you say something untruthful, you can be accused of perjury.
3. Call a Santa Clarita, CA, Theft Crimes Defense Attorney ASAP
In California, people who have been arrested are given 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 firm's theft crimes defense attorneys will argue against the prosecution for your release. Your rights and freedom matter, no matter what you've been accused of.
5. Work With Your Attorney to Build Your Defense
With the right attorney by your side, it's time to create a strategy to fight the charges. A skilled theft crimes lawyer in Santa Clarita, CA, will hear your side of the story, negotiate for deals with the prosecution, and fight for a dismissal whenever possible.
Theft Lawyer Defensive Strategies
Your case is unique — and your defense strategy needs to be customized to the specific facts, proof, and accusations. Here are the major defense approaches our attorneys use to fight theft charges in Santa Clarita, CA.
Lack of Intent / Claim of Right Defense in Theft Cases
If you've been accused of stealing, you should discuss intent as a possible defense with your theft lawyer. 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. 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 (applicable in cases where someone took an item without permission, but also planned to bring it back).
Key point: The prosecution bears the burden of proving criminal intent beyond a reasonable doubt — the defendant does not have to prove innocence. This isn't merely a backup plan. May defenses against stealing allegations will incorporate intent to some degree, especially in cases involving disagreements regarding property ownership, where one person honestly believed they had a right to use property when they didn't.
Defense Application:
- 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: 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 authorities broke the law, the evidence can be thrown out and the district attorney may need to drop charges.
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 at the time of the arrest; GPS tracking or digital surveillance conducted without appropriate legal authority; and searches that go beyond the scope of a legal warrant. In Santa Clarita, CA, your defense attorney can file a motion to throw out any evidence the prosecution acquired through improper means — a motion that can be brought at the preliminary hearing stage and can effectively end a prosecution before trial if granted.
If this applies to your case, it can be a major win for your defense. Even partial suppression — if the court allows some evidence but not all of it — can substantially change the outcome. Suppression motions are fully litigated in Santa Clarita, CA, courts, and are a standard component of aggressive defense in all property crime 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: If illegally obtained evidence leads to future evidence that was legally obtained, it's possible that all of it can be thrown out
False Accusation / Misidentification
Whether because of malice or a simple mistake, sometimes innocent people get accused of theft in Santa Clarita, CA. False accusations can arise from personal disagreements, misidentification by witnesses, mistaken assumptions about ownership, errors in surveillance footage interpretation, or deliberate fabrication by a party with a motive to harm the accused. You can't rely on your innocence to get you out of trouble — without a strong defensive strategy, you're gambling with your freedom.
False accusations in Santa Clarita, 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 — especially across racial lines, in scenarios of poor visibility, or when things moved too fast. No matter how confident the eyewitness is, there is always room for error. California courts have increasingly recognized this science, and jury instructions now require courts to instruct juries on the inherent limitations of eyewitness identification evidence.
Defense strategies in false accusation cases include: establishing an alibi with corroborating witnesses, records, or surveillance footage; showing issues with how eyewitness identifications were obtained; exposing bias or motive on the part the accuser; presenting expert testimony on the issues with eyewitness testimony; and demonstrating inconsistencies between witness statements made at different points in time.
If you are falsely accused: Do not confront witnesses, do not try to collect evidence yourself, and do not tell your side of the story to the police without your theft crimes lawyer present. You might make a mistake, or the police might misinterpret something you say. Whatever your circumstances, if you're facing theft charges, call our lawyers now for help.
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 regarding your use of the property is a strong defense in Santa Clarita, 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 sentencing alternatives that can result in charges being dismissed after completing community service, restitution, or counseling. If you are eligible, we will explore it as an option to protect your freedom.
Contesting the Property Valuation — If you're up against grand theft charges, but the supposedly stolen property didn't reach the $950 value threshold, we will fight to have the charges reduced. We challenge inflated or unsupported property valuations, which can dramatically reduce the charges you face.
Theft Crime Expungement / Record Clearance — California Penal Code § 1203.4
Whatever your past is, you have a future. And we want to help you make the most of it. Under California Penal Code § 1203.4, 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. Before you can do so, you will likely have to have fit the following critera: successfully done all that was asked of you as a part of probation, including fines and restitution; not have any pending criminal charges against you; and — in a newly added requirement — 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).
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.
When you work with a theft lawyer to clear your record, you can look forward to the following perks: Of note, you won't have to note any convictions on private job applications. That said, the criminal record isn't entirely thrown away by expungement — it does not restore firearm rights, doesn't prevent the conviction from impacting future cases, and does not affect most professional licensing decisions. Senate Bill 731 (effective July 1, 2023) even automates part of the expungement process in some cases, if there haven't been any subsequent criminal cases.
Critical Note: While expungement under § 1203.4 offers many benefits, it doesn't make the record go away entirely; it can still be viewed by the police, licensing boards, and be used in future criminal cases. If your goal is full sealing, restoration of firearm rights, or clearing a prior strike, you will need a different method of expungement. By talking to a theft conviction expungement attorney, you get help with exploring what other possibilities could help in your situation.
Relief Options:
- PC § 1203.4: Charges dismissed after successful probation completion
- PC § 1203.4a: Relief for misdemeanors without probation (1 year post-conviction)
- PC § 851.91: Seal records of arrests which did not end in a conviction
- SB 731 (2023): Automatic relief for qualifying non-violent felony convictions
- Limitations: Does not restore firearm rights or remove record from law enforcement databases
Frequently Asked Questions About Theft Charges in Santa Clarita, CA
What's the difference between petty theft and grand theft in Santa Clarita, 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. Your theft crimes lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared to defend you against either theft charge.
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. This will protect your record, prevent most of the public from being able to access it, and help you get a clean start. Our firm offers full expungement services.
What happens if I'm charged with shoplifting for the first time in Santa Clarita, CA?
You will usually face misdemeanor charges for a first offense, as long as the amount alleged stolen is less than $950. Additionally, we can often secure alternative sentencing options which will keep you out of jail. Our theft crimes attorneys can significantly improve your odds of avoiding a conviction and protecting your record.
I didn't know the property was stolen. Can I still be convicted?
Receiving stolen property (PC § 496) requires that you knew — or had good reason to know — the property was stolen. If you honestly didn't know and had no reasonable basis to suspect it, that can form the basis of your defense. 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 Santa Clarita, CA?
Very serious. In Santa Clarita, CA, grand theft auto is almost always prosecuted as a felony, which means potential prison time (up to three years), fines up to $10,000, and a felony record that can affect employment, housing, and immigration status. If you have any prior convictions, you could be up against increased sentences. 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. Several theft-related offenses — including grand theft, commercial burglary, receiving stolen property, and forgery — are wobblers. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we take these charges seriously and will argue for misdemeanor options.
Will I go to jail for a theft charge?
You can avoid jail in many cases, actually. Santa Clarita, 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 answer depends heavily on your specific charge, criminal history, and the quality of your legal representation. Contact us to understand what options exist in your case.
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 doesn't matter — if prosecutors can prove you entered with criminal intent, you can be convicted of burglary even if you left empty-handed. This is why intent evidence — and challenging how it's proven — is critical to burglary defense.
Need a Theft Lawyer in Santa Clarita, CA? Contact Our Team Now.
Every theft allegation is a big deal. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is equipped to defend you — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact us now for a free, confidential case review.
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