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Theft Lawyer Santa Monica, CA. Being arrested for theft is just the beginning . Theft charges in particular can be complex because of the wide variety of them. Without help, it's easy to find yourself in a spot where you feel hopeless.

Even when all hope seems lost, you have a path forward: The Law Offices of David S. Chesley. Our legal team has what it takes to guard your freedom against the prosecution. With a Santa Monica, CA, theft crimes lawyer from our team building your defense, you'll have someone by your side from day one until you get justice.

Speak with a theft crimes lawyer now at (800) 755-5174 or use our contact form for a private review of your case at no cost. Waiting too long to reach out can cost you everything.

Why You Need a Leading Santa Monica, CA, Theft Defense Lawyer

Theft crime accusations are always a big deal, no matter what the specifics are. If you don't have an attorney, you're stuck trying to figure out a convoluted legal code and potentially set yourself up for the below consequences:

1. Prison Sentence: Santa Monica, CA, theft convictions can send you to prison, for years in some cases.
2. Financial Penalties: You can lose hundreds or thousands of dollars in addition to paying recompense to the alleged victim.
3. Career Setbacks: Having a criminal record can negatively affect your future career goals.
4. Reputational Damage: Even if you make it past everything else, the reputation as a "criminal" can stick with you.
5. And more.

A Santa Monica, CA, theft crimes lawyer can protect your rights and fight against these outcomes. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is ready to help. Look at what makes us the right attorneys for the job:

Top Qualities of Our Santa Monica, CA Theft Defense Attorneys

Not every criminal defense firm is created equal. Here's what set us apart — 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 what weaknesses to exploit.
• Longstanding Court Relationships — Decades of practice in Santa Monica, CA, courts means we know the judges, the prosecutors, and the local procedures — and we leverage that for better outcomes for every client.
• Prepared to Fight Your Case at Trial — We prepare every case as if it's going to trial. Even if your case doesn't end up in trial, this gives us more leverage for negotiations.
• Expungement Services — Our representation doesn't end at the verdict. You deserve to move forward with your life, and we can help you do it.
• Stellar Reputation – We deliver results, and are known for doing so.
• Ready for Your Call Right Away — Arrests happen at all hours. So do we. You can reach a theft crimes attorney any time of day or night — because waiting until Monday morning can cost you critical opportunities.
• Fully Private — Attorney-client privilege protects you, whatever you tell us about your case. You can tell us everything, and we will respect your story while crafting your defense.

Theft Charges We Defend in Santa Monica, CA

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

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

Santa Monica, CA, Theft Allegations We Defend Against

Our attorneys know how to fight theft crime cases. Should you need a theft crimes lawyer in Santa Monica, CA, don't wait: contact us now for a free consult to go over your charges.

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

Petty Theft Charges vs Grand Theft Charges

In Santa Monica, CA, many theft accusations fall under one of these two charges: 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 anything $950 or less, the classification will ordinarily be petty theft, while any more will ordinarily be grand theft.

Fighting petty theft charges is typically more straightforward, as they are often (but not always) charged as misdemeanors. On the other hand, defending grand theft charges is usually more challenging because it is more frequently charged as a felony. Whichever type of charge you're facing, a skillful theft crimes lawyer can help you minimize penalties.

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

Shoplifting — Proposition 47 / Penal Code § 459.5

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.

Before Prop 47, what we now call "shoplifting" was prosecuted as burglary — a felony. Today, most shoplifting charges are misdemeanors. However, you could still face felony charges in some circumstances, such as if you have certain previous convictions on your record. Regardless of what level of charge you're facing, a local Santa Monica, CA theft crimes lawyer can help you maximize your chances of a positive outcome.

Organized retail theft (multiple defendants or repeat offenses coordinated to steal from retailers) is an elevated form of shoplifting that has been a recent focus in California, and is often charged as a felony.

Shoplifting Possible Penalties:

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

Defense options include: Theft was unintentional, 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. Not every prior offense in Santa Monica, CA, qualifies for these enhancement, but if you have any prior convictions on your record, it's critical to work with an expert theft lawyer to defend you.

To charge PC § 666, the state must establish: (1) the defendant performed petty theft; and (2) the defendant has a criminal record including at least one of a set list of previous offenses (mostly including theft crimes, but also some sex crimes) — especially if the sentence included incarceration. Proposition 47 (2014) significantly narrowed the statute's reach, but did not eliminate it. Defendants with certain prior serious or violent felonies, prior sex offense registration requirements, or prior burglary convictions under PC § 459 remain fully exposed to felony enhancement even for minor shoplifting incidents.

Possible Penalties:

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

Vehicle Theft Charges We Fight in Santa Monica, CA

We will fight against all sorts of vehicle theft crimes in Santa Monica, CA. An example that many people ask about is grand theft auto, but that's actually not a law of its own. Grand theft auto is defined in a subsection of the state's 'grand theft' law, which states that anyone who steals an automobile (regardless of its value) can be charged with grand theft.

If the prosecution is stating that someone took the vehicle and was planning to keep it for themselves, not return it, they're likely going to face grand theft auto charges. On the other hand, if the defendant did intend to return it, they're more likely to face charges of joyriding. While either joyriding or grand theft auto can be 'wobbler' offenses, joyriding charges are almost always better to face in Santa Monica, CA, because they're likely to be charged as misdemeanors, versus grand theft auto felonies.

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

When you contact our law firm, you'll partner with a vehicle theft crimes lawyer who has the experience necessary to combat these charges and dissect the state's case. Call now to start making your case.

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

Grand theft auto is not a standalone California crime — all automobile thefts fall under the umbrella of "grand theft" in the state. 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.

Grand theft auto and joyriding have a close relationship in Santa Monica, 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 Monica, CA)
• Felony Prison Sentence: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
• Misdemeanor Jail Sentence: Up to 1 year
• Fines: Up to $10,000

Vehicle Theft — California Vehicle Code § 10851

Vehicle Code § 10851 — sometimes called "joyriding" broadly — is often charged alongside or instead of grand theft auto. This is because § 10851 applies whether or not the alleged offender was going to return the automobile. This law is relevant any time someone allegedly drives a vehicle without permission.

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

Joyriding — California Vehicle Code § 10851

Joyriding refers specifically to taking or driving a vehicle without the owner's consent, but with the intention of returning it. 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 Monica, CA, making it critical to get an expert vehicle theft crimes lawyer to defend you.

In Santa Monica, CA, joyriding is most commonly charged as a misdemeanor, making it significantly less severe than grand theft auto. That said, prior criminal history or aggravating circumstances can push it to a felony.

Carjacking — California Penal Code § 215

If you had to pick the worst vehicle theft crime to be charged with, carjacking would be a leading contender. 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.

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

Many people are shocked to learn they can be convicted of a theft-related crime without actually having stolen anything. If you have a automobile when you knew or should have know it was stolen, you can be charged under PC § 496d — even if you had no role in the original theft.

This charge can sneak up on you, especially if you ever have purchased a vehicle outside of formal sales channels. The state must prove were aware that the vehicle was stolen — and that's often where your vehicle theft crimes lawyer can challenge the case.

Potential Penalties:

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

White Collar Crime Charges We Defend in Santa Monica, CA

White collar crimes in Santa Monica, CA, can look very different from each other, but they all share a common trait: taking advantage of one's position within an organization to benefit oneself, illegally.

Many white collar crimes center around taking or hiding money in some way. Embezzlement is when one person steals money that they were in charge of, but was not their own. Money laundering can be done by an individual or an operation, and involves attempts to disguise illegal money as money that was legally earned. 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 not directly). Forgery occurs when one person makes a fake document to later use for fraud, and identity theft is the taking of someone's personal information. You can face either of these charges without having taken money from the alleged victim.

Embezzlement, Identity Theft, Fraud & More

Despite there being no physical harm involved, white collar charges are treated harshly by the law — years in prison, financial penalties, major career setbacks, and permanent 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 — Synopsis

Individual "white collar crimes" can look very different from each other. These charges will include the element of deceit, breach of trust, or abuse of a professional for personal benefit. These cases are some of the most complicated in Santa Monica, CA, and normally require highly experienced representation to defend.

These charges can seemingly come out of nowhere, as state investigators will take months to years to build a case before filing charges. If the police have reached out to you for questioning, don't talk to them alone. An attorney is essential as soon as you find out you're under investigation. 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 main feature 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 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.

Potential Penalties:

• Under $950: Misdemeanor — up to 6 months jail
• Over $950: Felony — up to 3 years prison
• High Amounts: Enhanced sentences up to 10+ years
• Additional: Repay alleged victims, employment restrictions

Money Laundering — California Penal Code § 186.10

Money laundering involves taking money gained from a different crime and disguising it as being honestly earned. It usually is made up of three steps: placement (introducing dirty money into the financial system), layering (the dirty money is moved multiple times within the financial system to make it hard to follow), and integration (investing the funds into something legal, or using another method to extract them into seemingly-legitimate assets).

California's money laundering statute specifically targets financial actions higher than $5,000 that involved illegally obtained funds, so long as the person involved knew they were illegal. You could also face federal money laundering charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1956, carrying sentences up to 20 years.

Possible Penalties (State):

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

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

You can face bribery charges for offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting something of value in order to affect the actions of 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. Regardless of what the specifics of your case, a Santa Monica, 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 could face charges in Santa Monica, CA. Even an attempt to bribe can result in criminal charges, regardless of whether the other party accepts.

Possible Penalties:

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

Forgery — California Penal Code § 470

Santa Monica, 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. California Penal Code § 470 is broad and covers bills, money orders, contracts, deeds, power of attorney documents, warrants, notary public symbols, identification documents, and many other types of written instruments.

What if I didn't use the forged document? Whether or not you allegedly did something with the forgery is irrelevant. The intent to defraud, combined with the act of creating or using the false document, is sufficient for a conviction.

Possible Penalties:

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

Identity Theft — California Penal Code § 530.5

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

Crucially: No financial loss to the victim has to occur for a conviction. Just obtaining and using someone's information without permission is enough to warrant a crime under state law. Because of this, you need to hire an expert theft crimes lawyer regardless of the specifics of your case.

Santa Monica, CA, identity theft allegations are very serious, and frequently involve federal charges for more serious, widespread, or online cases.

Potential 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 Monica, CA

Fraud is a frequent white collar crime charge in Santa Monica, CA, and can be divided into smaller categories of its own. Generally speaking, someone who commits theft by misrepresenting themselves or a situation 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 popular type of fraud in Santa Monica, CA, wherein someone 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 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 type of fraud involves dishonesty about the credit card and/or how it was acquired. Maybe it's stolen, expired, or fake, but the bottom line is that the card was not supposed to be used in this way.

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

Types of Fraud, False Pretenses & Financial Deception

There are many types of fraud allegations in Santa Monica, CA — in most cases, it's a small, individual action, but there have been massive systems of fraud as well. These cases are often document-heavy and require a theft crimes lawyer who understands both the law and financial evidence.

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

Theft by false pretenses — the foundational fraud offense — occurs when one person lies to someone else, leading to the second person willingly giving away goods or services. Theft by false pretenses is distinct because the supposed victim intentionally parts with their valuables, as opposed to robbery, where they are taken by force.

Common examples: Selling a product that doesn't exist; misrepresenting credentials to get paid for work; creating fake invoices; 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

You can face insurance fraud charges for making untruthful statements in reports to your insurance agency, so that they will provide you with a benefit you are not supposed to receive. If you're facing insurance fraud charges in Santa Monica, CA, it's possible that you'll go to prison for several years if convicted. 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 false theft reports; inflating repair cost claims; deliberately damaging your property for a payout; fabricating injuries; double billing for a health service.

Possible Penalties:

• Felony Prison: 2, 3, or 5 years
• Fines: Up to $150,000 or twice what was defrauded
• Restitution: Give the amount defrauded back to the alleged victim
• Additional: Loss of professional licenses

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

Credit card fraud charges in Santa Monica, CA, go beyond credit cards and involve the misuse of financial account access information. You could be accused of using another individual's card without consent, 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: Credit card fraud frequently triggers federal charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1029 in addition to state charges, especially when accounts are used across state lines or the internet is involved. Federal penalties are significantly more severe, and our team of theft crime lawyers has experience handling both state and federal fraud cases.

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

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

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

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

Possible Penalties:

• Under $950 (typically): 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 qualify forMedicare hospice benefits, a patient must be predicted to pass away within half a year if their current health conditions progress in a typically expected manner — it's common for the prosecution to allege that the patient's condition did not meet this criteria in these cases.

Common schemes include: enrolling patients who do not meet the terminal illness threshold; billing for higher levels of care than were actually provided; "recycling" patients by discharging and re-enrolling them to reset billing cycles; paying illegal kickbacks to nursing facilities or physicians for patient referrals; and falsifying medical records to manufacture eligibility. These accusations are particularly dangerous because they are often charged in federal court in Santa Monica, CA, meaning you're up against very difficult odds.

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

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. 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 Monica, CA theft lawyer who has your back.

Medicare fraud convictions are particularly bad because they can prevent you from ever receiving Medicare or Medi-Cal benefits in the future. This is on top of other consequences, like the loss of professional licensing. 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 Monica, CA theft lawyer immediately.

Important: It's possible to be accused of Medicare fraud even when all forms of medical care were honest and legitimate. This can occur if a provider offers money to someone in exchange for accessing Medicare-sponsored services through that provider. Providers and referrers are both at risk of prosecution under these circumstances.

Possible Penalties:

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

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

Health care fraud under federal law is defined as knowingly and willfully executing — or attempting to execute — a scheme to defraud any health care benefit program, or to obtain money or property from a health care benefit program by means of false or fraudulent pretenses. These allegations apply in broader situations than Medicare, including when a non-governmental insurance agency is involved.

Under California Penal Code § 550, health insurance fraud is independently criminalized at the state level. California's statute specifically addresses 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. These are some of the most complicated cases to defend in Santa Monica, CA, as they often involve extensive medical records and expert testimony/analysis. Physicians, billing companies, office managers, and clerical staff have all faced prosecution depending on their level of involvement.

Potential Penalties:

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

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

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

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 Monica, CA. Commonly accused individuals include physical therapists, administrative workers, and physicians performing the diagnoses.

Critical Note: The Physician Self-Referral Law (Stark Law, 42 U.S.C. § 1395nn) prohibits physicians from referring Medicare patients to home health entities in which they have a financial interest. Violations result in civil monetary penalties and Medicare exclusion entirely separate from any criminal prosecution — 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 Monica, CA

Violent crime charges and theft charges often go hand in hand in Santa Monica, CA. One common example is robbery. A person commits robbery when they take something directly from another person by force. As opposed to burglary, the alleged theft occurred away from the alleged victim. Carjacking can be compared to grand theft auto in the same way.

That said, sometimes what started out as a burglary can end up with violent crime charges. Home invasion charges can start out as regular burglary, with the alleged offender not intending to commit violence, but that changes when they run into another person.

Extortion 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 the threat should be to harm the alleged victim in some form or fashion. As an example, if a person would commit extortion if she saw a man commit a crime, and threatened to turn him in if he didn't pay her.

Robbery, Extortion & Force-Related Theft

Many theft crimes we outlined above do not involve violence. For charges that do, though, it's common to see much harsher sentencing. These charges are always felonies and often carry strike designations. It's essential to get a theft crimes lawyer in Santa Monica, CA to protect your freedom.

Robbery — California Penal Code § 211

Robbery is taking property from another person directly, using force or fear. This is the key distinction from burglary — the victim must be present. Robbery is always a felony and always a strike offense.

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 for a crime unless paid; threatening to damage someone's storefront unless they pay "protection money;" threatening to harm someone's reputation unless granted a professional favor.

Possible Penalties:

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

Burglary Charges We Defend in Santa Monica, CA

Burglary is often charged along with theft in Santa Monica, CA. California defines burglary as entering a location without permission in order to steal something or commit another crime. In most cases, this is a building, like a convenience store (which would make it commercial burglary), but not always. For example, if you supposedly broke a car window to steal a wallet sitting on the seat, that would be considered burglary of a vehicle.

Regardless of the specifics of your burglary charges, you can almost always be charged with trespassing, too. Because of this, defenses to burglary charges can hinge on whether or not you had permission to be in the structure, and what your intentions were while you were there.

Burglary Related Charges

Shoplifting is closely related to commercial burglary. Prior to 2014, what is now classified as shoplifting would be considered burglary in California. However, that all changed with the passage of Proposition 47 in 2014, which made shoplifting a separate crime, applicable when the alleged offender was attempting theft from a store while it is open for operations. It took effect immediately and made several changes to reduce penalties for certain nonviolent property and drug crimes. Because it made shoplifting a separate charge from burglary, shoplifting attempts are no longer felonies in Santa Monica, CA (except in extreme cases).

Vandalism also shares many qualities with burglary. California defines vandalism and the intentional harming of someone else's property with permission, such as by breaking a window to in order to steal from the building. It's common to face burglary and vandalism charges together in Santa Monica, CA, heightening your need for a top quality theft crimes lawyer to fight for your freedom.

Lastly, there is a theft charge you can be accused of in Santa Monica, CA, even if you didn't steal something. What can lead to this? Receiving stolen property charges. This applies when someone supposedly buys, hides, or receives something that they know was taken unlawfully from another person.

Burglary, Home Invasion & Related Charges

People commonly think of burglary as entering someone's house to commit theft, but that's not how Santa Monica, CA law works — these charges apply when someone tresspasses on a property while planning to break the law, though it doesn't have to be a theft law specifically.

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

In California, first-degree burglary, sometimes called residential burglary, involves going to someone's dwelling place with the intent to commit a theft or any felony inside. You do not have to actually steal anything. The intent at the moment of entry is the key to burglary charges.

Residential burglary is always a felony and is considered a "strike" offense. Outside of violent crimes, first-degree burglary is one of the worst theft charges you can face in California, and Santa Monica, CA courts are likely to give you a long sentence. Without the right theft crimes defense lawyer, you're fighting an uphill battle

Potential Penalties:

• Prison: 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.

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

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. The details of this charge are different from case to case, because burglary of a vehicle could either be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor.

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

A home invasion occurs when someone commits burglary of a residential structure while the occupants are present, often involving threats or violence. Santa Monica, CA, prosecutors take these charges extremely seriously and often push for harsh punishments. If you're up against these charges, it's not good enough to settle for second-best — you need a leading theft crimes lawyer on your side.

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

Possible Penalties:

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

Property & Other Offenses

Receiving Stolen Property, Vandalism & Trespassing

These offenses are frequently charged alongside primary theft crimes and can significantly compound the penalties you face. You need a Santa Monica, CA theft crimes lawyer who is prepared to fight every charge and stand by your side throughout the process.

Receiving Stolen Property — California Penal Code § 496

This charge applies to some people who are indirectly involved in a theft. 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.

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

Possible Penalties:

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

Vandalism — California Penal Code § 594

Vandalism is the malicious defacement, damage, or destruction of another person's property. It is often charged alongside burglary when, for example, a window is broken to gain entry to a home or vehicle. It also applies to graffiti, which is one of the most commonly prosecuted forms of vandalism in Santa Monica, CA.

Vandalism can either be a misdemeanor or a felony in California: For damage under $400, it's a misdemeanor, while for anything over, it's a felony.

Potential Penalties:

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

Trespassing — California Penal Code § 602

Trespassing is another property crime, though it doesn't involve stealing (directly). Trespassing is when one person goes onto someone else's property when they aren't supposed to be, and/or refuses to exit. In many cases, because thefts often involve entering a location where one is not supposed to be, trespassing is charged alongside other offenses.

Without compounding charges, trespassing is most often charged as a misdemeanor or infraction. However, Santa Monica, CA, prosecutors can also use it as a part of a case for more serious charges. Fighting these charges is often a matter of whether or not the alleged offender did in fact have permission or the right to be there.

Perjury — California Penal Code § 118

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

Do not make this mistake: Anything you say during an investigation or prosecution can be used to support a perjury charge if it's later shown to be false. This is why we always advise clients to say nothing without a theft crimes attorney present.

Possible Penalties:

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

Specialized & Enhanced Charges

Elder Theft, Firearm Theft, Looting & Attempted Crimes

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

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

Stealing a gun is extra serious in California — while the usual threshold for stealing something to be considered 'grand theft' is $950, there is no minimum value if the item stolen was a gun. Due to this the theft of even a nearly worthless 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.

As if fighting the charges in your local Santa Monica, CA court weren't bad enough, you could also find yourself up against federal charges. The potential dual nature of these charges multiplies the complexity. And it's even more essential to have an attorney that has wide resources and strong legal skills.

Possible Penalties:

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

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

If the alleged victim was 65 or older, you might be up against elevated penalties. Financial elder abuse (also known as theft from an elder) occurs when someone takes, conceals, appropriates, obtains, or retains money or property from an elder by undue influence, fraud, or other wrongful conduct.

This offense is aggressively prosecuted in Santa Monica, CA, and enhanced sentencing applies. Prison sentences can be increased even further if the alleged victim was 70 years or older. People convicted of financial elder abuse often also have to repay the alleged victim, and Adult Protective Services involvement can complicate cases further.

Common scenarios: Caregiver overcharging for services; family member doesn't provide an agreed upon level of care; 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

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

If the enhanced penalties weren't enough on their own, the Santa Monica, CA, prosecuting attorney is likely going to go the extra mile for looting whenever possible. Looting is considered a way of taking advantage of Santa Monica while it's at its most vulnerable, and judges are never pleased by this. If you allegedly broke into a business building during a wildfire and took some of its merchandise, you could face looting allegations.

Potential Penalties (Enhanced):

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

Attempted Theft, Attempted Burglary & Attempted Robbery

Even if the supposed burglary or robbery failed, attempted theft charges will still apply. For it to be considered an attempt, the prosecution needs to prove two things: (1) a mental state of deliberate criminal activity, and (2) some form of action that furthers the criminal ends — whatever the outcome was.

Under most circumstances, in California, if you are convicted of attempting a crime you will be given half the sentence of the underlying offense. So attempted robbery carries half the prison exposure of robbery. However, this is still a serious criminal conviction with lasting consequences.

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 reach out to us, you can speak with an expert theft crimes lawyer in Santa Monica, CA, who will help you break down and navigate the charges. Together, we will craft a staunch defense against the allegations.

What to Do if You're Accused of Theft

Being charged with theft can be intimidating. You're up against the Santa Monica, CA, prosecutor's office, not everyone will believe your side of the story, and you need to defend your reputation as well as your innocence. When you're alone, the odds can seem insurmountable.

But you're not alone. You have the Law Offices of David S. Chesley on your side. When you work with us, you will get a Santa Monica, CA, theft crimes lawyer who will listen to your story and advocate for your rights. If you're up against theft crime accusations, here are our recommendations:

1. Do Not Resist Arrest

Mistakes here can hurt your case. If you're being arrested, don't resist. If you act civilly, it will make things go faster and easier. Resisting can only make things worse.

2. Keep Calm and Don't Talk

You may be questioned by the police – don't talk. In fact, don't even talk on the ride to the station. Your answers can later be used as evidence in the case, and if anything you say is untruthful, you can be charged with perjury.

3. Call a Santa Monica, CA, Theft Crimes Defense Attorney Right Away

In California, people who have been arrested are given three phone calls. One of these should be to your theft crimes lawyer. Getting legal assistance quickly can protect you from making mistakes that will come back to hurt you later. We are available at (800) 755-5174, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

4. Secure Bail for Release

In most cases, you'll need to go through a bail hearing. Our firm's theft crimes defense attorneys will fight for your pre-trial release and lower bail requirements. You are innocent until proven guilty, and should enjoy your freedom while your case proceeds.

5. Coordinate With Your Lawyer to Build Your Defense

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 Monica, CA, will listen to your story, negotiate with the prosecution, and argue for a dismissal whenever possible.

Powerful Defense Strategies for Theft Charges

As expert theft crime attorneys, we know that each case's defense strategy needs to be adapted to the specific details, proof, and charges. If you're up against theft allegations in Santa Monica, CA, here are some of the main defensive strategies your theft crimes lawyer should consider. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we have experience with all of them.

Lack of Intent / Claim of Right Defense in Theft Cases

Lack of intent is a common criminal defense strategy, and is particularly applicable in theft cases. In Santa Monica, CA, intent to commit theft specifically requires someone to plan to permanently take someone else's property away. Where that intent cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, no theft conviction can stand regardless of the circumstances of the taking.

A related defense is the "claim of right" defense, where someone states that they believed they were allowed to take the property. This applies as long as they honestly believed they were allowed to, even if they were incorrect. If 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. More related defenses include: mistake of fact (the defendant took the wrong item believing it to be their own); voluntary intoxication (this does not always apply, but can limit intent in some cases); and absence of permanence (the defendant intended to return the property, which may reduce or eliminate a grand theft charge even if another theft offense still applies).

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. This is a key part of nearly all theft defenses, especially in cases involving disputes over ownership, employer-employee disagreements, family property conflicts, or transactions gone wrong.

Defense Application:

• Grand Theft: Negates specific intent to permanently deprive
• 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 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, how the evidence was obtained is just as important as what it is. If the investigators broke the law, the evidence can be thrown out and the state may need to drop charges.

Here are some of the reasons that evidence is thrown out in theft cases: searches conducted without either a warrant or just cause; searches resulting from a warrant that was based on false information; 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 exceeded the scope 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 — a motion that can be brought at the preliminary hearing stage and can effectively end a prosecution before trial if granted.

In some cases, this is all it takes to mount a successful defense against theft charges. 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 Monica, CA, courts, and are a standard component of aggressive defense in all property crime cases.

Suppression Scenarios:

• Warrantless Home Entry: Except in special circumstances, if evidence was taken from your home without a warrant, it can be thrown out
• Vehicle Searches: Require a warrant, valid consent, or a recognized exception such as probable cause
• Digital Evidence / Cell Phones: Require a warrant under Riley v. California (2014)
• Fruit of the Poisonous Tree: Evidence derived from an illegal search may also be excluded

False Accusation / Misidentification

Whether because of malice or a simple mistake, sometimes innocent people get accused of theft in Santa Monica, CA. False accusations can come from personal disagreements, misidentification by witnesses, mistaken assumptions about ownership, ambiguous surveillance footage, 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 — you need a Santa Monica, CA, theft crimes lawyer to protect your freedom.

Eyewitness misidentification is one of the leading causes of wrongful convictions nationally. In theft, robbery, and burglary cases, witnesses under stress frequently misidentify suspects — most notably across racial lines, under poor lighting conditions, 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; showing issues with how eyewitness identifications were obtained; exposing bias or motive on the part the accuser; presenting expert testimony on the science of human memory and eyewitness reliability; and highlighting inconsistencies between witness statements made at different points in time.

If you are falsely accused: 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. Contact defense counsel immediately and say nothing.

Lack of Knowledge — For some charges, the prosecution 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.

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

Sentencing Alternatives — In many cases with offenders without a record, California offers diversion programs that can keep you out of prison by participating. If you are eligible, we will explore it as an option to protect your freedom.

Disputing the Value of Property — 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'll show the true value of the property and argue for lesser charges.

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

California gives you options to clear your record and get a fresh start. Under California Penal Code § 1203.4, certain individuals with theft convictions can ask for their pleas to be removed — a process commonly called an expungement. 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 — as a more recent restriction — in several cases, must not have served time in state prison (though SB 731 and related reforms have expanded relief options for some state prison cases).

If you were not given probation, there are still options for you — Penal Code § 1203.4a provides another form of conviction relief. For those whose cases were dismissed without conviction, a separate petition under Penal Code § 851.91 may be available to seal the underlying arrest record entirely.

Here are some of the advantages of getting your theft conviction expunged: Of note, an expunged conviction generally does not need to be disclosed on private employment applications under state law. However, there are still some restrictions in the expungement process — it doesn't allow gun ownership, does not prevent the conviction from being used in subsequent criminal proceedings, and doesn't restore health care or other professional licenses. Senate Bill 731 (effective July 1, 2023) provides additional expungement assistance for individuals in Santa Monica, CA who don't break any other laws after finishing their sentence, if enough time has passed.

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 for the record to be totally inaccessible, to be able to legally own a gun again, or clearing a prior strike, you'll have to look into other ways to have your record sealed. 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 Monica, CA

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


What you are charged with is primarily determined by how much whatever was supposedly taken was worth. Anything $950 and under should be a petty theft charge, which is often a misdemeanor. Grand theft is usually the result of thefts over $950, but can also be triggered in special circumstances (such as if the supposedly stolen item was a gun or a car). Grand theft can either be a misdemeanor or a felony. Both require an attorney, but grand theft charges demand urgent and aggressive representation.

Does California allow me to expunge my record from a theft crime?


In many cases, yes. California law lets you expunge several types of theft convictions (including felonies) from your record after completing 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. Your theft crimes lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared to explore this as an option for your case and walk you through the process if so.

What should I expect from first-time shoplifting charges in Santa Monica, 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 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 genuinely didn't know and had no reasonable basis to suspect it, that is a strong defense. Our attorneys challenge the "knowledge" element aggressively in these cases. That said, circumstances like strangely good deal or lack of receipts can lessen the strength of your defense, which is why an attorney is essential.

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


Very serious. You can expect your grand theft auto case to be charged as a felony, with increased penalties. If you have a criminal record, you could be up against increased sentences. Call us right away if you're facing this charge.

What is a "wobbler" offense in California?


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

Will I go to jail for a theft charge?


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. 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. Call us to review what options exist in your case.

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


Yes. California defines burglary as entering a structure with the intent to commit theft or a felony inside. Whether you stole something or not doesn't matter — the prosecution's goal is to show that you trespassed and had that event. As a result, intent evidence — and arguments surrounding it — is critical to burglary defense.

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Need a Theft Lawyer in Santa Monica, CA? Contact Our Team Right Away.

Every theft allegation is a big deal. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is ready to defend you — whenver you need help. Contact us now for a free, confidential case review.

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• DUI Lawyer
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