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Theft Lawyer South Gate, CA. When you are charged with a crime in South Gate, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Theft accusations in particular can be scary, because they are often layered with multiple charges. It might look like all hope is lost.

Even when you're at your lowest point, there is an option who will fight for you: The Law Offices of David S. Chesley. Our team of legal experts has what it takes to guard your freedom against the prosecution. With a South Gate, CA, theft crimes lawyer from our team protecting your rights, every legal avenue will be explored to protect your rights.

Talk to a theft crimes lawyer now at (800) 755-5174 or use our contact form for a free, confidential consultation. Delays can cost you your freedom, and we're ready to fight for you today.

Why You Need a Leading South Gate, 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 figure out a intricate legal system and make it more likely that you'll face the following:

1. Prison Sentence: Most theft charges in South Gate, CA, carry a potential jail sentence of six months or more.
2. Financial Penalties: You can lose hundreds or thousands of dollars in addition to paying recompense to the alleged victim.
3. Career Setbacks: Extended stints in jail can prevent you from doing your job, and cause you to lose it.
4. Stained Reputation: Even if you make it past everything else, the reputation as a "criminal" can stick with you.
5. And more.

To maximize your chances of replacing these consequences with freedom, you'll need a South Gate, CA theft crimes lawyer on your case. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley. Here's some of what sets us apart:

Top Qualities of Our South Gate, CA Theft Defense Attorneys

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

• A Team Of Former Prosecutors & Judges — We have experience and insights from our time in other areas of the law. We know common weak points and how to attack the prosecution's case.
• Longstanding Court Relationships — Decades of practice in South Gate, CA, courts means we know the judges, the prosecutors, and the local procedures — and we leverage that for better outcomes for every client.
• Defenses Built for Trial — Misdemeanor or felony, we build your defense to be trial-ready. Even if your case doesn't end up in trial, this gives us more leverage for negotiations.
• Expungement Services — Even after the fact, we're still here to help. We offer record clearing and expungement services to help you move on and protect your future career and opportunities.
• Excellent Reputation – We are renowned professionally and by clients.
• Ready for Your Call Right Away — Our team is available whenever you need us most. If you need help or an update, you can get a hold of us, whenever it is.
• Fully Confidential — 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.

Every Theft Charge We Defend in South Gate, 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

Major South Gate, CA, Theft Crimes We Defend Against

With over 50 years of combined legal experience, we have what it takes to protect your rights. If you need a theft crimes lawyer in South Gate, CA, act fast: contact us now for a free, confidential consultation.

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

Petty Theft Charges vs Grand Theft Charges

In South Gate, CA, many theft accusations fall under one of these two charges: Petty theft and grand theft. You can face these charges for taking someone's possessions when you weren't allowed to. The distinguishing factor is the amount that was supposedly taken: If it was $950 or less, the charges will generally be petty theft, while higher values will generally be grand theft.

Defending petty theft charges often lead to more positive outcomes, in part because they are often misdemeanors. On the other hand, fighting grand theft charges is usually more challenging because it is more frequently charged as a felony. In either case, it's always important to have a theft crimes lawyer in your corner to minimize the consequences.

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

Shoplifting — Proposition 47 / Penal Code § 459.5

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

Before Prop 47, what we now call "shoplifting" was prosecuted as burglary — a felony. Today, most shoplifting charges are misdemeanors. That said, felony charges can still be applied in certain situations, like an organized shoplifting ring. Whether you're up against a felony or misdemeanor charge, a local South Gate, CA theft crimes lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and avoid making mistakes that could have major consequences.

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

Shoplifting Possible Penalties:

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

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

Petty Theft with a Prior — California Penal Code § 666

Don't underestimate a petty theft charge — it can become a felony under Penal Code § 666 if charged as a petty theft with a prior. Not every prior offense in South Gate, CA, qualifies for these enhancement, but if you have any prior convictions on your record, it's critical to work with an expert theft lawyer to defend you.

If you're facing petty theft with a prior allegations, the South Gate, CA, district attorney must establish: (1) the accused engaged in petty theft; and (2) the suspect has previously been found guilty for certain crimes, mostly theft related — especially if the sentence included incarceration. 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
• Qualifying Priors: Prior theft, burglary, robbery, or carjacking convictions

Vehicle Theft Charges We Fight in South Gate, CA

We will fight against all sorts of vehicle theft crimes in South Gate, CA. One of the ones people commonly think of is grand theft auto, but that's actually not its own charge. Grand theft auto is a smaller part of California'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 probably going to be charged with joyriding. While either joyriding or grand theft auto can be 'wobbler' offenses, it's almost always better to be charged with joyriding in South Gate, CA, since the prosecution is more likely to assign that as a misdemeanor.

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

When you work with us, you'll work with a vehicle theft crimes lawyer who has the experience necessary to combat these charges and dissect the state's case. Call today to start building your defense.

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

Despite what popular culture would have you believe, there isn't a specific "grand theft auto" law in California — it is a subcategory of grand theft that applies specifically to the theft of any motor vehicle, regardless of its value. The law doesn't even specify if the vehicle needs to be working — stealing a nearly worthless broken down car would still qualify as grand theft.

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

Potential Penalties:

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

Vehicle Theft — California Vehicle Code § 10851

Vehicle Code § 10851 is one of the main vehicle theft laws in California. 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 is one of the most broadly written vehicle theft statutes in California, and prosecutors use it frequently because it's easier to prove than grand theft auto.

Joyriding — California Vehicle Code § 10851

Joyriding charges focus on intent. If you allegedly drove a car without permission, but brought it back afterwards, that would be joyriding. But if you did the same thing and planned to keep the vehicle, that would be grand theft. Despite the casual name, this is a serious criminal offense that is treated as a wobbler in California — it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony.

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

Carjacking — California Penal Code § 215

If you had to pick the worst vehicle theft crime to be charged with, carjacking would be a leading contender. The key element of carjacking is how the vehicle was allegedly stolen — if force or fear was used, the South Gate, CA prosecutor is likely going to pick carjacking over another offense. Because of the violent element, carjacking is always a felony and is often ineligible for probation.

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

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 or are storing 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 frequently catches people who buy vehicles through informal channels, accept a vehicle as a gift, or borrow a car without fully investigating its ownership history. The state must prove you had knowledge the vehicle was stolen — a skillful vehicle theft crimes lawyer may use a strategy that raises doubts as to your knowledge.

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 South Gate, CA

White collar crimes in South Gate, CA, can be any one of a variety of charges, but they all have a common trait: taking advantage of one's position within an organization to benefit oneself, illegally.

Most white collar crimes are defined by how money is transferred. Embezzlement is the theft of money someone was supposed to manage for others, like an investment banker taking from a client's account. Money laundering an attempt to hide illegal money as legal income. For example, if someone made money from a drug deal, then pretended to have another person pay them for a job, that would be money laundering. Meanwhile, bribery doesn't just involve taking money, but instead consists of one person giving another money in exchange for some sort of benefit.

Not all white-collar crimes are transactional in nature, though (at least at first glance). Forgery is when someone creates a fake document with intentions to use it in a future theft, and identity theft involves stealing another person's personal information. Note that no financial theft has to occur for a person to be charged with either of these.

Forgery, Identity Theft, Bribery & More

It's easy to think that white collar accusations aren't taken as seriously as violent crimes in South Gate, CA, but you'd be wrong. The punishments can be dire — incarceration, financial penalties, major career setbacks, and long-lasting stains on your reputation. To protect yourself against these consequences, it's critical to have a theft crimes lawyer with local experience and expertise in your corner.

White Collar Crimes — Overview

There isn't a set list of "white collar crimes," but they do tend to have some qualities in common, particularly that they are non-violent and are related to one's workplace. These charges will include the element of deception, breach of trust, or abuse of a professional for personal benefit. It's common for white collar crime cases in South Gate, 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. The sooner you bring in your legal defense, the better chance you have of a positive outcome.

Embezzlement — California Penal Code § 503

Embezzlement is when someone legally can use property for certain purposes, but uses it for different ones. The main feature is the pre-existing lawful access — alleged embezzlement offenders had honest ways to access the supposedly stolen or misused goods.

Hypothetical examples: An accountant siphoning company funds; a bookkeeper writing unauthorized checks to themselves; an employee overcharging customers and keeping the difference; A cashier voiding out a transaction but keeping the money; 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, loss of professional licenses

Money Laundering — California Penal Code § 186.10

Money laundering is the process of making illegally obtained money appear to have come from a legitimate source. It typically involves three stages: placement (bringing the illegally-obtained money into the economy), layering (in an attempt to confuse future investigators, the money is shifted through complicated financial trades and transfers), and integration (making the funds appear legitimate).

California's money laundering law specifically targets financial actions of more than $5,000 when the alleged offender was aware that the money was dirty. You could also face federal money laundering charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1956, carrying sentences up to 20 years.

Potential Penalties (State):

• Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
• Fines: Up to $250,000 or 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 targets multiple forms of bribery — that of government officials, judges, lawmakers, business executives, witnesses, and even private commercial bribery. Regardless of what the specifics of your case, a South Gate, CA, theft crimes lawyer is important to give you insights into successful defense strategies.

Who can face bribery charges? Whether you offered or accepted a bribe, you can be charged in South Gate, 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

You can be charged with forgery in South Gate, CA, if you allegedly changed or made a fake document to trick someone into giving you money or other valuables. State law is broad and covers bills, money orders, contracts, deeds, power of attorney documents, warrants, notary public symbols, lottery tickets, and many other types of written instruments.

Who can face forgery charges? You can be charged with forgery even if no one was actually defrauded. The intent to defraud, in addition to the act of creating or using the false item, is enough for a conviction.

Potential Penalties:

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

Identity Theft — California Penal Code § 530.5

You can face identity theft allegations in South Gate, CA if you use someone else's personal information without permission for any unlawful purpose, such as obtaining credit, property, services, or medical information.

What if it didn't affect them financially? You can be found guilty even if the alleged victim didn't lose any money. Just taking and using someone else's information without a legal reason is enough to violate California statute § 530.5. This makes it critical to work with an expert theft crimes lawyer regardless of the details of your case.

Identity theft accusations are aggressively prosecuted in South Gate, CA, and often 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 South Gate, CA

Fraud is one of the most common white collar crimes in South Gate, CA, and it has several subcategories. Broadly speaking, someone who commits theft by acting dishonestly so that another person gives away their money voluntarily can be charged with fraud. Theft by false pretenses is the most ordinary version of fraud.

Insurance fraud is a specific variation where a person allegedly lies to an insurance company to collect more money than they are supposed to. As an example, if someone were to hide their valuable property and claim it was stollen, that person commits 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 pretending that one's income is lower than it actually is in order to receive food stamps.

Another popular variation is credit card fraud. This one is a little different because instead of representing someone about themselves, for credit card fraud, normally a person is lying about the credit card they are using. 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 South Gate, 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.

Different Kinds of Fraud, False Pretenses & Financial Deception

You could face accusations of fraud in South Gate, CA, for a wide variety of actions — 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 South Gate. These allegations are used when a person tricks another person through disonest means, leading to the second person willingly giving away goods or services. The key element is that the victim willingly hands over the property as a result of being deceived.

Common examples: Lying about being a contest winner; pretending to be a tech support assistant; pitching investments based on false information; lying about the condition of goods sold.

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

Insurance Fraud — California Penal Code § 550

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. The South Gate, CA, prosecution takes insurance fraud extremely seriously, and the state has a dedicated Insurance Fraud Division that actively investigates these cases. A leading theft crimes lawyer will defend your freedom and explore all avenues to help you find the best outcome possible

Frequent examples include: Staging or exaggerating auto accidents; filing claims for injuries that didn't occur; inflating repair cost claims; arson for insurance proceeds; fabricating injuries; double billing for a health service.

Possible Penalties:

• Felony Prison Sentence: 2, 3, or 5 years
• Fines: Up to $150,000 or double the fraud amount
• Restitution: Give the amount defrauded back to the alleged victim
• Additional: Career and job restrictions/penalties

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

You can face credit card fraud charges in South Gate, CA, for a variety of actions done with a credit or debit card. This includes using another individual's card without consent, using a fake card or one acquired by theft, charging to an account when you don't have the card, or illegally obtaining or selling card account information.

What to know about federal charges: It's common in California credit card fraud cases for there to also be federal charges, particularly when accounts are used across state lines or 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 South Gate, 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: Claiming income is less than it actually is; using fake identities to collect extra benefits; Trading or selling food stamps; falsely claiming a dependent child; continuing to collect benefits after a qualifying event ends your eligibility.

Penalties for welfare fraud, if convicted, can result in fines, prison time, and required repayment of the value taken. A leading South Gate, CA, theft crimes lawyer can dissect the prosecution's case and find you alternative paths forward.

Potential 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 accusations in South Gate, CA, are very serious. They are often applied to healthcare practitioners who create fake requests for payment or prescribe unneeded treatments related to hospice. To qualify forMedicare hospice benefits, the person being treated must be predicted to pass away within half a year if their current health conditions progress in a typically expected manner — many hospice fraud cases are the result of these predictions being inaccurate.

This type of fraud is more often alleged towards providers over patients. Because healthcare professionals have more access to control billing and provide diagnoses, they are at higher risk of being accused of hospice fraud. South Gate, CA, and Southern California have been identified by federal investigators as high-risk regions for hospice fraud, and the Department of Justice and HHS Office of Inspector General have conducted coordinated multi-agency enforcement actions targeting hospice agencies operating in this area.

Important Note: Hospice fraud investigations frequently involve parallel criminal and civil proceedings. A qui tam relator (whistleblower) can trigger a False Claims Act lawsuit resulting in treble damages and civil penalties entirely separate from any criminal indictment. These investigations can go on for extended periods of time without your knowledge, until the state is ready to file charges.

Possible Penalties:

• Federal Prison: Up to 10 years per count (18 U.S.C. § 1347)
• Civil FCA Liability: Treble damages plus $13,000–$27,000 per false claim
• State Charges: Up to 5 years (CA Penal Code § 550)
• Additional: Exclusion from Medicare/Medi-Cal programs; license revocation

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

Medicare fraud charges vary in scope, but all consist of attempts to defraud the government's Medicare program in one form or another. And as if regular theft crime allegations weren't bad enough, Medicare fraud is often tried at the federal level. If you want to protect your freedom, you'll need an expert South Gate, CA theft lawyer who has your back.

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

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

Possible Penalties:

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

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

Health care fraud under 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.

You can face federal charges in some cases, but it's more common for these to be state charges. California law 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. Without an expert South Gate, CA theft lawyer, you could be stuck trying to sift through mountains of medical billing records and other specialized evidence on your own. Healthcare providers, billing organizations, office managers, and clerks have all found themselves accused of health care fraud in the past.

Possible Penalties:

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

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

Home health fraud is a subcategory of Medicare and Medicaid fraud that specifically targets the fraudulent billing for in-home health services — such as skilled nursing visits, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and home health aide services. In order to be eligible for Medicare benefits, a patient must be homebound and require special care. Home health fraud exploits this framework in a variety of ways.

A patient could be accused of this if they had a less serious condition, but claimed it was more dire, in order to receive in-home assistance. Meanwhile, a provider could be charged if a health service team member performs unneeded medical services in order to drive up bills. Home health fraud charges in South Gate, CA, are taken very seriously, and you need a theft defense lawyer who's ready to give your case the attention it deserves. Owners, administrators, therapists, and referring physicians have all been prosecuted.

Warning: 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 — and a Stark Law violation does not require proof of intent.

Possible Penalties:

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

Violent Theft Charges We Defend in South Gate, CA

There is often a crossover between theft and violent crime charges in South Gate, CA. One common example is robbery. Robbery occurs when one person threatens or attacks someone in order to take something from them. Versus burglary, where the alleged victim is not present during the act. Carjacking can be compared to grand theft auto in the same way.

There is another way violence and theft crimes can overlap, though: when an initially nonviolent theft collides with a person. 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. If someone says they will hurt another person unless the alleged victim gives them money, that is extortion. This doesn't always need to include physical violence, but the threat should be to harm the alleged victim in some form or fashion. As an example, if a person threatened to attack their manager unless they were given a favorable schedule, that person could be accused of extortion.

Robbery, Extortion & Force-Related Theft

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

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.

Your robbery charge in South Gate, CA, could either be first-degree or second-degree. These are differentiated based on the location and the alleged victim. First-degree robbery is charged in cases where the alleged robbery occurred in someone's dwelling place, against the passenger or driver of a taxi/rideshare vehicle, or while the supposed victim was at an ATM.

Potential 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. Not every extortion case involves threats of violence; several involve threats to harm someone's reputation instead.

Common examples: Threatening to report someone to immigration authorities unless paid; threatening to release private photos unless money is provided; 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 Fight in South Gate, CA

Burglary technically isn't always a theft crime, but it is closely related. California defines burglary as entering a location without permission in order to steal something or commit another crime. This is commonly a structure, like a storefront (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. Due to this, what you were allegedly planning to do in a location can be just as important as how you got access to it.

Burglary Related Charges

Shoplifting is closely related to commercial burglary. Prior to 2014, what is now classified as shoplifting would be considered burglary in California. But that all changed with the passage of Proposition 47 in 2014, which made shoplifting a separate crime, applicable when the alleged offender was attempting theft from a store while it is open for operations. 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 South Gate, CA (except in extreme cases).

Vandalism also shares many qualities with burglary. You can be charged with vandalism in California if you purposely damage another person's property, such as by kicking in a door to in the process of a theft. It's common to face burglary and vandalism charges together in South Gate, CA, heightening your need for a top quality theft crimes lawyer to fight for your freedom.

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

Burglary, Home Invasion & Related Charges

People commonly think of burglary as entering someone's house to commit theft, but that's not how South Gate, CA law works — you can be charged with burglary for entering a wide range of structures with the intent to commit a crime inside, even if you never actually steal anything.

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

First-degree burglary involves entering an inhabited dwelling — someone's home, apartment, or any place where people live — with the intent to commit a theft or any felony inside. This means that you can be found guilty even without actually committing theft. 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. This is one of the most serious theft-adjacent charges in California law, and South Gate, 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

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 is someones called "commercial burglary" because it also involves entering a location with the intent to steal or commit a felony, but as opposed to first-degree burglary, the location is non-residential. 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

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

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

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

At the intersection of burglary and violent crimes are home invasion charges. South Gate, CA, prosecutors take these charges extremely seriously and often push for harsh punishments. It's even more important to hire an expert theft crimes lawyer than usual in these cases.

As with other burglary charges, home invasion burglary charges don't tend to exist in a vacuum — you're likely also facing other theft or violent crimes charges. If you are 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 & Related 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

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.

The prosecution must prove you knew — or had reason to know — the property was stolen. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we often argue this point in these cases. Buying items at a great deal, without receipts, or from unknown sellers, does not make you guilty.

Potential Penalties:

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

Vandalism — California Penal Code § 594

Vandalism 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 South Gate, 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

You can be convicted of trespassing if you allegedly entered a location without permission, or if you stayed there after being told to leave. Tresspassing is often charged alongside burglary, because the latter also involves entering a location without permission.

Standing alone, trespassing is ordinarilly charged as a misdemeanor or infraction. However, South Gate, 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

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

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

Potential Penalties:

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

Specialized & Enhanced Charges

Elder Theft, Firearm Theft, Looting & Attempted Crimes

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

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

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. Because of 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.

Federal firearms theft charges may also apply. The potential dual nature of these charges multiplies the complexity. 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 South Gate, CA, and enhanced sentencing applies. This is further exacerbated if the alleged victim is 70 or older, which can lead to increased penalties. In addition to the legal penalties, you could also face a civil suit, and Adult Protective Services involvement can complicate cases further.

Examples: Lenders pressuring the elderly to take bad loans; family member exerting undue influence over an elder's finances; fake contractor promises work but never completes it; impostor pretends to be a law enforcement official.

Possible Penalties:

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

Looting — California Penal Code § 463

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.

In South Gate, CA — a city prone to wildfires, earthquakes, and civil unrest events — looting charges have been prosecuted with particular vigor. Looting is considered a way of taking advantage of South Gate 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

Under California law, you can be charged with a crime even if the theft, burglary, or robbery was never completed. An attempt requires: (1) a mental state of deliberate criminal activity, and (2) a tangible step is taken towards breaking the law — 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 while residential burglary carries a prison sentence of 2, 4, or 6 years, attempted residential burglary would only carry a sentence of 1, 2, or 3 years. However, this is still a serious criminal conviction with lasting consequences.

Attempted burglary and attempted robbery are still strike offenses in California. 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 call us, you can speak with an expert theft crimes lawyer in South Gate, CA, who will listen to your side of the story and build a defense around that. As a team, we will craft a staunch defense against the allegations.

Facing Theft Allegations? These Are Your Next Steps

You need to take these accusations seriously. You're up against the South Gate, CA, prosecutor's office, you could be facing major legal consequences, and a conviction could derail your life. When you're alone, the odds can seem insurmountable.

But you have another option. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is here to help. A South Gate, CA, theft crimes lawyer from our team will guide you on how to navigate your case. If you're up against theft crime accusations, here are our recommendations:

1. Obey the Arresting Officer's Instructions

Mistakes here can hurt your case. If you're being arrested, don't resist. Respectfully complying with the police officers will make the process go smoother. Fighting back can only lead to additional charges.

2. Stay Calm and Don't Talk

It's common for police to interview you after an arrest – stay silent. Simply say "I decline to answer any questions and am invoking my right to an attorney." Your answers can later be used as evidence in the case, and you say something untruthful, you can be accused of perjury.

3. Contact a South Gate, CA, Theft Crimes Defense Attorney ASAP

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

4. Secure Bail for Release

Your lawyer can help argue for your release at a bail hearing. Our theft crimes defense attorneys will argue against the prosecution for your release. We believe that protecting your freedom now is a part of protecting it for the long term.

5. Work With Your Attorney to Build Your Defense

This is perhaps the most important step: building a defense against the charges. An expert theft crimes lawyer in South Gate, CA, will take the time to listen to you, negotiate for deals with the state, and fight for charges to be dismissed wherever possible.

Powerful Defense Strategies for Theft Charges

Every theft case is different — and every defense strategy must be oriented to the specific facts, proof, and charges. Below, you can read about some of the popular ways we will fight theft cases in South Gate, 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. All theft offenses under California law require that the defendant acted with specific intent to steal — that is, to permanently deprive another person of their property. 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. Additional intent-based defenses include: mistake of fact (the defendant took something that they thought was theirs); voluntary intoxication (which may negate specific intent in limited circumstances); and absence of permanence (joyriding is a good example of this: it comes into play when a person took property away from its owner, but planned to return it).

Key principle: You don't have to prove your intentions, but you may have to defend them against the prosecution. It's on the state to show that you did have the intent to commit theft at the time of the alleged crime. This isn't merely a backup plan. This is a key part of nearly all theft defenses, especially in cases involving family disagreements, where sometimes people can forget about who the formal owner of a piece of property is and unintentionally misuse it.

Using This Defense:

• 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 theft and burglary cases, how the evidence was obtained is just as important as what it is. If searches violated constitutional requirements, the evidence can be thrown out and the state may need to drop charges.

Common suppression issues in theft and property crime cases include: warrantless searches of vehicles, homes, or persons without valid legal justification; searches conducted under a warrant obtained through false or misleading information in the supporting affidavit; arrests without probable cause leading to 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 valid warrant. In South Gate, CA, your defense attorney can file a motion to throw out any evidence the prosecution acquired through improper means — this motion can be filed early on in your case, and has the potential to stop the state in its tracks.

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 be the difference between a conviction and acquittal. Suppression motions are fully litigated in South Gate, 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

Innocent people are charged with theft crimes more often than the public realizes. False accusations can come from personal disputes, cases of mistaken identity, mistaken assumptions about ownership, errors in surveillance footage interpretation, or deliberate fabrication by a party with a motive to harm the accused. Being wrongly accused does not mean the charges will not proceed — aggressive and immediate defense is essential from the moment of accusation.

Eyewitness misidentification is one of the leading causes of wrongful convictions nationally. In theft, robbery, and burglary cases, witnesses under stress frequently misidentify suspects — especially across racial lines, if they didn't have a clear sightline, or when the perpetrator was briefly seen. Studies consistently show that witness confidence does not correlate with accuracy. While this can unfortunately lead to false accusations, the benefit is that it provides several defensive avenues in South Gate, CA, court.

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; attacking the character of the accuser; presenting expert testimony on the science of human memory and eyewitness reliability; and challenging inconsistencies between witness statements made at different points in time.

If you are innocent: Do not confront witnesses, do not attempt to gather evidence independently, and do not tell your side of the story to the police without your theft lawyer present. Statements made to investigators — even truthful ones — can be mischaracterized, taken out of context, or used in unexpected ways. Contact defense counsel immediately and say nothing.

Lack of Knowledge — For some charges, the state must prove you were aware that the property was obtained through theft. We will challenge whether or not you had this knowledge — it's common for people to make purchases without being aware of how the seller got the item.

Consent / Permission — Consent regarding your use of the property is a strong defense in South Gate, 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.

Constitutional Violations — We won't presume that all the evidence collected for your case is legitimate — we'll review everything and look for opportunities to have the evidence against you removed.

Sentencing Alternatives — For many offenders with no prior offenses, California offers sentencing alternatives that can protect you from a conviction. We identify every diversion opportunity available in your specific case.

Contesting 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 challenge inflated or unsupported property valuations, which can dramatically reduce the charges you face.

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

California gives you options to clear your record and get a fresh start. Under California Penal Code § 1203.4, 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 completed all terms of probation, including fines and restitution; not currently be charged with, on probation for, or serving a sentence for any other offense; and — following recent changes in the law — in many cases, must not have served time in state prison (though SB 731 and related reforms have expanded relief options for some state prison cases).

If you were not given probation, there are still options for you — Penal Code § 1203.4a provides another form of conviction relief. Arguably, the best cases are those which were dismissed without any form of conviction. In these cases, instead of expunging the conviction, the arrest record can be sealed.

When you work with a theft lawyer to clear your record, you can look forward to the following perks: Of note, an expunged conviction generally does not need to be disclosed on private employment applications under state law. However, the criminal record isn't entirely thrown away by expungement — 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 South Gate, CA who don't break any other laws after finishing their sentence, if enough time has passed.

Critical Note: Even after typically California expungement proceedings under § 1203.4, your criminal record can still be seen by the police and certain other organizations. If your goal is full sealing, to be able to legally own a gun again, or clearing a prior strike, a more comprehensive post-conviction strategy is required. Consulting with an experienced attorney before pursuing any post-conviction relief is strongly advisable.

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 South Gate, CA

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


What you are charged with is primarily determined by how much whatever was supposedly taken was worth. Property valued at $950 or less results in petty theft charges (usually 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.

Is it possible to expunge a theft conviction in California?


Often, yes. California Penal Code § 1203.4 allows for expungement of misdemeanor and many felony theft convictions after successful completion of probation. This will protect your record, prevent most of the public from being able to access it, and help you get a clean start. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared to help you expunge your record, whatever the circumstances of your conviction.

What should I expect from first-time shoplifting charges in South Gate, CA?


You will usually face misdemeanor charges for a first offense, as long as the amount alleged stolen is less than $950. Many first-time offenders are eligible for diversion programs that can result in a dismissal upon completing community service or a theft prevention course. Working with a criminal defense lawyer can significantly improve your odds of avoiding a conviction and keeping your record clean.

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 sincerely weren't aware and didn't have a reason to suspect it, that can form the basis of your defense. We often use this as a way to protect our clients from accusations. Keep in mind, though, that circumstances like strangely good deal or no documentation of ownership can erode your case, which is why an attorney is essential.

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


Very serious. You can expect your grand theft auto case to be charged as a felony, with increased penalties. If you have any prior convictions, you could be up against increased sentences. Get in touch with one of our theft crimes lawyers as soon as possible 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. A large portion of theft-related offenses — such as grand theft, commercial burglary, receiving stolen property, and forgery — are wobblers. One of the most important things a theft crimes attorney can do is push for misdemeanor treatment of wobbler charges, which dramatically reduces potential consequences.

Will I go to jail for a theft charge?


It depends, but it is not always the case. Many theft cases — especially misdemeanors and first offenses — can be resolved without jail time through diversion programs, probation, community service, or fines. Even felony charges often have options short of state prison. Your lawyer can make a major difference in this regard, and working with an experienced one is essential. Contact us to review what options exist in your case.

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


Unfortunately, yes. California defines burglary as entering a structure with the intent to commit theft or a felony inside. Whether or not you committed theft is irrelevant — 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 central to burglary defense.

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Need a Theft Lawyer in South Gate, CA? Call Our Firm to Defend Your Freedom.

You need a theft crimes lawyer to protect you. It's not about innocence or guilt — it's about getting help navigating the South Gate, CA, legal system. Our lawyers are ready to defend you — no matter when you need us. Call now for a no-obligation consult on your case.

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