Theft Lawyer Victorville, CA. When you are charged with a crime in Victorville, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Theft charges in particular can be complex because of the wide variety of them. It can seem like there's no way out.
Even when all hope seems lost, there is an option who will fight for you: The Law Offices of David S. Chesley. Our team of legal experts has extensive experience defending clients against all manner of theft crime charges. With a Victorville, CA, theft crimes lawyer from our team on your case, you don't have to worry about how you'll handle things alone anymore.
Discuss your case with a theft crimes attorney right away 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 Victorville, CA, Theft Defense Lawyer
You should never take theft allegations lightly, no matter what the specifics are. On your own, you're stuck trying to navigate a complicated legal code and increase your risk of the following penalties:
- Prison Sentence: Victorville, CA, theft convictions can send you to prison, for years in some cases.
- Financial Penalties: Fines are commonly assigned as penalties in theft laws, plus you could lose more money in civil court.
- Loss of Employmnet: Extended stints in jail can prevent you from doing your job, and cause you to lose it.
- Stained Reputation: You can face unfair and unjust labels that get in the way of your moving on with your life.
- And more.
To maximize your chances of replacing these consequences with freedom, you'll need a Victorville, CA theft crimes lawyer on your case. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley . Here's some of what sets us apart:
Why You Should Hire Our Victorville, CA Theft Defense Lawyers
Working with our expert Victorville, CA theft crimes defense lawyers will give you leading legal representation. Here's what you get when you call us — and the difference it will make for your case:
- Former Prosecutors & Judges — We have experience and insights from our time in other areas of the law. We know what weaknesses to exploit.
- Deep Court Relationships — With over 50 years of combined courtroom experience, we have built up relationships with the Victorville, CA prosecutors and judges, which we will use when securing plea deals.
- Prepared to Fight Your Case at Trial — Misdemeanor or felony, we build your defense to be trial-ready. This not only ensures that we're prepared, but also helps us secure more favorable plea deals or get your case dismissed.
- Expungement Services — We don't leave you behind after the verdict. You deserve to move forward with your life, and we can help you do it.
- Terrific Reputation – We deliver results, and are known for doing so.
- 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.
- Totally 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.
Theft Charges We Defend in Victorville, CA
Use the links below to navigate directly to a full breakdown of the law, consequences, and more.
Attempted Burglary | Attempted Robbery | Bribery | Burglary (Residential) | Burglary of a Vehicle | Carjacking | Commercial Burglary | Credit Card Fraud | Elder Financial Abuse | Embezzlement | Extortion | Forgery | Fraud / False Pretenses | Grand Theft | Grand Theft Auto | Grand Theft of a Firearm | Health Care Fraud | Home Health Fraud | Home Invasion Burglary | Hospice Fraud | Identity Theft | Insurance Fraud | Joyriding | Looting | Medicare Fraud | Money Laundering | Perjury | Petty Theft | Petty Theft with a Prior | Possession of Stolen Vehicle | Receiving Stolen Property | Robbery | Shoplifting (PC 459.5) | Theft from an Elder | Trespassing | Vandalism | Vehicle Theft | Welfare Fraud | White Collar Crimes
Theft Cases We Fight in Victorville, CA
With over 50 years of combined legal experience, we have what it takes to protect your rights. If you're looking for a theft crimes lawyer in Victorville, CA, don't hesitate: Reach out right away for a free, confidential consultation.
We cover all of the following types of charges and more:
Petty Theft Charges vs Grand Theft Charges
California breaks down most theft crimes into two categories: Petty theft and grand theft. At a basic level, these are almost the same act: taking someone else's money or items without their consent. The main difference is the amount that was supposedly taken: If it was $950 or less, the classification will ordinarily be petty theft, while any more will generally be grand theft.
Defending petty theft allegations often lead to more positive outcomes, in part because they are often misdemeanors. However, fighting grand theft charges normally is a greater challenge, because it is more likely to be a felony. Whichever type of charge you're facing, it's always important to have a theft crimes lawyer in your corner to minimize the consequences.
Below, we've written a table to summarize the differences between petty theft and grand theft:
| Alleged Violation | Petty Theft | Grand Theft |
|---|---|---|
| Stolen Property Value | $950 or Less | More than $950 |
| Charge Type? | Usually Misdemeanor | Misdemeanor or Felony |
| Misdemeanor Penalties | Up to six months in jail, and up to $1,000 in fines | Up to one year in jail, and up to $1,000 in fines |
| Felony Penalties | Up to three years in prison, and up to $10,000 in fines | Up to three years in prison, and up to $10,000 in fines |
Shoplifting — Proposition 47 / Penal Code § 459.5
Proposition 47 was passed in 2014, defining and setting penalties for shoplifting. Prior to 2014, it was actually considered a form of burglary, instead of a distinct crime. Shoplifting is defined as entering a business during normal business hours with the intent to steal merchandise valued at $950 or less.
While it's still technically possible for shoplifting charges to be felonies, this is not as common as when it was considered a form of burglary. Since 2014, the majority of shoplifting cases are misdemeanors. Keep in mind, though, that repeat offenders, organized retail theft, or amounts over $950 can still result in felony charges. Whether you're up against a felony or misdemeanor charge, a local Victorville, CA theft crimes lawyer can help you maximize your chances of a positive outcome.
Organized retail theft (either a crime ring or repeated instances of shoplifting) is an elevated form of shoplifting that has been a recent focus in California, and is often charged as a felony.
Shoplifting Potential Penalties:
- Jail Time: Up to 6 months
- Fines: Up to $1,000
- Civil Demand: Retailers may send civil demand letters
- Other: Probation, banned from store
Defense options consist of: Theft was unintentional, wrong identity, 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
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. This is one of the most common mechanisms used in Victorville, CA, to increase exposure for repeat offenders, even when the underlying theft involves a modest amount.
To activate this sentencing enhancement, the state must establish: (1) the defendant performed petty theft; and (2) the defendant has at least one prior conviction for theft, robbery, carjacking, burglary, or a similar qualifying offense — particularly where the defendant served time in jail or prison for that prior. 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.
Potential Penalties:
- Charge Type: Wobbler
- Misdemeanor Jail: Up to 1 year in county jail
- Felony Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
- Applicable Priors: Prior theft, burglary, robbery, or carjacking convictions
Vehicle Theft Charges We Fight in Victorville, CA
Whatever Victorville, CA, vehicle theft charge you're facing, we can help you fight it. 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 makes the theft of a vehicle always 'grand theft,' even if it was under $950 in value.
Grand theft auto charges are usually used when the defendant allegedly didn't intend to return the vehicle. If they were only doing to drive it briefly and then bring it back, they're more likely to be charged with joyriding. While each of these vehicle crimes are 'wobbler' offenses, it's almost always better to be charged with joyriding in Victorville, 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". Similar to receiving stolen property, you can be convicted even if you didn't take an active part in the theft. Even just owning or keeping the vehicle can result in these charges.
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, 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 today to start making your case.
Grand Theft Auto — California Penal Code § 487(d)(1)
Grand theft auto is not a standalone California crime — it is a subcategory of grand theft that applies specifically to the theft of any motor vehicle, regardless of its value. The law doesn't even specify if the vehicle needs to be working — stealing a nearly worthless broken down car would still qualify as grand theft.
Grand theft auto and joyriding have a close relationship in Victorville, 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 Victorville, CA)
- Felony Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
- Misdemeanor Jail: Up to 1 year
- Fines: Up to $10,000
Vehicle Theft — California Vehicle Code § 10851
Vehicle Code § 10851 — 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.
Grand theft auto is a more serious offense, but is also harder for prosecutors to secure convictions for. Because of this, they often use § 10851 instead.
Joyriding — California Vehicle Code § 10851
Joyriding is a similar charge to grand theft auto, with one key difference: The alleged offender was going to give the car back. It may not sound like a big deal to borrow a car without permission and bring it back, but a joyriding conviction can be a felony in Victorville, CA, making it critical to get an expert vehicle theft crimes lawyer to defend you.
In most circumstances, Victorville, CA, joyriding cases are handled as misdemeanors. However, prior criminal history or aggravating circumstances can push it to a felony.
| Joyriding | Grand Theft Auto | |
|---|---|---|
| Main Difference | Return the vehicle afterwards | Keep the vehicle forever |
| Normal Charge | Misdemeanor | Felony |
| Misdemeanor Jail | Up to 1 year | — |
| Felony Prison | — | 16 months, 2, or 3 years |
Carjacking — California Penal Code § 215
All vehicle theft crime charges are a big deal, but carjacking in particular is a major one. It is defined as taking a motor vehicle from another person through force or fear — essentially a robbery of a car. Because of the violent element, carjacking is always a felony and is often ineligible for probation.
The impacts of a carjacking conviction are far-reaching, as they include a "strike" on your record. This increases the penalty for future criminal convictions.
Potential Penalties:
- Prison: 3, 5, or 9 years in state prison
- Enhancements: Additional years for weapon use or injury
- Three Strikes: Yes — counts as a strike offense
- Fines: Up to $10,000
Possession of a Stolen Vehicle — California Penal Code § 496d
It may be hard to believe, but you can face vehicle theft related charges without committing theft. If you are in possession of a vehicle that you knew or should have known was stolen, PC § 496d still applies, regardless of your involvement in its theft.
This charge can sneak up on you, especially if you ever have purchased a vehicle outside of formal sales channels. The state must prove you had knowledge the vehicle was stolen — and that's often where your vehicle theft crimes lawyer can challenge the case.
Possible Penalties:
- Charge Type: Wobbler
- Felony Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
- Misdemeanor Jail: Up to 1 year
White Collar Crime Charges We Fight in Victorville, CA
White collar crimes in Victorville, CA, can look very different from each other, but they all share one thing in common: taking advantage of one's position within an organization to benefit oneself, illegally.
Many white collar crimes are non-violent, and even non-physical, forms of theft. 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 can be done by an individual or an operation, and involves attempts to disguise illegal money as money that was legally earned. Meanwhile, bribery doesn't just involve taking money, but instead consists of one person giving another money in exchange for some sort of benefit.
Not all white-collar crimes are centered around the exchange of money, though (at least not directly). Forgery occurs when one person makes a fake document to later use for fraud, and identity theft involves stealing someone's personal information. In both forgery and identity theft cases, you don't need to have stolen someone else's money to be found guilty.
Forgery, Identity Theft, Bribery & More
Despite there being no physical harm involved, white collar charges are treated harshly by the law — incarceration, financial penalties, major career setbacks, and long-lasting reputational damage. These cases require attorneys with deep financial and legal sophistication.
White Collar Crimes — Synopsis
Individual "white collar crimes" can look very different from each other. What unites these offenses is the element of deception, breach of trust, or abuse of a position for personal benefit. Victorville, CA, because of its proximity to major financial and entertainment centers, sees some of California's most complex white collar prosecutions.
White collar cases are often investigated for months or even years before charges are filed. If you believe you are under investigation — or have received a subpoena, a target letter, or a visit from federal agents — call us immediately. In some cases, we can intervene early and prevent charges from even being filed.
Embezzlement — California Penal Code § 503
Embezzlement is when someone legally can use property for certain purposes, but uses it for different ones. The key element is the pre-existing lawful access — alleged embezzlement offenders had honest ways to access the supposedly stolen or misused goods.
Hypothetical examples: A company credit card holder using it for personal purchases; a bookkeeper writing unauthorized checks to themselves; a financial advisor moving client funds to personal accounts; an employee skimming from cash registers; a non-profit director misusing donated funds.
Possible Penalties:
- Under $950: Misdemeanor — up to 6 months jail
- Over $950: Felony — up to 3 years prison
- High Amounts: Enhanced sentences up to 10+ years
- Additional: Financial recompensation, employment restrictions
Money Laundering — California Penal Code § 186.10
Money laundering involves taking money gained from a different crime and disguising it as being honestly earned. It typically is made up of three steps: placement (adding the dirty money into the legitimate financial system), layering (disguising the trail through complex transactions), 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 transactions over $5,000 conducted with knowledge that the money was obtained through criminal activity. You could also face federal money laundering charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1956, which tends to have much harsher penalties.
Possible Penalties (State):
- Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
- Fines: Up to $250,000 or twice the amount laundered
- Federal Add-On: Up to 20 years federal prison
Bribery — California Penal Code § 67–68 / § 92
Bribery involves offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting something of value in exchange for influencing the actions of people in certain positions of power. California law criminalizes bribery in many contexts — elected officials, judges, legislators, business executives, witnesses, and even private commercial bribery. Regardless of what position you're in, a Victorville, CA, theft crimes lawyer is essential to protect you from the prosecution.
Important: Whether you offered or accepted a bribe, you could face charges in Victorville, CA. Attempted bribery charges are even possible, if one person tries to bribe another, and the second person refuses it.
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
Victorville, 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, stock certificates, deeds, wills, warrants, notary public symbols, lottery tickets, and many other types of written instruments.
Who can face forgery charges? The forgery charges are independent of any related fraud charges, so anyone can be charged even if they didn't use the forged item. Just the plan to commit fraud, combined with the creation or use of the false 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 Victorville, CA if you use someone else's personal information without permission for any unlawful purpose, such as obtaining credit, goods, services, or medical information.
Important factor: You can be found guilty even if the alleged victim didn't lose any money. Just obtaining and using someone else's information without authorization is enough to warrant a crime under California statute § 530.5. This makes it critical to hire an expert theft crimes lawyer regardless of the specifics of your situation.
Identity theft accusations are aggressively prosecuted in Victorville, CA, and often involve federal charges if the internet was involved, or the supposed victim and alleged offender were in different states.
Possible Penalties:
- Charge Type: Wobbler
- Felony Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
- Per Victim: Charges can stack — one count per victim
- Federal: Up to 15–30 years (aggravated cases)
Fraud Charges We Fight in Victorville, CA
Fraud is one of the most common white collar crimes in Victorville, CA, and it has several subcategories. Generally speaking, a person who commits theft by lying about something so that another person gives away their money voluntarily can be charged with fraud. Theft by false pretenses is is one of the more common version of fraud.
Insurance fraud is one of the most common types of fraud. It involves lying to an insurance company to collect more money than they are supposed to. For example, a person who intentionally burns down their house then tells the insurance company that it was an accident can be charged with insurance fraud.
This is not unlike welfare fraud, where someone takes advantage of government assistance programs by providing false information to them. An example of this would be claiming a child as a dependent to receive financial support, when the child has in fact moved out.
Another notable 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 Victorville, CA theft crimes lawyer, you have someone who can help you navigate through the complexity.
Different Kinds of Fraud, False Pretenses & Financial Deception
You could face accusations of fraud in Victorville, CA, for a wide variety of actions — from simple misrepresentations to elaborate financial schemes. 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 Victorville. These allegations are used when one person lies to someone else, who then freely gives up something of value based on the false information. Theft by false pretenses is distinct because the supposed victim intentionally parts with their valuables, as opposed to robbery, where they are taken by force.
Common examples: Lying about being a contest winner; pretending to be a tech support assistant; creating fake invoices; collecting donations for a nonexistent charity.
If you're facing theft by false pretenses charges, it could be either a misdemeanor or a felony. The level 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 Victorville, CA, it's possible that you'll go to prison for several years if convicted. An experienced 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; deliberately damaging your property for a payout; fabricating injuries; double billing for a health service.
Possible Penalties:
- Felony Prison Sentence: 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: Career and job restrictions/penalties
Credit Card Fraud — California Penal Code § 484e–484j
Credit card fraud charges in Victorville, CA, go beyond credit cards and involve the misuse of financial account access information. This includes using another person's card without permission, using a fake card or one acquired by theft, using an account number without physical possession of the card, or illegally taking or selling card account information.
Regarding federal charges: You are likely to face both federal and state charges, especially when cards are used across state lines or the internet is involved. Your theft crimes lawyer needs to have experience fighting fraud charges in both state and federal court.
Possible Penalties (State):
- Charge Type: Wobbler
- Felony Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
- Misdemeanor Jail: Up to 1 year
- Federal Prison: Up to 15 years (federal charges)
Welfare Fraud — California Welfare & Institutions Code § 10980
A person commits welfare fraud if they lie about or misrepresent themselves in order to get access to benefits from the government, such as food stamps or medical benefits.
Common examples: Failing to report income; misrepresenting household composition; Trading or selling food stamps; 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 leading Victorville, CA, theft crimes lawyer can push back against the prosecution's case and boost your chances of a positive outcome.
Possible Penalties:
- Under $950 (commonly): Misdemeanor — up to 6 months jail
- Over $950: Felony — up to 3 years prison
- Repayment: Full restitution to the government
Additional: Loss of future benefit eligibility
Hospice Fraud — 18 U.S.C. § 1347 / California Penal Code § 550
Hospice fraud accusations in Victorville, 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 — it's common for the prosecution to allege that the patient's condition did not meet this criteria in these cases.
While highly unfortunate, hospice fraud allegations can arise from misunderstandings on the part of the patient's family. Grieving family members can erroneously blame health care professionals who were dedicated to helping their patients. And as if it weren't bad enough going up against the Victorville, CA, government, you're likely to face federal charges and accusations from federal investigators.
Warning: If you've been accused of hospice fraud in criminal court, you can expect a civil suit to follow. 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. Providers are often unaware that an investigation is underway until a search warrant is executed.
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)
- Extra: Exclusion from Medicare/Medi-Cal programs; license revocation
Medicare Fraud — 18 U.S.C. § 1347 / 42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7b
Medicare fraud allegations go beyond that of a typical theft. As the name would suggest, these are accusations that someone took undeserved benefits from the government's Medicare program. Because Medicare is a federal program, these charges are almost exclusively prosecuted at the federal level — typically by the U.S. Attorney's Office with support from the FBI, HHS Office of Inspector General, and the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which maintains an active presence in Victorville, CA.
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.
Warning: The United States also has a law (the Anti-Kickback Statute – 42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7b) which makes it a form of Medicare fraud to offer payment for Medicare-related referrals. Both the person paying and the person receiving a kickback can face prosecution.
Potential Penalties:
- Federal Prison: Up to 10 years per count (up to 20 if serious bodily injury results)
- Anti-Kickback Violations: Up to 10 years per violation
- Civil FCA Liability: Treble damages plus civil monetary penalties per claim
- Additional: Ineligibility for all federal health care programs
Health Care Fraud — 18 U.S.C. § 1347 / California Penal Code § 550
Health care fraud charges are normally related to a person providing false information on an insurance form, in order to receive an undeserved payout. 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 targets false or misleading statements made in connection with insurance claims, including the submission of multiple claims for a single loss and the preparation of false medical reports. Without an expert Victorville, 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 workers, and clerks 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, at a fundamental level, it involves the same alleged act (lying in order to receive health care benefits). This one in particular is related to in-home health services — including skilled nursing visits, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and home health aide services. In order to be eligible for Medicare reimbursement, the care recipient must be homebound and require skilled care. Because of the particulars of the definition, these cases can vary wildly from one another.
Common schemes include: billing for visits to patients who are not homebound and do not qualify; billing for services that were never provided; falsifying physician orders and certifications to manufacture eligibility; paying illegal kickbacks to recruiters, physicians, or patient cappers for referrals; and billing therapy services at inflated frequency levels unsupported by clinical documentation. Home health fraud charges in Victorville, 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: The United States' Stark Law makes it a crime for a doctor to refer a medicare patient to a home health company, if the doctor makes money from that company. Outside of the criminal case, you can face fines, need to pay restitution, and be excluded from Medicare — and a Stark Law violation does not require proof of intent.
Potential Penalties:
- Federal Prison: Up to 10 years per count
- Anti-Kickback Violations: Up to 10 years per violation
- Civil FCA Liability: Treble damages plus penalties per false claim
- Administrative: Exclusion from Medicare/Medi-Cal; agency decertification
Violent Theft Charges We Defend in Victorville, CA
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you could be facing both theft charges and violent crime charges in Victorville, CA. This can occur if you're charged with robbery. A person commits robbery when they take something directly from another person by force. As opposed to burglary, the alleged theft occurred away from the alleged victim. Carjacking is to grand theft auto what robbery is to burglary.
However, some thefts which did not start out violent can end up involving violence. Home invasion charges can take place when a person allegedly breaks into a location to commit a burglary, but finds people inside and threatens them with violence.
Extortion is a unique form of theft. When one person commits extortion, they threaten another in order to get something from them. The alleged offender doesn't necessarily need to threaten physical violence, but the threat should be to harm the alleged victim in some form or fashion. For example, if one person had a compromising photo of another and threatened to release it if not given money, that would be extortion.
Robbery, Extortion & Force-Related Theft
If you allegedly threatened or attacked someone in the course of committing theft, your case is even more serious. These charges are always felonies and often carry strike designations. Immediate Victorville, CA, legal counsel is non-negotiable.
Robbery — California Penal Code § 211
Robbery is a violent form of theft that involves either threatening or assaulting someone in order to take their belongings. All robbery charges in California are felonies.
Your robbery charge in Victorville, CA, could either be first-degree or second-degree. These are differentiated based on the location and the alleged victim. First-degree robbery is charged in cases where the alleged robbery occurred in someone's dwelling place, against the passenger or driver of a taxi/rideshare vehicle, or while the supposed victim was at an ATM.
Possible Penalties:
- 1st Degree Prison: 3, 4, or 6 years
- 2nd Degree Prison: 2, 3, or 5 years
- Weapon Use: +3 to 10 years
- Three Strikes: Yes — serious felony
Extortion (Blackmail) — California Penal Code § 518
Extortion occurs when someone threatens another person — with violence, property damage, accusation of a crime, or exposure of damaging information — in order to obtain money, property, or an official act. Not every extortion case involves threats of violence; several involve threats to harm someone's reputation instead.
Common examples: Threatening to report someone for a crime unless paid; threatening to release private photos unless money is provided; threatening to harm someone's reputation unless granted a professional favor.
Potential Penalties:
- Charge Type: Felony
- Prison: 2, 3, or 4 years
- Fines: Up to $10,000
Burglary Charges We Fight in Victorville, CA
Burglary is often charged along with theft in Victorville, CA. In California, you can be charged with this crime if you break into a site to either commit theft or commit another crime. This is commonly a structure, like a retail store (in which case it would be commercial burglary), but not always. For example, if you supposedly smashed a car window to steal a wallet sitting on the seat, that would be considered burglary of a vehicle.
No matter what kind of burglary you're charged with, there is always an element of trespassing involved. Due to this, what you were allegedly planning to do in a location can be just as important as how you got access to it.
Burglary Related Charges
Shoplifting also involves the theft of items from a store, similar to commercial burglary. Prior to 2014, what is now classified as shoplifting would be considered burglary in California. However, as we discussed above a new law Proposition 47 (officially the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act), a ballot initiative passed by California voters on November 4, 2014 that distinguishes shoplifting as specifically attempting to steal merchandise from a business during regular business hours. The differences in charges had a major impact for several offenses and penalties. Because it made shoplifting a separate charge from burglary, shoplifting attempts are no longer felonies in Victorville, 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 order to steal from the building. It's common to face burglary and vandalism charges together in Victorville, CA, doubling the importance of working with an expert theft crimes lawyer to defend you.
Finally, there is a theft charge you can be accused of in Victorville, CA, even if you didn't steal something. How can this be? Receiving stolen property charges. If you allegedly buy or take something that you know is stolen, or help the person who stole it hide the property, you can face these charges.
Burglary, Home Invasion & Related Charges
California burglary law is broader than most people realize — 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
The different degrees of burglary depend on the location of the alleged crime. You can be convicted of first-degree burglary if you break into someone's residence for the purpose of committing a theft or any felony inside. You do not have to actually steal anything. The reason that you went there is the key to burglary charges.
Residential burglary is always a felony and will add a strike to your record upon a conviction. Outside of violent crimes, first-degree burglary is one of the worst theft charges you can face in California, and Victorville, 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 Sentence: 2, 4, or 6 years in state prison
- Three Strikes: Yes — serious felony strike
- Probation: Generally not an option for first-degree
- Fines: Up to $10,000
Commercial Burglary (Second Degree) — California Penal Code § 459
Although less serious than first-degree burglary, second-degree burglary (AKA commercial burglary) charges are still not to be taken lightly. 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. Unlike residential burglary, vehicle burglary is a wobbler.
Common misconception: Taking something out of an open vehicle, although it would still be stealing, would not qualify for a burglary charge. This would still likely be prosecuted as theft, but for it to be burglary, the vehicle must have been protected.
Home Invasion Burglary With Violence — California Penal Code § 459 / § 211
A home invasion occurs when someone commits burglary of a residential structure while the occupants are present, often involving threats or violence. This is treated as one of the gravest offenses in the California penal code, and prosecutors pursue maximum penalties. If you're up against these charges, it's not good enough to settle for second-best — you need a leading theft crimes lawyer on your side.
While it's possible to be charged with home invasion on its own, it's rare — more often, they'll be accompanied with additional theft and/or violence charges. If you are fighting home invasion charges, you need defense attorneys that can give you top-quality service, 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. You need a Victorville, 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
While theft-related, receiving stolen property cases are their own challenge. 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 receipts, or from unknown sellers, does not automatically mean you had knowledge of theft.
Potential Penalties:
- Charge Type: Wobbler
- Felony Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
- Misdemeanor Jail: Up to 1 year
Vandalism — California Penal Code § 594
Vandalism charges are about more than just graffiti; if Victorville, CA, you can be accused of vandalism for damaging someone else's property. This relates to theft if you allegedly caused property damage in the process of stealing something (for example, kicking in the door).
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.
Possible Penalties:
- Under $400: Misdemeanor — up to 1 year jail
- Over $400: Wobbler — up to 3 years prison
- Restitution: Full repair/replacement cost to victim
- Other Common Penalties: Graffiti cleanup, community service
Trespassing — California Penal Code § 602
Trespassing involves entering or remaining on another person's property without permission. Tresspassing is often charged alongside burglary, because the latter also involves entering a location without permission.
Without compounding charges, trespassing is ordinarilly charged as a misdemeanor or infraction. However, when combined with other charges (particularly burglary), the trespassing element can be used to establish elements of more serious offenses. 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 is making a false statement under oath, knowing it is false, in a legal proceeding or official document. While not a theft crime per se, perjury frequently arises in theft cases — for example, making false statements to police, lying in a court declaration, or providing false testimony at trial.
Do not make this mistake: You don't want to dig a deeper hole for yourself — if you're in a situation where you don't want to give an honest answer, just stay silent and ask for your theft crimes lawyer to help you out.
Possible Penalties:
- Charge Type: Felony
- Prison: 2, 3, or 4 years state prison
Specialized & Enhanced Charges
Elder Theft, Firearm Theft, Looting & Attempted Crimes
Sometimes, two very similar theft offenses can receive very different charges. This can hinge on details such as what was allegedly stolen and/or who the alleged victim was.
Grand Theft of a Firearm — California Penal Code § 487(d)(2)
California law treats firearms very seriously, restricting their availability and usage. Regarding theft, current statutes regarding firearm theft ignore the value of the device and always make it grand theft. Because of this the theft of even a nearly worthless firearm will end up with a felony charge. On top of that, a grand theft of a firearm felony can count for a strike on your criminal record if convicted.
As if fighting the charges in your local Victorville, CA court weren't bad enough, you could also find yourself up against federal charges. The combination of state and federal exposure makes this one of the most legally complex theft charges you can face. And it's even more important to find an attorney with the skills to fight for you at all levels.
Possible Penalties:
- Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
- Strike: Serious felony — potential strike offense
- Federal: Additional federal charges possible
Theft from an Elder / Financial Elder Abuse — Welfare & Institutions Code § 15610.30
If the alleged victim was 65 or older, you might be up against elevated penalties. Financial elder abuse (also known as theft from an elder) is similar to embezzlement, in that it's possible the alleged offender had legitimate access to the property. If someone either misused the property or manipulated an elderly person to give it to them, that would violate this law.
This offense is aggressively prosecuted in Victorville, 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 only makes things more complex.
Common scenarios: Lenders pressuring the elderly to take bad loans; family member doesn't provide an agreed upon level of care; fake contractor promises work but never completes it; fraudulent investment schemes targeting retirees.
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.
These charges are often looked upon very negatively in Victorville, CA. The state will often pursue looting charges beyond what it would have for ordinary burglary or theft offenses. During declared states of emergency, prosecutors seek the harshest available penalties, and courts are generally unsympathetic. An example might be breaking into someone's home during a riot and grabbing valuables to run away with.
Potential Penalties (Enhanced):
- Petty Theft → Looting: Misdemeanor with mandatory jail (no OR release)
- Commercial Burglary → Looting: Felony — 16 months to 3 years
- Residential Burglary → Looting: Felony — 2 to 6 years
- Bail: Often denied or set very high during emergency periods
Attempted Theft, Attempted Burglary & Attempted Robbery
Even if the supposed burglary or robbery failed, attempted theft charges will still apply. An attempt requires: (1) a mental state of deliberate criminal activity, and (2) some form of action that furthers the criminal ends — even if the attempt failed or was interrupted.
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.
No matter what you've been accused of, when you call our firm, you can talk to an expert theft crimes lawyer in Victorville, CA, who has the training and experience needed to find a path forward. As a team, 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. The Victorville, CA, government is after you, you could be facing major legal consequences, and you need to defend your reputation as well as your innocence. Without help, the odds can seem insurmountable.
But you have another option. When you call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you get premier California legal representation on your case. When you work with us, you will get a Victorville, 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
While it's reasonable to feel angry about being arrested, don't resist. If you act civilly, it will make things go faster and easier. Fighting back can only make things worse.
2. Keep Calm and Stay Silent
You may be questioned by the police – invoke your right to remain silent. Simply say "I decline to answer any questions and am invoking my right to an attorney." Anything you say can be used as evidence against you, and you say something untruthful, you can be accused of perjury.
3. Reach Out to a Victorville, CA, Theft Crimes Defense Attorney Right Away
In California, people who have been arrested are given three phone calls. Be sure to contact a theft crimes lawyer with one of your calls. The sooner you hire an expert to help with your case, the better your chances are for a positive outcome. 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 fight for your pre-trial release and lower bail requirements. We believe that protecting your freedom now is a part of protecting it for the long term.
5. Cooperate With Your Attorney to Create a Defense Strategy
This is perhaps the most important step: building a defense against the charges. An expert theft crimes lawyer in Victorville, CA, will take the time to listen to you, negotiate for deals with the state, and fight for charges to be dismissed whenever possible.
How Our Theft Lawyers Fight Against These Charges
Every theft case is different — and every defense strategy needs to be tailored to the specific details, evidence, and accusations. Below, you can read about some of the popular ways we will fight theft cases in Victorville, 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. In Victorville, CA, intent to commit theft specifically requires someone to plan to permanently take someone else's property away. 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 accused took something that they thought was theirs); 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 principle: This is a major hurdle for the prosecution in any theft case. Challenging the intent element is not simply a fallback strategy. 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.
Defense Application:
- Grand Theft: Charges may not apply if there was no intention to keep the allegedly stolen item
- Embezzlement: Challenges the fraudulent conversion element
- Fraud / False Pretenses: Can apply when the defendant didn't know that what they were saying was false
- Receiving Stolen Property: Challenges knowledge that property was stolen
Illegal Search & Seizure in Theft/Burglary Cases
If police searched your car, home, or person without a valid warrant or legal justification, you may have been the victim of an illegal search and/or seizure. In many criminal cases, critical evidence — stolen property, alleged tools of the crime, communications, financial records — is frequently obtained through police searches. If the authorities disobeyed regulations, the evidence can be thrown out and the prosecution 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 conducted under a warrant obtained through false or misleading information in the supporting affidavit; arrests without probable cause resulting in an invalid search incident to arrest; GPS tracking or digital surveillance conducted without getting proper approval; and searches that exceeded the limits of a legally obtained warrant. In Victorville, 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.
If this applies to your case, it can be a major win for your defense. Even partial suppression — eliminating a single piece of highly damaging evidence — can make a big difference. Suppression motions are fully litigated in Victorville, CA, courts, and are an essential tool for the defense when facing theft charges.
Suppression Scenarios:
- Warrantless Home Entry: Evidence obtained from inside a home is generally suppressible absent an exception
- Vehicle Searches: Require a warrant, valid consent, or a recognized exception such as probable cause
- Digital Evidence / Cell Phones: Require a warrant under Riley v. California (2014)
- Fruit of the Poisonous Tree: If illegally obtained evidence leads to future evidence that was legally obtained, it's possible that all of it can be thrown out
False Accusation / Misidentification
The Victorville, CA, investigators and prosecution aren't perfect: Sometimes, they get the wrong guy. False accusations can stem from personal disputes, witnesses mistaking the defendant for someone else, mistaken assumptions about ownership, ambiguous surveillance footage, or false accusations coming from a person who wants to cause you harm. Being wrongly accused does not mean the charges will not proceed — without a strong defensive strategy, you're gambling with your freedom.
One of the ways that innocent people are commonly accused in Victorville, CA is by eyewitnesses mistaking them for the offender. In theft, robbery, and burglary cases, witnesses under stress frequently misidentify suspects — most notably across racial lines, if they didn't have a clear sightline, or when things moved too fast. 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 Victorville, CA, court.
Defense strategies in false accusation cases include: showing that the defendant was elsewhere at the time of the crime; challenging the reliability of the identification procedure used by law enforcement (photo arrays, live lineups, show-ups); exposing bias or motive on the part the person making the allegations; 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 talk to the police without your theft crimes lawyer present. It's easy to say something that seems innocuous but accidentally makes yourself look guilty. Contact defense counsel immediately and say nothing.
Lack of Knowledge — For receiving stolen property and possession of a stolen vehicle, the prosecution must prove you knew 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 is the defining feature behind many theft charges; if you didn't have permission to use take an item, you could be found guilty. In cases where the alleged offender did take the object or enter the property, but had the right to do so, this can be a highly effective defense.
Rights Violations — Beyond the 4th amendment, we will thoroughly review your case to see if the state violated your rights in the course of the investigation. If they did, we will argue for the evidence to be thrown out and/or for the case to be dismissed.
Sentencing Alternatives — In many cases with offenders without a record, California offers sentencing alternatives that can protect you from a conviction. We identify every diversion opportunity available in your specific case.
Challenging 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
A theft conviction does not have to define you for life. Under California Penal Code § 1203.4, individuals who have successfully completed probation for a misdemeanor or felony theft conviction may petition the court to dismiss the charges and withdraw their guilty or no contest plea — a process commonly called an expungement. 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 have any pending criminal charges against you; 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).
In cases where probation was not granted, a petition under Penal Code § 1203.4a may provide relief after one year has elapsed since conviction. For those whose cases were dismissed without conviction, a separate petition under Penal Code § 851.91 may be available to seal the underlying arrest record entirely.
Expungement under § 1203.4 carries meaningful practical benefits: In particular, 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 does not restore firearm rights, doesn't prevent the conviction from impacting future cases, and doesn't restore health care or other professional licenses. Senate Bill 731 (effective July 1, 2023) provides additional expungement assistance for individuals in Victorville, 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 the total removal of the record, to be able to legally own a gun again, or clearing a prior strike, you will need a different method of expungement. Consulting with an experienced attorney before pursuing any post-conviction relief is strongly advisable.
Relief Options:
- PC § 1203.4: Charges dismissed after successful probation completion
- PC § 1203.4a: Relief for misdemeanors without probation (available 1 year after the conviction)
- PC § 851.91: Seal records of arrests which did not end in a conviction
- SB 731 (2023): Automatic relief for qualifying non-violent felony convictions
- Limitations: Does not restore firearm rights or remove record from law enforcement databases
Frequently Asked Questions About Theft Charges in Victorville, CA
Is there a difference between petty theft and grand theft in Victorville, California?
The primary distinction is the value of the property allegedly taken. Petty theft misdemeanors are typical for anything $950 and below. Property valued above $950 — or involving specific categories like firearms or vehicles — is grand theft (a wobbler that can be a misdemeanor or felony). Your theft crimes lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared to defend you against either theft charge.
Does California allow me to expunge my record from a theft crime?
Frequently, yes. California law lets you expunge several types of theft convictions (including felonies) from your record after completing probation. This will protect your record, prevent most of the public from being able to access it, and help you get a clean start. 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 Victorville, 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. An attorney can make a major difference and help you with 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 didn't have a reason to suspect it, that is a strong defense. We often use this as a way to protect our clients from accusations. However, circumstances like an unusually low price or no documentation of ownership can be used against you, making it imperative that you hire a skillful theft crimes lawyer.
How serious is a grand theft auto charge in Victorville, 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 are at risk of harsher penalties. 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 — including grand theft, commercial burglary, receiving stolen property, and forgery — are wobblers. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we take these charges seriously and will argue for misdemeanor options.
Will I go to jail for a theft charge?
It depends, but it is not always the case. Victorville, CA courts have sentencing alternatives that will give you an alternative to incarceration, particularly for misdemeanors and first-time offenders. 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. Call 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 doesn't matter — the prosecution's goal is to show that you trespassed and had that event. This is why intent evidence — and how it's presented — is central to burglary defense.
Accused of Theft in Victorville, CA? Contact Our Team to Protect Your Rights.
Every theft allegation is a big deal. Our lawyers are ready to defend you — no matter when you need us. You can call our attorneys today to start building your defense.
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