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Theft Lawyer Camarillo, CA. Nobody wants to be in a situation where they're facing criminal charges. Theft charges in particular can be complex because of the wide variety of them. It might look like all hope is lost.

Even when all hope seems lost, don't give up yet. You have a team who will defend your freedom: The Law Offices of David S. Chesley. Our legal team has extensive experience defending clients against all manner of theft crime charges. With a Camarillo, CA, theft crimes lawyer from our team on your side, every legal avenue will be explored to protect your rights.

Speak with a theft crimes attorney right away at (800) 755-5174 or send us a message about your case for a private review of your case at no cost. Delays can cost you your freedom, and we're ready to fight for you today.

How a Camarillo, CA, Theft Lawyer Can Help You

Theft crime accusations are always a big deal, regardless of whether or not you're innocent. On your own, you're stuck trying to decipher a complex legal code and make it more likely that you'll face the following:

1. Jail Sentence: Jail time is a common consequence for theft in Camarillo, CA.
2. Fines: Fines are commonly assigned as penalties in theft laws, plus you could lose more money in civil court.
3. Career Setbacks: Background checks can derail job applications, and you can lose access to professional licenses.
4. Damaged Character: Regardless of the facts and circumstances surrounding your case, some people will only look at the conviction.
5. And more.

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

Top Qualities of Our Camarillo, CA Theft Defense Attorneys

Working with our expert Camarillo, CA theft crimes defense lawyers will give you leading legal representation. Here's what you get when you call us — and how it will impact your case:

• Former Prosecutors & Judges — We know exactly how the state builds a theft case because some of our attorneys have done it themselves. We know what weaknesses to exploit.
• Deep Court Relationships — Decades of practice in Camarillo, 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 — We prepare every case as if it's going to trial. This posture often produces better plea negotiations and dismissals — because the prosecution knows we're not bluffing.
• Expungement Services — We don't leave you behind after the verdict. Don't let an arrest or criminal record hold you back — speak with one of our Camarillo, CA, criminal defense attorneys to discuss expungement options.
• Terrific Reputation – well-respected amongst both clients and peers.
• Always Availalbe — Our team is available whenever you need us most. If you need a theft crime attorney, you shouldn't need to wait for regular business hours. And with our team, you don't have to.
• Totally Confidential — Everything you tell us is protected by attorney-client privilege. Speak freely — we need the full story to build the strongest possible defense for you.

Every Theft Charge We Defend in Camarillo, CA

Click any charge below to navigate directly to a full breakdown of the law, penalties, 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 Charges We Fight in Camarillo, CA

Our attorneys know how to fight theft crime cases. Should you need a theft crimes lawyer in Camarillo, CA, don't hesitate: contact us now for a no obligation review of your case.

We cover all of the following types of charges and more:

Petty Theft Charges vs Grand Theft Charges

In Camarillo, CA, many theft accusations fall under one of these two charges: Petty theft and grand theft. Both consist of taking another person's property without permission. The distinguishing factor is how much value was allegedly stolen: For anything $950 or less, the classification will normally be petty theft, while higher values will generally be grand theft.

Defending petty theft allegations often lead to more positive outcomes, in part because they are often misdemeanors. However, defending grand theft charges pose a greater obstacle, because they are frequently charged as felonies. Whichever type of charge you're facing, the right theft crimes lawyer will improve your chances of reaching a positive outcome.

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

Shoplifting — Proposition 47 / Penal Code § 459.5

Shoplifting used to be a type of commercial burglary, rather than its own offense. This changed after California passed Proposition 47 in 2014. A person commits shoplifting when they go into an open store in order to steal $950 or less worth of goods.

While it's still technically possible for shoplifting charges to be felonies, this is not as common as when it was considered a form of burglary. Since Proposition 47, the majority of shoplifting cases are misdemeanors. That said, felony charges can still be applied in certain situations, like an organized shoplifting ring. Regardless of what level of charge you're facing, a local Camarillo, CA theft crimes lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and avoid making mistakes that could have major consequences.

Organized retail theft (multiple defendants or repeat offenses coordinated to steal from retailers) is increasingly prosecuted aggressively by Camarillo, CA, prosecutors following recent state legislation.

Shoplifting Possible Penalties:

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

Defensive strategies consist of: No intention to steal, innocence, 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. Camarillo, CA prosecutors can use this law against you to turn even a small-time theft allegation into a wobbler — meaning that you could be facing years in prison.

To activate this sentencing enhancement, the state must establish: (1) the accused engaged in petty theft; and (2) the accused has a criminal record including at least one of a set list of previous offenses (mostly including theft crimes, but also some sex crimes) — especially if the sentence included incarceration. 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 Camarillo, CA

Whatever Camarillo, 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 its own charge. Grand theft auto comes from a section of California'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. On the other hand, if the defendant did intend to return it, they're more likely to be charged with joyriding. While each of these vehicle crimes are 'wobbler' offenses, joyriding charges are almost always better to face in Camarillo, CA, because they're likely to be charged as misdemeanors, versus grand theft auto felonies.

One final vehicle theft-related charge that some people underestimate is possession of a stolen vehicle. In the same vein as receiving stolen property, you can be convicted even if you didn't take an active part in the theft. Simply owning or keeping the vehicle can result in these charges.

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

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

Despite what popular culture would have you believe, there isn't a specific "grand theft auto" law in California — instead, it is a subset of the general "grand theft" statute, which says that any automobile theft is considered grand theft. This means even stealing a beater worth $200 can result in a grand theft auto charge.

Grand theft auto 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 Camarillo, CA)
• Felony Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
• Misdemeanor Jail: Up to 1 year
• Fines: Up to $10,000

Vehicle Theft — California Vehicle Code § 10851

Vehicle Code § 10851 is commonly charged with or in place of grand theft auto. It covers situations where the alleged offender both did and didn't intend to return the vehicle. This law is relevant any time someone allegedly drives a vehicle without permission.

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

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 Camarillo, CA, making it critical to get an expert vehicle theft crimes lawyer to defend you.

In most circumstances, Camarillo, CA, joyriding cases are handled as misdemeanors. That said, you can still face felony charges. This mostly applies to individuals with a criminal history, but not always.

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.

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

Possible Penalties:

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

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

In Camarillo, CA, the prosecution can charge you with a related crime even if you didn't steal the vehicle. If you are in possession of a automobile that you knew or should have known 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 prosecution must prove were aware that 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 Camarillo, CA

White collar crimes in Camarillo, CA, vary widely in context and action, but each of them have a common trait: misusing professional power for financial gain.

Most white collar crimes center around taking or hiding money in some way. Embezzlement is when one person steals money that they were in charge of, but was not their own. Money laundering 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 occurs when someone gives another person a gift in order to receive a favor, in a way that violates laws or regulations.

Not all white-collar crimes are centered around the exchange of money, though (at least at face value). Forgery is when someone creates a fake document with intentions to use it in a future theft, and identity theft is the taking of someone's personal information. You can face either of these charges without having taken money from the alleged victim.

Embezzlement, Money Laundering, Bribery & More

It's easy to think that white collar accusations aren't taken as seriously as violent crimes in Camarillo, CA, but you'd be wrong. The punishments can be dire — prison sentences, financial penalties, professional license revocation, and permanent stains on your reputation. These cases require attorneys with deep financial and legal sophistication.

White Collar Crimes — Synopsis

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. What unites these offenses is the element of deceit, breach of trust, or abuse of a position for personal benefit. These cases are some of the most complicated in Camarillo, CA, and normally require highly experienced representation to defend.

In contrast to other crime categories (like DUIs, where police may cite you immediately at a checkpoint), state investigators can spend a long time building a case before you are formally accused. Call us now if you have any reason to believe the police are looking into you. Pre-charge representation can sometimes prevent an indictment entirely.

Embezzlement — California Penal Code § 503

Embezzlement occurs when someone who has been entrusted with property fraudulently converts that property for their own use. The key element is the pre-existing lawful access — embezzlers have legitimate control over the money or property they steal.

Hypothetical examples: An accountant siphoning company funds; 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.

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: Financial recompensation, 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 ordinarilly is made up of three steps: placement (adding the dirty money into the legitimate financial system), layering (the dirty money is moved multiple times within the financial system to make it hard to follow), and integration (investing the funds into something legal, or using another method to extract them into seemingly-legitimate assets).

California's money laundering law specifically targets transactions over $5,000 when the alleged offender was aware that the money was dirty. Federal money laundering charges (18 U.S.C. § 1956) can also apply, risking up to two decades of prison time.

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 order to affect the actions of a public official, juror, witness, or business partner. California law criminalizes bribery in many contexts — elected officials, judges, legislators, business executives, witnesses, and even private commercial bribery. Regardless of what form of bribery you've been accused of, a Camarillo, CA, theft crimes lawyer is essential to advise you on how to address these charges.

Important: Both the person offering the bribe and the person accepting it could face charges in Camarillo, 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 disqualification from office
• Federal: Up to 15 years (if federal officials involved)

Forgery — California Penal Code § 470

Camarillo, CA, forgery charges don't directly involve theft, but instead the creation or modification of a document in order to aid with a future fraud attempt. State law is broad and covers bills, money orders, contracts, deeds, wills, court orders, notary public symbols, lottery tickets, and many other types of written instruments.

Critical point: Whether or not you allegedly did something with the forgery is irrelevant. The intent to defraud, combined with the creation or use of the fake document, is enough to be convicted.

Possible Penalties:

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

Identity Theft — California Penal Code § 530.5

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

What if it didn't affect them financially? No financial loss to the victim has to occur for a conviction. Simply taking and using someone'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 particular of your case.

Identity theft accusations are aggressively prosecuted in Camarillo, CA, and increasingly 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 Defend in Camarillo, CA

Fraud is a frequent white collar crime charge in Camarillo, CA, and can be divided into smaller categories of its own. Broadly speaking, a person who commits theft by misrepresenting themselves or a situation so that another person gives away their money voluntarily can be convicted of fraud. Theft by false pretenses is the most ordinary version of fraud.

Insurance fraud is a popular type of fraud in Camarillo, CA, wherein someone lies to an insurance company to collect more money than they are supposed to. As an example, after a car accident, a person who lies about how much damage was caused to get a bigger payout is guilty of insurance fraud.

This is not unlike 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 type of fraud involves dishonesty about the credit card and/or how it was acquired. If the card is counterfeit or expired, but you allegedly try to use it anyways, you can face these charges.

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

Different Kinds of Fraud, False Pretenses & Financial Deception

There are many types of fraud allegations in Camarillo, CA — it could be as little as a seemingly white lie or as major as large an organized insurance fraud ring. 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

Many "fraud" charges in Camarillo fall under California's 'theft by false pretenses' law. This is when one person intentionally deceives another through false statements or misrepresentations, who then freely gives up something of value based on the false information. As opposed to forceful or unknowing theft, theft by false prestenses involves the alleged victim deliberately parting with their goods because of the deception.

Common examples: Lying about being a contest winner; pretending to be a tech support assistant; creating fake invoices; collecting donations for a nonexistent charity.

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

Insurance Fraud — California Penal Code § 550

You can face insurance fraud charges for making untruthful statements in reports to your insurance agency, so that they will provide you with a benefit you are not supposed to receive. If you're facing insurance fraud charges in Camarillo, CA, it's possible that you'll go to prison for several years if convicted. An expert theft crimes lawyer will protect your rights and analyze all the evidence to help you find the best outcome possible

Common 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 double the fraud amount
• Restitution: Give the amount defrauded back to the alleged victim
• Additional: Loss of professional licenses

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

Credit card fraud charges in Camarillo, CA, go beyond credit cards and involve the misuse of financial account access information. This includes using someone else'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 fraudulently 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, especially when accounts are used across state lines or the internet is involved. You're more likely to face harsh penalties from the federal charges, increasing the importance of having a leading theft crimes lawyer who knows the ins and outs of both state and national law.

Possible Penalties (State):

• Charge Type: Wobbler
• Felony Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
• Misdemeanor Jail: Up to 1 year
• Federal Prison: Up to 15 years (federal charges)

Welfare Fraud — California Welfare & Institutions Code § 10980

Charges of welfare fraud in Camarillo, 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; using another person's EBT card; pretending that a child is still a dependent when they are not; not reporting new circumstances that would end benefits eligibility.

These crimes often have special investigation teams that target alleged offenders. If convicted, you could be looking at years in prison and serious financial consequences. A premier Camarillo, CA, theft crimes lawyer can dissect the prosecution's case and find you alternative paths forward.

Possible Penalties:

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

Additional: Loss of future benefit eligibility

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

Hospice fraud accusations in Camarillo, 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 legally receiveMedicare hospice benefits, the recipient must have a projected lifespan of six months or less if their current health conditions progress in a typically expected manner — a threshold that fraudulent providers routinely falsify.

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. These accusations are particularly dangerous because they are often charged in federal court in Camarillo, CA, meaning you're up against very difficult odds.

Critical Note: Even if you have a plan for the criminal charges, don't let your guard down — it's very likely that you'll face a civil lawsuit in conjunction with the criminal charges. 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.

Possible Penalties:

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

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

Medicare fraud 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. 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 Camarillo, 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.

Warning: The Anti-Kickback Statute (42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7b) makes it a federal crime to offer, pay, solicit, or receive anything of value to induce referrals of Medicare-covered services. Violations can arise even when the underlying medical service was legitimately provided. You can be accused of breaking this law whether you gave or received the money.

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, under United States federal law, is when an individual lies to either their insurance agency or the government to receive some kind of benefit related to health care. As opposed to Medicare fraud, these charges can be made whether you allegedly defrauded the government's healthcare programs or a private insurance company.

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 Camarillo, 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.

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, like other health care fraud types, also consists of making false statements to an insurance or government health care entity. The difference is that it describes specific types of healthcare services — such as skilled nursing visits, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and medical social services. In order to be eligible for Medicare benefits, the care recipient 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 Camarillo, CA, are taken very seriously, and you need a theft defense lawyer who's ready to give your case the attention it deserves. Commonly accused individuals include physical therapists, administrative workers, and physicians performing the diagnoses.

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

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 Camarillo, CA

Depending on the circumstances of your case, you could be facing both theft charges and violent crime charges in Camarillo, CA. This can occur if you're charged with robbery. Robbery occurs when one person threatens or attacks someone in order to take something from them. 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 start out as regular burglary, with the alleged offender not intending to commit violence, but that changes when they run into another person.

Extortion is a unique form of theft. When one person commits extortion, they threaten another in order to get something from them. This doesn't always need to include physical violence, but the threat should be to harm the alleged victim in some form or fashion. For example, if a person threatened to attack their manager unless they were given a favorable schedule, that person could be accused of extortion.

Robbery, Extortion & Force-Related Theft

Many theft crimes we outlined above do not involve violence. For charges that do, though, it's common to see much harsher sentencing. These charges are always felonies and often carry strike designations. Immediate Camarillo, 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. All robbery charges in California are felonies.

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

Possible Penalties:

• 1st Degree Prison: 3, 4, or 6 years
• 2nd Degree Prison: 2, 3, or 5 years
• Weapon Use: +3 to 10 years
• Three Strikes: Yes — serious felony

Extortion (Blackmail) — California Penal Code § 518

A person can be convicted of extortion if they coerce someone using threats, rather than force. The goal of extortion is normally to acquire some sort of benefit, either financial or through an action of the victim. While extortion does always involve a threat of some kind, it doesn't need to be personal violence, like with robbery. In many cases, it is instead property damage, or to publicly humiliate someone.

Common examples: Threatening to report someone to immigration authorities unless paid; threatening to damage someone's storefront unless they pay "protection money;" threatening to harm someone's reputation unless granted a professional favor.

Possible Penalties:

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

Burglary Charges We Fight in Camarillo, CA

Burglary technically isn't always a theft crime, but it is closely related. 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 building, like a retail store (which would make it commercial burglary), but not always. For example, if you supposedly smashed a car window to take something from the glovebox, that would fall under burglary of a vehicle.

Regardless of the specifics of your burglary charges, there is always an element of trespassing involved. Due to this, these cases can often hinge on if you were allowed to be in the location or not.

Burglary Related Charges

Shoplifting also involves the theft of items from a store, similar to commercial burglary. Prior to 2014, what is now classified as shoplifting would be considered burglary in California. But after Proposition 47's passing in 2014, shoplifting was reclassified as its own offense. The differences in charges had a major impact for several offenses and penalties. Because it made shoplifting a separate charge from burglary, shoplifting attempts are no longer felonies in Camarillo, 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 breaking a window to in the process of a theft. It's very likely that you'll be charged with both burglarizing and vandalizing a location together in Camarillo, CA, doubling the importance of working with an experienced theft crimes lawyer to protect your rights.

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

Burglary, Home Invasion & Related Charges

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

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

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 while planning to commit a theft or any felony inside. You do not have to actually steal anything. Your motivation for entering the location is what matters.

Residential burglary is always a felony and 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 Camarillo, CA courts are likely to give you a long sentence. Without the right theft crimes defense lawyer, you're fighting an uphill battle

Possible Penalties:

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

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

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. Unlike residential burglary, commercial burglary is a wobbler and can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony.

Commercial burglary is closely related to shoplifting, and used to be the same offense. However, the passage of Proposition 47 in 2014 distinguished the two, and it's possible your theft crimes lawyer will use this to advantage in your case.

Possible Penalties:

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

Burglary of a Vehicle — California Penal Code § 459

Breaking into a car, truck, or other vehicle to steal something inside — or to commit any felony — constitutes vehicle burglary under California law. This charge commonly arises when someone smashes a car window to take items left inside. This could be either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on how the Camarillo, CA prosecutor interprets the circumstances.

Key distinction: Taking something out of an open vehicle, although it would still be stealing, would not qualify for a burglary charge. This is still against the law, but for it to be burglary, the vehicle must have been protected.

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

At the intersection of burglary and violent crimes are home invasion charges. Camarillo, 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 up against home invasion charges, you need the most experienced criminal defense team available, and you need them now.

Potential Penalties:

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

Property & Related Offenses

Receiving Stolen Property, Vandalism & Trespassing

While no criminal theft charges are truly 'simple,' they are made far more complex when they are compounded with related or adjacent charges. You need a Camarillo, CA theft crimes lawyer who is prepared to fight every charge and stand by your side throughout the process.

Receiving Stolen Property — California Penal Code § 496

This charge applies to some people who are indirectly involved in a theft. Under PC § 496, if you buy, receive, conceal, sell, or help conceal property that you know is stolen, you can be convicted — even if you had no role in the original theft.

These cases often hinge on your mental state — namely, whether or not you were (or should have been) aware that the item was stolen. This knowledge element is often where we can mount an effective defense. Buying items at an unusually low price, without receipts, or from unknown sellers, does not prove that you were aware the items were stolen.

Potential Penalties:

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

Vandalism — California Penal Code § 594

Vandalism charges are about more than just graffiti; if Camarillo, 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. In many cases, because thefts often involve entering a location where one is not supposed to be, trespassing is charged alongside other offenses.

Without compounding charges, trespassing is 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. Defenses often hinge on whether permission was given or reasonably believed to exist.

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

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

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

Stealing a gun is extra serious in California — while the usual threshold for stealing something to be considered 'grand theft' is $950, there is no minimum value if the item stolen was a gun. This means the theft of even a low-value firearm will end up with a felony charge. Firearm theft can have long-lasting implications, beyond most other theft offenses — this is because it counts as a strike on your record.

To make things worse, you may also have to fight in federal court. 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 essential to have an attorney with the skills to fight for you at all levels.

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

California law provides special enhanced protections for victims aged 65 or older (and dependent adults). Financial elder abuse (also known as theft from an elder) occurs when someone takes, conceals, appropriates, obtains, or retains money or property from an elder by undue influence, fraud, or other wrongful conduct.

This offense is aggressively prosecuted in Camarillo, CA, and enhanced sentencing applies. Prison sentences can be increased even further if the alleged victim was 70 years or older. In addition to the legal penalties, you could also face a civil suit, and Adult Protective Services involvement can complicate cases further.

Common scenarios: Caregiver overcharging for services; family member using power of attorney to take money; fake contractor promises work but never completes it; fraudulent investment schemes targeting retirees.

Potential Penalties:

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

Looting — California Penal Code § 463

During emergencies, stealing property can be charged as looting. California Penal Code § 463 treats looting as an aggravated form of the underlying theft or burglary offense, with mandatory enhanced penalties.

These charges are often looked upon very negatively in Camarillo, CA. The state will often pursue looting charges beyond what it would have for ordinary burglary or theft offenses. These acts are viewed as particularly heinous, and penalties can be severe. An example might be breaking into someone's home during a riot and grabbing valuables to run away with.

Potential Penalties (Enhanced):

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

Attempted Theft, Attempted Burglary & Attempted Robbery

Even if the supposed burglary or robbery failed, attempted theft charges will still apply. Attempted theft, burglary, or robbery in California needs to include: (1) a mental state of deliberate criminal activity, and (2) a direct, unequivocal act toward committing it — whatever the outcome was.

The general rule is that attempted crimes are punished at half the sentence of the completed 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.

California's Three Strikes law doesn't provide any leeway if someone attempted to commit a crime unsuccessfully — robbery attempts and burglary attempts are still strikes, whether or not they were successful. Our theft crime lawyers will fight against these charges to create reasonable doubt and position us for favorable negotiations.

Regardless of what charge you're facing, when you reach out to our firm, you can connect with an expert theft crimes lawyer in Camarillo, CA, who has the training and experience needed to find a path forward. As a team, we will defend your rights and your freedom.

What to Do if You're Accused of Theft

Being charged with theft can be intimidating. You're up against the Camarillo, CA, prosecutor's office, not everyone will believe your side of the story, and a conviction could derail your life. When you're alone, the odds can seem insurmountable.

But you have another option. When you call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you get premier California legal representation on your case. With one of our Camarillo, CA, theft crimes lawyers on your case, you'll get honest, personalized legal advice on how to achieve the best outcome possible. If you're up against theft crime accusations, here are our recommendations:

1. Comply With the Police

Nobody wants to be arrested. However, don't resist. Respectfully complying with the police officers will make the process go smoother. Resisting can only make things worse.

2. Act Calm and Don't Talk

There's a chance you'll be interviewed or interrogated – invoke your right to remain silent. In fact, don't even talk on the ride to the station. Your answers can later be used as evidence in the case, and if anything you say is untruthful, you can be charged with perjury.

3. Reach Out to a Camarillo, CA, Theft Crimes Defense Attorney Right Away

In California, after you are processed for arrest, you get three phone calls. 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. We are available at (800) 755-5174, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

4. Secure Bail for Release

Before you can leave the jail, you'll probably have to go through a bail hearing. Our theft crimes defense attorneys will fight for your pre-trial release and lower bail requirements. You are innocent until proven guilty, and should enjoy your freedom while your case proceeds.

5. Cooperate With Your Attorney to Make a Personalized Defense

This is perhaps the most important step: building a defense against the charges. A skillful theft crimes lawyer in Camarillo, CA, will listen to your story, negotiate for deals with the state, and argue for charges to be dismissed whenever possible.

Powerful Defense Strategies for Theft Charges

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

Lack of Intent / Claim of Right Defense in Theft Cases

Lack of intent is a common criminal defense strategy, and is particularly applicable in theft cases. In Camarillo, 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.

A related defense is the "claim of right" defense, where someone states that they believed they were allowed to take the property. This applies as long as they honestly believed they were allowed to, even if they were incorrect. If a defendant sincerely believed the property was theirs, owed to them as payment, or that they had permission to take it, this can negate the required criminal intent. The belief does not have to be correct; it only has to be genuine. Additional intent-based defenses consist of: mistake of fact (the defendant took the wrong item believing it to be their own); voluntary intoxication (this does not always apply, but can limit intent in some cases); and absence of permanence (applicable in cases where someone took an item without permission, but also planned to bring it back).

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. May defenses against stealing allegations will incorporate intent to some degree, particularly in cases involving disagreements regarding property ownership, where one person honestly believed they had a right to use property when they didn't.

Using This Defense:

• Grand Theft: Negates specific intent to permanently deprive
• 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, the Camarillo, CA, police department will gather evidence through searches. If searches disobeyed regulations, the evidence can be thrown out and the district attorney may be unable to proceed.

Here are some of the reasons that evidence is thrown out in theft cases: searches conducted without either a warrant or just cause; searches resulting from a warrant that was based on false information; arrests without probable cause resulting in an invalid search incident to arrest; GPS tracking or digital surveillance conducted without appropriate legal authority; and searches that exceeded the limits of a legal warrant. In Camarillo, CA, your defense attorney can file a motion to throw out any evidence the prosecution acquired through improper means — suppression of unlawfully abstained evidence motions can destroy the prosecution's argument, leading to dropped or dismissed charges.

When evidence is suppressed under the exclusionary rule, prosecutors often cannot proceed with charges at all. Even partial suppression — eliminating a single piece of highly damaging evidence — can be the difference between a conviction and acquittal. Suppression motions are fully litigated in Camarillo, CA, courts, and are a standard component of aggressive defense in all property crime cases.

Suppression Scenarios:

• Warrantless Home Entry: Evidence obtained from inside a home is generally suppressible absent an exception
• Vehicle Searches: Require a warrant, permission, or a recognized exception such as probable cause
• Digital Evidence / Cell Phones: Require a warrant under Riley v. California (2014)
• Fruit of the Poisonous Tree: 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 arise from personal disagreements, misidentification by witnesses, mistaken assumptions about ownership, errors in surveillance footage interpretation, or deliberate fabrication by a party with a motive to harm the accused. Even if you're innocent, you're still at risk of going to prison for something you didn't do — aggressive and immediate defense is essential from the moment of accusation.

One of the ways that innocent people are commonly accused in Camarillo, CA is by eyewitnesses mistaking them for the offender. In theft, robbery, and burglary cases, the high intensity of the circumstances can lead to witnesses not remembering details clearly — especially across racial lines, under poor lighting conditions, or when things moved too fast. Even if the witness is sure, they could be mistaken. While this can unfortunately lead to false accusations, the benefit is that it provides several defensive avenues in Camarillo, 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: Stay away from witnesses, do not try to collect evidence yourself, and do not talk to the police without your theft lawyer present. It's easy to say something that seems innocuous but accidentally makes yourself look guilty. Whatever your circumstances, if you're facing theft charges, call our lawyers now for help.

Lack of Knowledge — In some cases, the prosecution must prove you knew the property was stolen. 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. If you had permission to be in a location or to take an item — even if that permission was informal or later disputed — this is a complete defense to theft and burglary charges.

Rights 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.

Diversion Programs — For many offenders with no prior offenses, California offers sentencing alternatives that can result in charges being dismissed after completing community service, restitution, or counseling. If you are eligible, we will explore it as an option to protect your freedom.

Challenging the Value of Property — The difference between petty theft and grand theft — misdemeanor vs. felony — can hinge on the dollar value of what was allegedly stolen. You shouldn't face charges that are disproportionate to the alleged act.

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

A theft conviction does not have to define you for life. Under California Penal Code § 1203.4, certain individuals with theft convictions can ask for their pleas 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, such as paying fines and restitution; not have any pending criminal charges against you; and — following recent changes in the law — in several cases, must not have served time in state prison (though there are some alternate options/exceptions — ask your theft lawyer if any apply in your case).

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

Here are some of the advantages of getting your theft conviction expunged: Of note, you won't have to note any convictions on private job applications. However, expungement does not seal a criminal record from all access — it doesn't allow gun ownership, does not prevent the conviction from being used in subsequent criminal proceedings, and does not affect most professional licensing decisions. Senate Bill 731 (effective July 1, 2023) provides additional expungement assistance for individuals in Camarillo, CA who don't break any other laws after finishing their sentence, if enough time has passed.

Important: Even after typically California expungement proceedings under § 1203.4, your criminal record can still be seen by the police and certain other organizations. If your goal is for the record to be totally inaccessible, restoration of firearm rights, or clearing a prior strike, you'll have to look into other ways to have your record sealed. When you work with an expert theft crimes lawyer, you'll be able to explore other options for protecting yourself.

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: Arrest record sealing where no conviction resulted
• 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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Frequently Asked Questions About Theft Charges in Camarillo, CA

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


How much was allegedly stolen determines the specific theft charge. 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.

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


Often, yes. California law lets you expunge several types of theft convictions (including felonies) from your record after completing probation. If you want to leave the past behind and move on with your life, this can be a major step forward. Our firm offers full expungement services.

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


While this is still serious, you don't need to panic just yet — you will probably only face misdemeanor charges. Frequently, you can participate in a diversionary program instead of serving a jail sentence, and if you are successful, the charges will be dismissed. An attorney 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 didn't know and had no reasonable basis to suspect it, you can build the foundation of your defense upon that fact. Our attorneys challenge the "knowledge" element aggressively in these cases. Keep in mind, though, that 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 Camarillo, CA?


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

What is a "wobbler" offense in California?


The state of California defines several offenses as "wobblers," which can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. The prosecuting attorney makes this call based on the circumstances of the alleged crime. Many theft-related offenses — including grand theft, commercial burglary, receiving stolen property, and forgery — are wobblers. As your theft crimes lawyer, we will argue for misdemeanor charges if you are facing a wobbler, to protect your record and freedom.

Will I go to jail for a theft charge?


Not necessarily. Camarillo, 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. The specifics of your circumstances will play into this, and your attorney will fight for reduced (if not eliminated) jail time. Contact us to understand what options are available to you.

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


Yes. In California, the actions you take after unlawfully entering a location don't determine a burglary charge. Instead, the state defines burglary as going into a building in order to steal something or break a felony law. Whether you actually took anything doesn't matter — the prosecution's goal is to show that you trespassed and had that event. This is why intent evidence — and challenging how it's proven — is central to burglary defense.

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Up Against Theft Charges in Camarillo, CA? Call Our Firm to Defend Your Freedom.

Without a theft crimes lawyer, it's easy to make mistakes that put you at a disadvantage. Our lawyers are equipped to defend you — whenver you need help. Contact us now for a free, confidential case review.

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