Theft Lawyer Cerritos, CA. Being arrested for theft is just the beginning . It's easy to feel lost when you're up against theft charges. It can seem like there's no way out.
Even when you're up against the toughest battle of your life, you have a path forward: The Law Offices of David S. Chesley. Our team of legal experts has the tools and training to fight against any theft and related charges. With a Cerritos, CA, theft crimes lawyer from our team defending your freedom, you'll have someone by your side from day one until you get justice.
Speak with a lawyer today at (800) 755-5174 or send us a note online for a private review of your case at no cost. Waiting too long to reach out can cost you everything.
The Importance of a Theft Lawyer in Cerritos, CA
Theft charges need to be treated seriously, no matter what the specifics are. If you don't have an attorney, you're stuck trying to navigate a complex legal code and potentially set yourself up for the below consequences:
- Jail Sentence: Cerritos, CA, theft convictions can send you to prison, for years in some cases.
- Financial Penalties: On top of paying back the value of whatever was stolen, fines can give you a serious financial burden.
- Career Setbacks: Background checks can derail job applications, and you can lose access to professional licenses.
- Stained Reputation: Even if you make it past everything else, the reputation as a "criminal" can stick with you.
- And more.
If you want to avoid all of this, you need a distinguished Cerritos, CA, theft crimes lawyer. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley . Look at what makes us the right attorneys for the job:
Why You Should Hire Our Cerritos, CA Theft Defense Lawyers
Not every criminal defense firm is created equal. Here's what you get when you call us — and the difference it will make for your case:
- Former District Attorneys & Judges — We have experience and insights from our time in other areas of the law. We use that inside knowledge to dismantle the prosecution's strategy.
- Extensive Court Relationships — Decades of practice in Cerritos, 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 — No matter what the charge is, we prepare as if for a trial. Even if your case doesn't end up in trial, this gives us more leverage for negotiations.
- 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 Cerritos, CA, criminal defense attorneys to discuss expungement options.
- Superb Reputation – We are renowned professionally and by clients.
- Available 24/7 — We know that arrests don't happen on a schedule. If you need help or an update, you can get a hold of us, whenever it is.
- Completely 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 Cerritos, CA
Click any charge 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
Major Cerritos, CA, Theft Crimes We Defend Against
With over 50 years of combined legal experience, we have what it takes to protect your rights. Should you need a theft crimes lawyer in Cerritos, CA, act fast: Reach out now for a no obligation review of your case.
Our lawyers can help you fight all of the following allegations:
Petty Theft Charges vs Grand Theft Charges
California breaks down most theft crimes into two categories: Petty theft and grand theft. You can face these charges for taking someone's possessions without their consent. The main difference is the amount that was supposedly taken: For values $950 and under, the classification will generally be petty theft, while any more will typically be grand theft.
Defending petty theft charges is usually easier because the potential penalties are less severe (it's normally charged as a misdemeanor). However, fighting grand theft charges is usually more challenging because it is more frequently charged as a felony. In either case, the right theft crimes lawyer will improve your chances of reaching a positive outcome.
Here's a breakdown of what distinguishes petty and grand theft:
| Alleged Crime | 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
Following the passage of Proposition 47 in 2014, shoplifting became its own distinct offense separate from commercial burglary. Shoplifting is defined as entering a business during normal business hours with the intent to steal merchandise valued at $950 or less.
Before Prop 47, what we now call "shoplifting" was prosecuted as burglary — a felony. Since Proposition 47, most shoplifting charges are misdemeanors. That said, felony charges can still be applied in certain situations, like an organized shoplifting ring. Whether you're up against a felony or misdemeanor charge, a local Cerritos, 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) has been a target of recent California laws, and is prosecuted harshly in Cerritos, CA.
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 are: 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. This is one of the most common mechanisms used in Cerritos, CA, to increase exposure for repeat offenders, even when the underlying theft involves a modest amount.
To charge PC § 666, the prosecution must establish: (1) the accused engaged in petty theft; and (2) the defendant has a criminal record including at least one of a set list of previous offenses (mostly including theft crimes, but also some sex crimes) — especially if the sentence included incarceration. Proposition 47 (2014) significantly narrowed the statute's reach, but did not eliminate it. 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 Cerritos, CA
Whatever Cerritos, 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 technically not its own charge. Grand theft auto is a smaller part of California's 'grand theft' law, which universally characterizes stealing a vehicle as 'grand theft', even if it wasn't worth more than $950.
Grand theft auto charges are usually used when the defendant allegedly didn't intend to return the vehicle. If the alleged offender wasn't going to keep it, they're more likely to be charged with joyriding. While grand theft auto and joyriding are both 'wobbler' offenses, joyriding charges are almost always better to face in Cerritos, CA, because they're likely to be charged as misdemeanors, versus grand theft auto felonies.
If you're caught in possession of a stolen vehicle, you can face criminal charges for that, too. Just like receiving stolen property, you don't have to have actually stolen anything to be convicted of this crime. Simply owning or keeping the car or truck is enough for a conviction.
When you work with us, you'll partner with a vehicle theft crimes lawyer who has the experience necessary to combat these charges and dissect the state's case. Contact us now to start making your case.
Grand Theft Auto — California Penal Code § 487(d)(1)
Grand theft auto is not a standalone California crime — all automobile thefts fall under the umbrella of "grand theft" in the state. The law doesn't even specify if the vehicle needs to be working — stealing a nearly worthless broken down car would still qualify as grand theft.
Grand theft auto 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 Cerritos, CA)
- Felony Prison Sentence: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
- Misdemeanor Jail Sentence: Up to 1 year
- Fines: Up to $10,000
Vehicle Theft — California Vehicle Code § 10851
Vehicle Code § 10851 is commonly charged with or in place of grand theft auto. This is because § 10851 applies whether or not the alleged offender was going to return the automobile. This law is relevant any time someone allegedly drives a vehicle without permission.
This is one of the most broadly written vehicle theft statutes in California, and prosecutors use it frequently because it's easier to prove than grand theft auto.
Joyriding — California Vehicle Code § 10851
Joyriding is a similar charge to grand theft auto, with one key difference: The alleged offender was going to give the car back. Even though it's not normally as bad as grand theft auto, it can still be charged as a felony. To protect your freedom, you need an experienced Cerritos, CA, vehicle theft crimes lawyer to build you a solid defense.
It's typical for joyriding to be treated as a misdemeanor in Cerritos, CA. However, you can still face felony charges. This mostly applies to individuals with a criminal history, but not always.
| Joyriding | Grand Theft Auto | |
|---|---|---|
| Key Distinction | Temporarily deprive | Permenantly deprive |
| Normal Charge | Misdemeanor | Felony |
| Misdemeanor Jail | Up to 1 year | — |
| Felony Prison | — | 16 months, 2, or 3 years |
Carjacking — California Penal Code § 215
Carjacking is one of the most serious vehicle-related charges in California. 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 often has a mandatory prison sentence, as probation is not an option.
A carjacking conviction will also add a "strike" to your criminal record, which can increase future prison sentences.
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
Many people are shocked to learn they can be convicted of a theft-related crime without actually having stolen anything. If you have or are storing a automobile that you knew or should have known was stolen, you can be charged under PC § 496d — even if you had no role in the original theft.
This charge can sneak up on you, especially if you ever have purchased a vehicle outside of formal sales channels. The state must prove 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 Cerritos, CA
White collar crimes in Cerritos, 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 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 is about illegal gifts done for a favor or another benefit. An example of this would be an employee giving money to their boss in exchange for a promotion.
Not all white-collar crimes are transactional in nature, though (at least not directly). Forgery occurs when one person makes a fake document to later use for fraud, and identity theft is the taking of someone's personal information. You can face either of these charges without having taken money from the alleged victim.
Embezzlement, Money Laundering, Bribery & More
It's easy to think that white collar accusations aren't taken as seriously as violent crimes in Cerritos, CA, but you'd be wrong. The punishments can be dire — prison sentences, financial penalties, major career setbacks, and permanent stains on your reputation. 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. These charges will include the element of deception, breach of trust, or abuse of a professional for personal gain. These cases are some of the most complicated in Cerritos, CA, and normally require highly experienced representation to defend.
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. The sooner you bring in your legal defense, the better chance you have of a positive outcome.
Embezzlement — California Penal Code § 503
Embezzlement is when someone legally can use property for certain purposes, but uses it for different ones. The main feature is the pre-existing lawful access — alleged embezzlement offenders had honest ways to access the supposedly stolen or misused goods.
Frequent embezzlement scenarios: A company credit card holder using it for personal purchases; a payroll professional creating fake employees and taking their salaries; an employee overcharging customers and keeping the difference; A cashier voiding out a transaction but keeping the money; 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, loss of professional licenses
Money Laundering — California Penal Code § 186.10
Money laundering is any way that someone can take 'dirty' money and make it appear 'clean.' It usually consists of three stages: placement (introducing dirty money into the 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 higher than $5,000 conducted with knowledge that the money was obtained through criminal activity. Federal money laundering charges (18 U.S.C. § 1956) can also apply, which tends to have much harsher penalties.
Potential 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
You can face bribery charges for offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting something of value in order to affect the actions of people in certain positions of power. California law criminalizes bribery in many contexts — elected officials, judges, legislators, business executives, witnesses, and even private commercial bribery. Whatever form of bribery you've been accused of, a Cerritos, CA, theft crimes lawyer is essential to advise you on how to address these charges.
Important: Whether you offered or accepted a bribe, you could face charges in Cerritos, CA. Even if the potential recipient declines the bribe, you could still face charges just for attempting it.
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
Forgery involves creating, altering, or using a false document with intent to defraud. State law is broad and covers bills, money orders, contracts, deeds, power of attorney documents, court orders, notary public symbols, lottery tickets, and many other types of written instruments.
Critical point: You can be charged with forgery even if no one was actually defrauded. Just the plan to commit fraud, in addition to the act of creating or using the false item, is sufficient for a conviction.
Possible Penalties:
- Charge Type: Wobbler
- Felony Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
- Misdemeanor Jail: Up to 1 year
Identity Theft — California Penal Code § 530.5
You can face identity theft allegations in Cerritos, CA if you use someone else's personal information without permission for any unlawful purpose, including 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. Just taking and using someone's information without permission is enough to trigger criminal charges under state law. Because of this, you need to work with an expert theft crimes lawyer regardless of the specifics of your situation.
Cerritos, CA, identity theft allegations are very serious, and frequently result in federal charges when conducted online, across state lines, or at scale.
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 Cerritos, CA
Fraud encompasses a variety of specific theft types in Cerritos, CA. Generally speaking, someone who commits theft by lying about something so that another person gives away their money voluntarily can be convicted of fraud. Theft by false pretenses is the most ordinary version of fraud.
Insurance fraud is a popular type of fraud in Cerritos, CA, wherein someone lies on an insurance claim to increase their benefit. For example, a person who intentionally burns down their house then tells the insurance company that it was an accident commits insurance fraud.
A related fraud crime is welfare fraud, where a person lies about their current circumstances to receive extra assistance from the government. An example of this would be pretending that one's income is lower than it actually is in order to receive food stamps.
Another common variation is credit card fraud. This one is a little different because instead of representing someone about themselves, for credit card fraud, normally a person is lying about the credit card they are using. If you allegedly took a credit card and used it without permission, you can face credit card fraud charges.
Because fraud cases can vary so much from each other, having a theft crimes lawyer with experience in all these areas is essential.
Different Kinds of Fraud, False Pretenses & Financial Deception
You could face accusations of fraud in Cerritos, CA, for a wide variety of actions — from simple misrepresentations to elaborate financial schemes. Because the evidence can be very complex and there can be a large amount of it, you need an expert theft crimes lawyer who can effectively navigate all of the intricacies.
Theft by False Pretenses / Fraud — California Penal Code § 532
Theft by false pretenses is one of the most common fraud charges in Cerritos. 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: Selling a product that doesn't exist; pretending to be a tech support assistant; pitching investments based on false information; 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. Insurance fraud charges are always a big deal, and are often felonies in Cerritos, CA. An expert theft crimes lawyer will fight the allegations and consider multiple defenses to help you find the best outcome possible
Frequent forms include: Claiming existing auto damage is newly occuring; filing claims for injuries that didn't occur; inflating repair cost claims; deliberately damaging your property for a payout; workers' compensation fraud; double billing for a health service.
Possible Penalties:
- Felony Prison: 2, 3, or 5 years
- Fines: Up to $150,000 or twice what was defrauded
- Restitution: Give the amount defrauded back to the alleged victim
- Additional: License revocation for professionals
Credit Card Fraud — California Penal Code § 484e–484j
In Cerritos, CA, credit card fraud covers a wide range of conduct involving fraudulent use of credit or debit cards. Charges can occur if someone is caught using another person's card without consent, using a card that has been stolen or counterfeited, using an account number without physical possession of the card, or fraudulently acquiring or selling card account information.
Note on federal charges: You are likely to face both federal and state charges, especially when cards are used across state lines or online. Your theft crimes lawyer needs to have experience fighting fraud charges in both state and federal court.
Possible Penalties (State):
- Charge Type: Wobbler
- Felony Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
- Misdemeanor Jail: Up to 1 year
- Federal Prison: Up to 15 years (federal charges)
Welfare Fraud — California Welfare & Institutions Code § 10980
Welfare fraud involves making false statements or omissions to receive government assistance benefits — including CalWORKs, Medi-Cal, CalFresh (food stamps), General Relief, or other public aid programs — that you are not eligible for, or to receive more than you are entitled to.
Common examples: Failing to report income; misrepresenting household composition; using another person's EBT card; falsely claiming a dependent child; not reporting new circumstances that would end benefits eligibility.
Penalties for welfare fraud, if convicted, can result in fines, prison time, and required repayment of the value taken. Your premier Cerritos, CA, theft crimes lawyer can dissect the prosecution's case and find you alternative paths forward.
Potential Penalties:
- Under $950 (typically): Misdemeanor — up to 6 months jail
- Over $950: Felony — up to 3 years prison
- Repayment: Full restitution to the government
Additional: Loss of future benefit eligibility
Hospice Fraud — 18 U.S.C. § 1347 / California Penal Code § 550
Hospice fraud occurs when a hospice provider bills Medicare, Medi-Cal, or private insurers for services that were not rendered, were medically unnecessary, or were provided to patients who did not actually qualify for hospice care. To be eligible forMedicare hospice benefits, a patient 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.
Common schemes include: enrolling patients who do not meet the terminal illness threshold; billing for higher levels of care than were actually provided; "recycling" patients by discharging and re-enrolling them to reset billing cycles; paying illegal kickbacks to nursing facilities or physicians for patient referrals; and falsifying medical records to manufacture eligibility. Cerritos, CA, and Southern California have been identified by federal investigators as high-risk regions for hospice fraud, and the Department of Justice and HHS Office of Inspector General have conducted coordinated multi-agency enforcement actions targeting hospice agencies operating in this area.
Important Note: 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. If someone reaches out to the authorities, they may share their findings in order to allow for a civil suit. These investigations can go on for extended periods of time without your knowledge, until the state is ready to file charges.
Potential Penalties:
- Federal Prison: Up to 10 years per count (18 U.S.C. § 1347)
- Civil FCA Liability: Treble damages plus $13,000–$27,000 per false claim
- State Charges: Up to 5 years (CA Penal Code § 550)
- Extra: Exclusion from Medicare/Medi-Cal programs; license revocation
Medicare Fraud — 18 U.S.C. § 1347 / 42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7b
Medicare fraud charges vary in scope, but all consist of attempts to defraud the government's Medicare program in one form or another. In Cerritos, CA, Medicare fraud charges are normally conducted in federal court, rather than by the local prosecutor. You need a theft lawyer who operates at a high level to protect you from these charges.
Medicare fraud convictions are particularly bad because they can prevent you from ever receiving Medicare or Medi-Cal benefits in the future. This is on top of other consequences, like the loss of professional licensing. 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.
Important: It's possible to be accused of Medicare fraud even when all forms of medical care were honest and legitimate. This can occur if a provider offers money to someone in exchange for accessing Medicare-sponsored services through that provider. 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: Loss of eligibility for all federal health care programs
Health Care Fraud — 18 U.S.C. § 1347 / California Penal Code § 550
Health care fraud under federal law is defined as knowingly and willfully executing — or attempting to execute — a scheme to defraud any health care benefit program, or to obtain money or property from a health care benefit program by means of false or fraudulent pretenses. Critically, the statute applies to all health benefit programs, not just Medicare and Medicaid — including private commercial insurers.
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. Health care fraud cases in Cerritos, CA, are frequently complex, involving large volumes of billing records, expert testimony from medical billing specialists, and coordination between state and federal agencies. Physicians, billing organizations, office managers, and clerical staff have all been accused of this violation at various points in time.
Potential Penalties:
- Federal Prison: Up to 10 years per count (18 U.S.C. § 1347)
- If Death Results: Up to life imprisonment (federal)
- State Felony: 2, 3, or 5 years (CA PC § 550)
- Fines: Up to $250,000 (individual) or $500,000 (organization)
- Additional: Restitution, professional license consequences
Home Health Fraud — 18 U.S.C. § 1347 / 42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7b
Home health fraud, at a fundamental level, it involves the same alleged act (lying in order to receive health care benefits). This one in particular is related to in-home health services — including skilled nursing visits, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and medical social services. To qualify for Medicare benefits, a patient must be homebound and require special care. Because of the particulars of the definition, these cases can vary wildly from one another.
One example would be a patient who lied about being homebound in order to receive special benefits. A counterexample would be a home service provider who submitted claims to Medicare for services that were never provided. Home health fraud charges in Cerritos, 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 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 — 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 Cerritos, CA
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you could be facing both theft charges and violent crime charges in Cerritos, CA. This can be the case when you're accused of 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. If someone says they will hurt another person unless the alleged victim gives them money, that is extortion. 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. As an 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 Cerritos, CA, legal counsel is non-negotiable.
Robbery — California Penal Code § 211
Robbery is taking property from another person directly, using force or fear. This is the key distinction from burglary — the victim must be present. Robbery is always a felony and always a strike offense.
Your robbery charge in Cerritos, 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
If it's alleged that you threatened someone in order to make them give you money or favors, you are likely facing extortion charges. Not every extortion case involves threats of violence; several involve threats to harm someone's reputation instead.
Common examples: Threatening to report someone for a crime unless paid; threatening to post compromising photos of someone online if they leave; threatening to deny someone a rightful certification unless special favors are given.
Possible Penalties:
- Charge Type: Felony
- Prison: 2, 3, or 4 years
- Fines: Up to $10,000
Burglary Charges We Defend in Cerritos, CA
Burglary charges in Cerritos, CA, are distinct from theft, but often go hand-in-hand. In California, you can be charged with this crime if you break into a site to either commit theft or commit another crime. In most cases, this is a building, like a retail store (in which case it would be commercial burglary), but not always. For example, if you allegedly broke a car window to steal a wallet sitting on the seat, 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, defenses to burglary charges can hinge on whether or not you had permission to be in the structure, and what your intentions were while you were there.
Burglary Related Charges
Shoplifting is closely related to commercial burglary. In fact, before 2014, what you think of as shoplifting would be classified as burglary under California law. But that all changed with the passage of Proposition 47 in 2014, which made shoplifting a separate crime, applicable when the alleged offender was attempting theft from a store while it is open for operations. 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 Cerritos, CA (except in extreme cases).
Vandalism also shares many qualities with burglary. California defines vandalism and the intentional harming of someone else's property with permission, such as by kicking in a door to in order to steal from the building. It's very likely that you'll be charged with both burglarizing and vandalizing a location together in Cerritos, CA, heightening your need for a top quality theft crimes lawyer to defend you.
Finally, even if you don't commit a theft, you can face related charges in Cerritos, CA. 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
Cerritos, CA burglary charges can be wildly different from one another, and may not even involve theft — 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
First-degree burglary involves entering an inhabited dwelling — someone's home, apartment, or any place where people live — with the intent to commit a theft or any felony inside. You do not have to actually steal anything. Your motivation for entering the location is what matters.
This charge is always a felony and is considered a "strike" offense. This is one of the most serious theft-adjacent charges in California law, and Cerritos, CA courts treat it extremely harshly because it involves violation of someone's home. Without the right theft crimes defense lawyer, you're fighting an uphill battle
Possible Penalties:
- Prison: 2, 4, or 6 years in state prison
- Three Strikes: Yes — serious felony strike
- Probation: Generally not eligible for first-degree
- Fines: Up to $10,000
Commercial Burglary (Second Degree) — California Penal Code § 459
Second-degree burglary is someones called "commercial burglary" because it also involves entering a location with the intent to steal or commit a felony, but as opposed to first-degree burglary, the location is non-residential. You could face either misdemeanor or felony charges for this offense.
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.
Potential Penalties:
- Felony Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
- Misdemeanor Jail: Up to 1 year
- Charge Type: Wobbler
Burglary of a Vehicle — California Penal Code § 459
Vehicle burglary is similar to residential or commercial burglary — it also involves unlawfully entering a location, but in this case, that location is a vehicle. This charge commonly arises when someone smashes a car window to take items left inside. Unlike residential burglary, vehicle burglary is a wobbler.
Important note: Stealing from an unlocked vehicle does not qualify for a burglary charge. This 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. Cerritos, CA, prosecutors take these charges extremely seriously and often push for harsh punishments. Without the help of an experienced theft crimes lawyer, you could be looking at over a decade in prison.
Home invasion burglary frequently brings multiple charges simultaneously — first-degree burglary, robbery, assault, and potentially kidnapping — all carrying their own prison terms, often served consecutively. If you are fighting home invasion charges, you need a law firm with a track record of success, and you need them right away.
Possible Penalties:
- Burglary Base: 2, 4, or 6 years
- Robbery Add-On: Additional 2–5 years
- Weapon Enhancement: Additional 3–10 years
- Three Strikes: Yes — multiple strikes possible
Property & Other Offenses
Receiving Stolen Property, Vandalism & Trespassing
These offenses are frequently charged alongside primary theft crimes and can significantly compound the penalties you face. Understanding how they interact is critical to building an effective defense.
Receiving Stolen Property — California Penal Code § 496
This charge applies to some people who are indirectly involved in a theft. Under PC § 496, if you buy, receive, conceal, sell, or help conceal property that you know is stolen, you can be convicted — even if you had no role in the original theft.
The prosecution must prove you knew — or had reason to know — the property was stolen. This knowledge element is often where we can mount an effective defense. Buying items that are cheaply listed, without receipts, or from unknown sellers, does not automatically mean you had knowledge of theft.
Possible Penalties:
- Charge Type: Wobbler
- Felony Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
- Misdemeanor Jail: Up to 1 year
Vandalism — California Penal Code § 594
Vandalism charges are about more than just graffiti; if Cerritos, 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).
The threshold for felony vandalism in California is $400 or more in damage — a much lower bar than for theft offenses.
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
You can be convicted of trespassing if you allegedly entered a location without permission, or if you stayed there after being told to leave. Tresspassing is often charged alongside burglary, because the latter also involves entering a location without permission.
Without compounding charges, trespassing is usually charged as a misdemeanor or infraction. However, Cerritos, CA, prosecutors can also use it as a part of a case for more serious charges. Fighting these charges is often a matter of whether or not the alleged offender did in fact have permission or the right to be there.
Perjury — California Penal Code § 118
Perjury charges aren't unique to theft crimes, but are commonly seen alongside them. You can be found guilty of perjury if you lie to the police or during a trial. In theft cases, this can occur if you were interviewed by the police and stated you did not know where any of the stolen property was, even if you did.
Do not make this mistake: You don't want to dig a deeper hole for yourself — if you're in a situation where you don't want to give an honest answer, just stay silent and ask for your theft crimes lawyer to help you out.
Potential Penalties:
- Charge Type: Felony
- Prison: 2, 3, or 4 years state prison
Specialized & Enhanced Charges
Elder Theft, Firearm Theft, Looting & Attempted Crimes
Sometimes, two very similar theft offenses can receive very different charges. This can hinge on details such as what was allegedly stolen and/or who the alleged victim was.
Grand Theft of a Firearm — California Penal Code § 487(d)(2)
Under California Penal Code § 487(d)(2), theft of a firearm is always grand theft — regardless of the weapon's monetary value. Due to this stealing 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.
To make things worse, you may also have to fight in federal court. The potential dual nature of these charges multiplies the complexity. And it's even more important to have an attorney that has wide resources and strong legal skills.
Potential Penalties:
- Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
- Strike: Serious felony — potential strike offense
- Federal: Additional federal charges possible
Theft from an Elder / Financial Elder Abuse — Welfare & Institutions Code § 15610.30
If the alleged victim was 65 or older, you might be up against elevated penalties. 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 Cerritos, CA, and enhanced sentencing applies. Prison sentences can be increased even further if the alleged victim was 70 years or older. People convicted of financial elder abuse often also have to repay the alleged victim, and Adult Protective Services involvement only makes things more complex.
Examples: Lenders pressuring the elderly to take bad loans; family member exerting undue influence over an elder's finances; contractor overcharging vulnerable seniors; phising emails that impersonate loved ones.
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
Disasters can be a time of panic. If, during the confusion, someone attempts to get away with theft, they may face looting charges. These cases are prosecuted especially hard under California Penal Code § 463, which increases the minimum penalties for many charges.
If the enhanced penalties weren't enough on their own, the Cerritos, CA, prosecuting attorney is likely going to go the extra mile for looting whenever possible. Looting is considered a way of taking advantage of Cerritos while it's at its most vulnerable, and judges are never pleased by this. Looting of a business that is closed due to a civil disturbance, or taking property from an evacuated residence, commonly triggers these charges.
Potential Penalties (Enhanced):
- Petty Theft → Looting: Misdemeanor with mandatory jail (no OR release)
- Commercial Burglary → Looting: Felony — 16 months to 3 years
- Residential Burglary → Looting: Felony — 2 to 6 years
- Bail: Often denied or set very high during emergency periods
Attempted Theft, Attempted Burglary & Attempted Robbery
Under California law, you can be charged with a crime even if the theft, burglary, or robbery was never completed. An attempt requires: (1) the desire to break the law, and (2) some form of action that furthers the criminal ends — whatever the outcome was.
The general rule is that attempted crimes are punished at half the sentence of the completed offense. So attempted robbery carries half the prison exposure of robbery. However, this is still a serious criminal conviction with lasting consequences.
Attempted burglary and attempted robbery are still strike offenses in California. Our theft crime lawyers will fight against these charges to create reasonable doubt and position us for favorable negotiations.
No matter what you've been accused of, when you reach out to us, you can speak with an expert theft crimes lawyer in Cerritos, CA, who will help you break down and navigate the charges. Together, we will craft a staunch defense against the allegations.
Steps to Take When Accused of Theft
You need to take these accusations seriously. You're up against the Cerritos, CA, prosecutor's office, the alleged victim is accusing you, and you need to defend your reputation as well as your innocence. Without help, it can seem impossible.
But you have another option. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is here to help. A Cerritos, CA, theft crimes lawyer from our team will guide you on how to navigate your case. If you're up against theft crime accusations, here are our recommendations:
1. Comply With the Police
While it's reasonable to feel angry about being arrested, don't resist. Be polite and respectful during the process. Resisting can only get you into more trouble.
2. Act Calm and Don't Talk
It's common for police to interview you after an arrest – invoke your right to remain silent. In fact, don't even talk on the ride to the station. Your answers can later be used as evidence in the case, and you say something untruthful, you can be accused of perjury.
3. Contact a Cerritos, CA, Theft Crimes Defense Attorney Right Away
In California, people who have been arrested are given three phone calls. One of these should be to your theft crimes lawyer. The sooner you hire an expert to help with your case, the better your chances are for a positive outcome. We are available at (800) 755-5174, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
4. Secure Bail for Release
In most cases, you'll need to go through a bail hearing. Our firm's theft crimes defense attorneys will fight for your pre-trial release and lower bail requirements. You are innocent until proven guilty, and should enjoy your freedom while your case proceeds.
5. Coordinate With Your Attorney to Build Your Defense
With the right attorney by your side, it's time to create a strategy to fight the charges. An accomplished theft crimes lawyer in Cerritos, CA, will hear your side of the story, negotiate with the prosecution, and fight for charges to be dismissed whenever possible.
Theft Lawyer Defensive Strategies
Every theft case is different — and every defense strategy needs to be tailored to the specific details, circumstances, and charges. Here are the major defense approaches our attorneys use to fight theft charges in Cerritos, CA.
Lack of Intent / Claim of Right Defense in Theft Cases
If you've been accused of stealing, you should discuss intent as a possible defense with your theft lawyer. Your mindset is key to this defense. Unintentionally taking another person's goods does not qualify as theft, generally. In many cases, especially if the physical evidence indicates the defendant took the item, everything will center around intent.
Claim of right is a related defense — if the accused didn't know that they were stealing a piece of property because they thought that they had permission to take it, they would lack the intent needed for a conviction. If 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 accused 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 (joyriding is a good example of this: it comes into play when a person took property away from its owner, but planned to return it).
Key point: You don't have to prove your intentions, but you may have to defend them against the prosecution. It's on the state to show that you did have the intent to commit theft at the time of the alleged crime. This isn't merely a backup plan. This is a key part of nearly all theft defenses, especially in cases involving family disagreements, where sometimes people can forget about who the formal owner of a piece of property is and unintentionally misuse it.
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 searches violated constitutional requirements, the evidence can be thrown out and the district attorney may be unable to proceed.
Common suppression issues in theft and property crime cases include: warrantless searches of vehicles, homes, or persons without valid legal justification; searches conducted under a warrant obtained through false or misleading information in the supporting affidavit; arrests without probable cause resulting in an invalid search incident to arrest; GPS tracking or digital surveillance conducted without appropriate legal authority; and searches that exceeded the scope of a legal warrant. In Cerritos, CA, your defense attorney can file a motion to throw out any evidence the prosecution acquired through improper means — this motion can be filed early on in your case, and has the potential to stop the state in its tracks.
In some cases, this is all it takes to mount a successful defense against theft charges. Even partial suppression — eliminating a single piece of highly damaging evidence — can be the difference between a conviction and acquittal. Suppression motions are fully litigated in Cerritos, CA, courts, and frequently come up in theft cases.
Suppression Scenarios:
- Warrantless Home Entry: Evidence obtained from inside a home is generally suppressible absent an exception
- Vehicle Searches: Require a warrant, permission, or a recognized exception such as probable cause
- Digital Evidence / Cell Phones: Require a warrant under Riley v. California (2014)
- Fruit of the Poisonous Tree: If illegally obtained evidence leads to future evidence that was legally obtained, it's possible that all of it can be thrown out
False Accusation / Misidentification
Whether because of malice or a simple mistake, sometimes innocent people get accused of theft in Cerritos, CA. False accusations can come from personal disputes, misidentification by witnesses, 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 — you need a Cerritos, CA, theft crimes lawyer to protect your freedom.
Eyewitness misidentification is one of the leading causes of wrongful convictions nationally. In theft, robbery, and burglary cases, the high intensity of the circumstances can lead to witnesses not remembering details clearly — particularly across racial lines, under poor lighting conditions, or when things moved too fast. No matter how confident the eyewitness is, there is always room for error. California courts have increasingly recognized this science, and jury instructions now require courts to instruct juries on the inherent limitations of eyewitness identification evidence.
Defense strategies in false accusation cases include: 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); attacking the character of the accuser; presenting expert testimony on the science of human memory and eyewitness reliability; and demonstrating inconsistencies between witness statements made at different points in time.
If you have been falsely accused: Do not confront witnesses, do not attempt to gather evidence independently, and do not talk to the police without your theft crimes lawyer present. You might make a mistake, or the police might misinterpret something you say. Before speaking to the police, call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley. We're here to protect your rights and defend your innocence.
Lack of Knowledge — In some cases, the prosecution must prove you knew the property was obtained through theft. We challenge this element aggressively — many people unknowingly purchase stolen goods with no way to verify their origin.
Consent / Permission — Theft requires that property be taken without the owner's consent. It's not illegal to use someone else's property if you had permission.
Constitutional Violations — Beyond the 4th amendment, we will thoroughly review your case to see if the state violated your rights in the course of the investigation. If they did, we will argue for the evidence to be thrown out and/or for the case to be dismissed.
Sentencing Alternatives — Especially for first-time offenders, California offers diversion programs that can result in charges being dismissed after completing community service, restitution, or counseling. We identify every diversion opportunity available in your specific case.
Arguing the Property Valuation — In many cases, your charges are determined by how much was allegedly taken. Lower amounts lead to lesser charges. You shouldn't face charges that are disproportionate to the alleged act.
Theft Crime Expungement / Record Clearance — California Penal Code § 1203.4
California gives you options to clear your record and get a fresh start. Under California Penal Code § 1203.4, certain individuals with theft convictions can ask for their pleas to be removed — a process commonly called an expungement. To be eligible, the defendant generally must have: successfully done all that was asked of you as a part of probation, including fines and restitution; not have any pending criminal charges against you; and — in a newly added requirement — in several cases, must not have spent 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.
When you work with a theft lawyer to clear your record, you can look forward to the following perks: Of note, an expunged conviction generally does not need to be disclosed on private employment applications under state law. However, the criminal record isn't entirely thrown away by expungement — it doesn't allow gun ownership, doesn't prevent the conviction from impacting future cases, and does not affect most professional licensing decisions. Senate Bill 731 (effective July 1, 2023) created expanded automatic record relief for many non-violent and non-serious felony convictions in California, allowing eligible individuals to obtain relief without filing a petition after completing their sentence and remaining crime-free for a specified period.
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 for the record to be totally inaccessible, restoration of firearm rights, or clearing a prior strike, a more comprehensive post-conviction strategy is required. Consulting with an experienced attorney before pursuing any post-conviction relief is strongly advisable.
Relief Options:
- PC § 1203.4: Dismissal after successful probation completion
- PC § 1203.4a: Relief for misdemeanors without probation (available 1 year after the conviction)
- PC § 851.91: 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
Frequently Asked Questions About Theft Charges in Cerritos, CA
Is there a difference between petty theft and grand theft in Cerritos, 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). 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. Our firm offers full expungement services.
What happens if I'm charged with shoplifting for the first time in Cerritos, CA?
First-time shoplifting charges in California are typically misdemeanors under Proposition 47 (for amounts under $950). Additionally, we can often secure alternative sentencing options which will keep you out of jail. Our theft crimes attorneys can make a major difference and help you with avoiding a conviction and keeping your record clean.
I didn't know the property was stolen. Can I still be convicted?
If the charge you are facing is one of receiving stolen property, as a part of securing a conviction the prosecution needs to prove that you knew (or should have known) that the property was stolen. If you genuinely weren't aware 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 strangely good deal or lack of receipts can lessen the strength of your defense, which is why an attorney is essential.
How serious is a grand theft auto charge in Cerritos, CA?
Extremely. You're probably looking at felony charges, with higher prison time, fines, and long-lasting record impacts. If you have a criminal record, you may also face enhanced sentencing. Call us immediately at (800) 755-5174.
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. One of the most important things a theft crimes attorney can do is push for misdemeanor treatment of wobbler charges, which dramatically reduces potential consequences.
Will I go to jail for a theft charge?
You can avoid jail in many cases, actually. Cerritos, 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. Contact us to understand what options exist in your case.
Can I be charged with burglary if I didn't steal anything?
Yes. In California, you can be convicted of burglary for trespassing for the purposes of committing theft or a felony. Whether you actually took anything doesn't matter — if prosecutors can prove you entered with criminal intent, you can be convicted of burglary even if you left empty-handed. Because of this, intent evidence — and challenging how it's proven — is critical to burglary defense.
Need a Theft Defense Attorney in Cerritos, CA? Contact Our Team Now.
You need a theft crimes lawyer to protect you. It's not about innocence or guilt — it's about getting help navigating the Cerritos, CA, legal system. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared to defend you — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact us now for a free, confidential case review.
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