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Theft Lawyer Corona, 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, there is an option who will fight for you: The Law Offices of David S. Chesley. Our legal team has the tools and training to fight against any theft and related charges. With a Corona, CA, theft crimes lawyer from our team at your side, you're going to get honest advice on how to get the best outcome possible.

Discuss your case with a theft crimes attorney today 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 Corona, CA, Theft Lawyer Can Help You

Theft charges need to be treated seriously, regardless of whether or not you're innocent. If you don't have an attorney, you're stuck trying to navigate a complicated legal system and increase your risk of the following penalties:

1. Prison Sentence: Most theft charges in Corona, CA, carry a potential jail sentence of six months or more.
2. Financial Penalties: Fines are commonly assigned as penalties in theft laws, plus you could lose more money in civil court.
3. Career Setbacks: Extended stints in jail can prevent you from doing your job, and cause you to lose it.
4. Stained Reputation: Regardless of the facts and circumstances surrounding your case, some people will only look at the conviction.
5. And more.

If you want to avoid all of this, you need a distinguished Corona, CA, theft crimes lawyer. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley. Look at what makes us the right attorneys for the job:

What Sets the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Apart

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:

• A Team Of 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 — With more than five decades of total legal experience, the state knows how hard we will fight for our clients and we know how to make use of our relationships to earn better deals for our clients.
• Trial-Ready From Day One — We prepare every case as if it's going to trial. This not only ensures that we're prepared, but also helps us secure more favorable plea deals or get your case dismissed.
• Expungement Services — We don't leave you behind after the verdict. You deserve to move forward with your life, and we can help you do it.
• Superb Reputation – We are renowned professionally and by clients.
• Always Availalbe — We know that arrests don't happen on a schedule. 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 Private — You can trust us with everything about your case. We won't judge — we're just here to build the strongest case possible.

Every Theft Charge We Defend in Corona, CA

Click any charge below to jump directly to a full explanation of the law, consequences, and more.

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

Theft Charges We Fight in Corona, CA

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 Corona, CA, act fast: Reach out right away for a free, confidential consultation.

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

Petty Theft Charges vs Grand Theft Charges

California breaks down most theft crimes into two categories: Petty theft and grand theft. Both consist of taking another person's property when you weren't allowed to. The main difference is the amount that was supposedly taken: If it was $950 or less, the classification will ordinarily be petty theft, while any more will typically be grand theft.

Defending petty theft allegations is usually easier because the potential penalties are less severe (it's normally charged as a misdemeanor). On the other hand, fighting grand theft charges is usually more challenging because it is more frequently charged as a felony. Regardless of what you're up against, it's always important to have a theft crimes lawyer in your corner to minimize the consequences.

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

Shoplifting — Proposition 47 / Penal Code § 459.5

Proposition 47 was passed in 2014, defining and setting penalties for shoplifting. Prior to 2014, it was actually considered a form of burglary, instead of a distinct crime. Shoplifting is defined as entering a business during normal business hours with the intent to steal merchandise valued at $950 or less.

Before Prop 47, what we now call "shoplifting" was prosecuted as burglary — a felony. Today, the majority of shoplifting cases are misdemeanors. That said, you could still face felony charges in some circumstances, such as if you have certain previous convictions on your record. Regardless of what level of charge you're facing, a local Corona, CA theft crimes lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and avoid making mistakes that could have major consequences.

Organized retail theft (either a crime ring or repeated instances of shoplifting) is an elevated form of shoplifting that has been a recent focus in California, and is often charged as a felony.

Shoplifting Potential Penalties:

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

Defensive strategies are: Lack of intent to steal, wrong identity, entrapment by loss prevention, unlawful search and seizure, and diversion programs for first-time offenders.

Petty Theft with a Prior — California Penal Code § 666

Petty theft charges are usually misdemeanors, but not always. Because of Penal Code § 666, a petty theft with a prior can be charged as a felony. Corona, 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 prosecution must establish: (1) the defendant is guilty of 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. This law is applicable in many cases today, even after being limited in scope by Proposition 47 in 2014. Defendants with certain prior serious or violent felonies, prior sex offense registration requirements, or prior burglary convictions under PC § 459 remain fully exposed to felony enhancement even for minor shoplifting incidents.

Possible Penalties:

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

Vehicle Theft Charges We Defend in Corona, CA

Whatever Corona, CA, vehicle theft charge you're facing, we can help you fight it. One of the ones people commonly think of is grand theft auto, but that's technically not its own charge. Grand theft auto comes from a section of the state's 'grand theft' law, which states that anyone who steals an automobile (regardless of its value) can be charged with grand theft.

If the prosecution is stating that someone took the vehicle and was planning to keep it for themselves, not return it, they're likely going to face grand theft auto charges. On the other hand, if the alleged offender wasn't going to keep it, they're probably going to face charges of joyriding. While each of these vehicle crimes are 'wobbler' offenses, it's almost always better to be charged with joyriding in Corona, CA, since the prosecution is more likely to assign that as a misdemeanor.

If you're caught in possession of a stolen vehicle, you can face criminal charges for that, too. As a parallel to the charge of receiving stolen property, you don't have to have actually stolen anything to be convicted of this crime. Just owning or having the car or truck can result in these charges.

When you contact our law firm, you'll partner with a vehicle theft crimes lawyer who knows the ins and outs of each offense type, how to fight against them, and what deals are realistic. Contact us today to start building your defense.

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

Despite what popular culture would have you believe, there isn't a specific "grand theft auto" law in California — instead, it is a subset of the general "grand theft" statute, which says that any automobile theft is considered grand theft. 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.

The critical element prosecutors must prove is that you intended to permanently deprive the owner of the vehicle. If you intended to return it, the charge is more likely joyriding (see below).

Potential Penalties:

• Charge Type: Wobbler (usually felony in Corona, 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. 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.

Grand theft auto is a more serious offense, but is also harder for prosecutors to secure convictions for. Because of this, they often use § 10851 instead.

Joyriding — California Vehicle Code § 10851

Joyriding refers specifically to taking or driving a vehicle without the owner's consent, but with the intention of returning it. It may not sound like a big deal to borrow a car without permission and bring it back, but a joyriding conviction can be a felony in Corona, CA, making it critical to get an expert vehicle theft crimes lawyer to defend you.

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

Carjacking — California Penal Code § 215

Carjacking is one of the most serious vehicle-related charges in California. The key element of carjacking is how the vehicle was allegedly stolen — if force or fear was used, the Corona, CA prosecutor is likely going to pick carjacking over another offense. Because this action involves violence, carjacking is always a felony and is not eligible for probation in many circumstances.

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

Many people are shocked to learn they can be convicted of a theft-related crime without actually having stolen anything. If you have a automobile 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.

Potential Penalties:

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

White Collar Crime Charges We Fight in Corona, CA

White collar crimes in Corona, CA, can be any one of a variety of charges, but they all have one thing in common: abuse of an organization for personal gain.

Most white collar crimes center around taking or hiding money in some way. Embezzlement is the theft of money someone was supposed to manage for others, like an investment banker taking from a client's account. Money laundering can be done by an individual or an operation, and involves attempts to disguise illegal money as money that was legally earned. Meanwhile, bribery 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 can be as simple as signing another person's signature without permission, and identity theft is the taking of someone's personal information. Note that no financial theft has to occur for a person to be charged with either of these.

Forgery, Identity Theft, Fraud & More

It's easy to think that white collar accusations aren't taken as seriously as violent crimes in Corona, CA, but you'd be wrong. The punishments can be dire — years in prison, 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 deceit, breach of trust, or abuse of a professional for personal benefit. It's common for white collar crime cases in Corona, CA, to require specialized experts on both the prosecution and defensive sides.

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. If you believe you are under investigation — or have received a subpoena, a target letter, or a visit from federal agents — call us immediately. 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 legal access — alleged embezzlement offenders had honest ways to access the supposedly stolen or misused goods.

Frequent embezzlement scenarios: An accountant siphoning company funds; a bookkeeper writing unauthorized checks to themselves; an employee overcharging customers and keeping the difference; A cashier voiding out a transaction but keeping the money; a non-profit director misusing donated funds.

Potential Penalties:

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

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

California's money laundering statute is set to combat financial actions higher than $5,000 that involved illegally obtained funds, so long as the person involved knew they were illegal. Federal money laundering charges (18 U.S.C. § 1956) can also apply, which tends to have much harsher penalties.

Possible Penalties (State):

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

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

You can face bribery charges for offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting something of value in exchange for influencing the actions of a public official, juror, witness, or business partner. California law targets multiple forms of bribery — that of government officials, judges, legislators, executive officers, witnesses, and even private commercial bribery. Regardless of what position you're in, a Corona, CA, theft crimes lawyer is important to give you insights into successful defense strategies.

What if they didn't accept the bribe? Both the person offering the bribe and the person accepting it could face charges in Corona, CA. Attempted bribery charges are even possible, if one person tries to bribe another, and the second person refuses it.

Potential Penalties:

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

Forgery — California Penal Code § 470

Corona, 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, receipts, contracts, deeds, wills, court orders, notary public symbols, identification documents, and many other types of written instruments.

Critical point: You can be charged with forgery even if no one was actually defrauded. The intent to defraud, combined with the creation or use of the false item, is enough to be convicted.

Potential Penalties:

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

Identity Theft — California Penal Code § 530.5

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

Crucially: No financial loss to the victim has to occur for a conviction. Simply obtaining and using someone's information without a legal reason is enough to warrant a crime under California law. This makes it critical to hire an expert theft crimes lawyer whatever the particular of your situation.

Corona, CA, identity theft allegations are very serious, and often 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 Fight in Corona, CA

Fraud encompasses a variety of specific theft types in Corona, CA. Broadly speaking, someone who commits theft by misrepresenting themselves or a situation in order to get another person to give away money voluntarily can be convicted of fraud. Theft by false pretenses is is one of the more common version of fraud.

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

A similar fraud charge is welfare fraud, where someone takes advantage of government assistance programs by providing false information to them. An example of this would be pretending that one's income is lower than it actually is in order to receive food stamps.

Another notable form 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.

Fraud, False Pretenses & Financial Deception

Fraud charges in Corona, CA, cover a vast range of conduct — in most cases, it's a small, individual action, but there have been massive systems of fraud as well. Your theft crimes lawyer will need to have experience not only with the state law, but also following financial trails.

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

Theft by false pretenses is one of the most common fraud charges in Corona. These allegations are used when a person tricks another person through disonest means, causing them to voluntarily transfer money or property. The key element is that the victim willingly hands over the property as a result of being deceived.

Common examples: Lying about being a contest winner; misrepresenting credentials to get paid for work; creating fake invoices; lying about the condition of goods sold.

The charge level (misdemeanor vs. felony) depends on the value of the property obtained through fraud, using the same $950 threshold as petty/grand theft.

Insurance Fraud — California Penal Code § 550

Insurance fraud involves knowingly making a false or misleading statement to an insurance company to obtain benefits, payments, or compensation you are not entitled to receive. If you're facing insurance fraud charges in Corona, CA, it's possible that you'll go to prison for several years if convicted. An experienced theft crimes lawyer will protect your rights and analyze all the evidence 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; arson for insurance proceeds; workers' compensation fraud; double billing for a health service.

Possible Penalties:

• Felony Prison Sentence: 2, 3, or 5 years
• Fines: Up to $150,000 or twice what was defrauded
• Restitution: Full repayment to insurer
• Additional: Loss of professional licenses

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

You can face credit card fraud charges in Corona, CA, for a variety of actions done with a credit or debit card. Charges can occur if someone is caught using someone else's card without authorization, using a fake card or one acquired by theft, charging to an account when you don't have the card, or illegally taking or selling card account information.

Note on federal charges: It's common in California credit card fraud cases for there to also be federal charges, particularly when accounts are used across state lines or some part of the alleged crime occurred online. 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 Corona, 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; misrepresenting household composition; 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 local Corona, CA, theft crimes lawyer can dissect the prosecution's case and greatly improve your case's outlook.

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 Corona, CA, are very serious. They are often applied to healthcare practitioners who create fake requests for payment or prescribe unneeded treatments related to hospice. To qualify forMedicare hospice benefits, the person being treated must be predicted to pass away within half a year if the illness runs its normal course — many hospice fraud cases are the result of these predictions being inaccurate.

This type of fraud is more often alleged towards providers over patients. Because healthcare professionals have more access to control billing and provide diagnoses, they are at higher risk of being accused of hospice fraud. And as if it weren't bad enough going up against the Corona, CA, government, you're likely to face federal charges and accusations from federal investigators.

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.

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 have particularly far-reaching consequences. Because Medicare is a federal program, these charges are almost exclusively prosecuted at the federal level — typically by the U.S. Attorney's Office with support from the FBI, HHS Office of Inspector General, and the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which maintains an active presence in Corona, CA.

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. Both the person paying and the person receiving a kickback can face prosecution.

Potential Penalties:

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

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

Health care fraud charges are normally related to a person providing false information on an insurance form, in order to receive an undeserved payout. These allegations apply in broader situations than Medicare, including when a non-governmental insurance agency is involved.

Under California Penal Code § 550, health insurance fraud is independently criminalized at the state level. 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 Corona, CA, are frequently complex, involving large volumes of billing records, expert testimony from medical billing specialists, and coordination between state and federal agencies. Healthcare providers, billing companies, office managers, and support staff have all found themselves accused of health care fraud in the past.

Possible Penalties:

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

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

Home health fraud, 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 — such as skilled nursing visits, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and medical social services. To qualify for Medicare benefits, the person receiving care must be homebound and require specialized care. Because of the particulars of the definition, these cases can vary wildly from one another.

Common schemes include: billing for visits to patients who are not homebound and do not qualify; billing for services that were never provided; falsifying physician orders and certifications to manufacture eligibility; paying illegal kickbacks to recruiters, physicians, or patient cappers for referrals; and billing therapy services at inflated frequency levels unsupported by clinical documentation. Home health fraud charges in Corona, CA, are taken very seriously, and you need a theft defense lawyer who's ready to give your case the attention it deserves. Owners, administrators, therapists, and referring physicians have all been prosecuted.

Warning: The 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.

Possible Penalties:

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

Violent Theft Charges We Defend in Corona, CA

There is often a crossover between theft and violent crime charges in Corona, CA. One common example is robbery. A person commits robbery when they take something directly from another person by force. As opposed to burglary, the alleged theft occurred away from the alleged victim. Carjacking 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 relies more on threats than actual violence to commit a theft. When one person commits extortion, they threaten another in order to get something from them. The threats don't always have to consist of physical violence, but the threat should be to harm the alleged victim in some form or fashion. For example, if a person would commit extortion if she saw a man commit a crime, and threatened to turn him in if he didn't pay her.

Robbery, Extortion & Force-Related Theft

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

Robbery — California Penal Code § 211

Many people confuse burglary and robbery, but they are actually very different crimes. Burglary generally occurs while the alleged victim is away, while in robbery cases, the supposed offender takes something from the alleged victim personally. All robbery charges in California are felonies.

The state of California divides robbery charges into two degrees:

• First-Degree Robbery: This is charged when the alleged offense took place:
  1. In someone's house, vehicle, or other building,
  2. In a taxi, or
  3. While the alleged victim was using an ATM
• Second-Degree Robbery: This is charged in any other circumstances

The penalties are usually worse for first-degree robbery.

Potential Penalties:

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

Extortion (Blackmail) — California Penal Code § 518

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 post compromising photos of someone online if they leave; threatening to deny someone a rightful certification unless special favors are given.

Potential Penalties:

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

Burglary Charges We Defend in Corona, CA

Burglary charges in Corona, 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 break a different law. Ordinarily, this is a building, like a convenience store (which would make it commercial burglary), but not always. For example, if you supposedly broke a car window to steal a wallet sitting on the seat, that would fall under burglary of a vehicle.

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

Burglary Related Charges

Shoplifting is closely related to commercial burglary. In fact, before 2014, what you think of as shoplifting would be classified as burglary under California law. But after Proposition 47's passing in 2014, shoplifting was reclassified as its own offense. It took effect immediately and made several changes to reduce penalties for certain nonviolent property and drug crimes. Today, shoplifting is no longer a subset of burglary offenses in Corona, CA, and faces more lenient penalties if convicted.

Another related charge is vandalism. California defines vandalism and the intentional harming of someone else's property with permission, such as by kicking in a door 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 Corona, CA, making it all the more important to get an expert theft crimes lawyer to defend you.

Finally, even if you don't commit a theft, you can face related charges in Corona, CA. 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

Corona, 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

In California, first-degree burglary, sometimes called residential burglary, involves going to someone's dwelling place with the intent to commit a theft or any felony inside. This means that you can be found guilty even without actually committing theft. The reason that you went there is the key to burglary charges.

This charge is always a felony and is considered a "strike" offense. Outside of violent crimes, first-degree burglary is one of the worst theft charges you can face in California, and Corona, 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 Sentence: 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

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 Corona, CA prosecutor interprets the circumstances.

Important note: The vehicle must be locked for a burglary charge to apply. An unlocked vehicle can still lead to theft charges, but the burglary enhancement requires that the vehicle was secured in some way.

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

If you're accused of breaking into a home and threatening or hurting the people inside, that would fall under home invasion charges. This is treated as one of the gravest offenses in the California penal code, and prosecutors pursue maximum penalties. 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 facing home invasion charges, you need defense attorneys that can give you top-quality service, and you need them immediately.

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

While no criminal theft charges are truly 'simple,' they are made far more complex when they are compounded with related or adjacent charges. 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.

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 that are cheaply listed, without receipts, or from unknown sellers, does not prove that you were aware the items were stolen.

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 Corona, 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.

Potential Penalties:

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

Trespassing — California Penal Code § 602

Trespassing involves entering or remaining on another person's property without permission. Tresspassing is often charged alongside burglary, because the latter also involves entering a location without permission.

Standing alone, trespassing is ordinarilly charged as a misdemeanor or infraction. However, Corona, CA, prosecutors can also use it as a part of a case for more serious charges. Fighting these charges is often a matter of whether or not the alleged offender did in fact have permission or the right to be there.

Perjury — California Penal Code § 118

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

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

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. Because of this stealing even a low-value firearm will end up with a felony charge. Grand theft of a firearm is considered a serious felony and can count as a strike under California's Three Strikes law.

As if fighting the charges in your local Corona, CA court weren't bad enough, you could also find yourself up against federal charges. The combination of state and federal exposure makes this one of the most legally complex theft charges you can face. And it's even more important to find an attorney with the skills to fight for you at all levels.

Possible Penalties:

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

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

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.

The prosecution in Corona, CA, does not take these charges lightly and usually pursues harsh penalties. Prison sentences can be increased even further if the alleged victim was 70 years or older. Civil liability and restitution orders frequently accompany criminal proceedings, and Adult Protective Services involvement can complicate cases further.

Common scenarios: Lenders pressuring the elderly to take bad loans; family member doesn't provide an agreed upon level of care; contractor overcharging vulnerable seniors; impostor pretends to be a law enforcement official.

Possible Penalties:

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

Looting — California Penal Code § 463

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

These charges are often looked upon very negatively in Corona, CA. The state will often pursue looting charges beyond what it would have for ordinary burglary or theft offenses. During declared states of emergency, prosecutors seek the harshest available penalties, and courts are generally unsympathetic. 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

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) the specific intent to commit the crime, and (2) a tangible step is taken towards breaking the law — regardless of whether it was successful or not.

Under most circumstances, in California, if you are convicted of attempting a crime you will be given half the sentence of the underlying offense. So while residential burglary carries a prison sentence of 2, 4, or 6 years, attempted residential burglary would only carry a sentence of 1, 2, or 3 years. However, this is still a serious criminal conviction with lasting consequences.

Even though they are not successful, attempted robbery and attempted burglary can still leave a strike on your criminal record. Our theft crime lawyers will fight against these charges to create reasonable doubt and position us for favorable negotiations.

No matter what you've been accused of, when you reach out to our firm, you can connect with an expert theft crimes lawyer in Corona, CA, who will help you break down and navigate the charges. As a team, we will craft a staunch defense against the allegations.

Steps to Take When Accused of Theft

Theft allegations are just the tip of the iceberg. There could be a warrant out for your arrest, not everyone will believe your side of the story, and a conviction could derail your life. When you're alone, it can seem impossible.

But you're not alone. You have the Law Offices of David S. Chesley on your side. With one of our Corona, CA, theft crimes lawyers on your case, you'll get honest, personalized legal advice on how to achieve the best outcome possible. To get started, use the five steps below to protect your freedom and avoid common pitfalls:

1. Obey the Arresting Officer's Instructions

While it's reasonable to feel angry about being arrested, don't resist. If you act civilly, it will make things go faster and easier. Refusing to comply can only make things worse.

2. Remain Calm and Don't Talk

You may be questioned by the police – stay 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 accused of perjury.

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

In California, after you are processed for arrest, you get 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. You can reach us 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 firm's theft crimes defense attorneys will fight for your pre-trial release and lower bail requirements. Your rights and freedom matter, no matter what you've been accused of.

5. Coordinate With Your Lawyer to Build Your Defense

With the right attorney by your side, it's time to create a strategy to fight the charges. A skilled theft crimes lawyer in Corona, CA, will listen to your story, negotiate for deals with the prosecution, and fight for charges to be dismissed wherever possible.

How Our Theft Lawyers Fight Against These Charges

As expert theft crime attorneys, we know that each case's defense strategy needs to be customized to the specific facts, circumstances, and accusations. Here are the major defense approaches our attorneys use to fight theft charges in Corona, CA.

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 Corona, CA, intent to commit theft specifically requires someone to plan to permanently take someone else's property away. In many cases, especially if the physical evidence indicates the defendant took the item, everything will center around intent.

Claim of right is a related defense — if the accused didn't know that they were stealing a piece of property because they thought that they had permission to take it, they would lack the intent needed for a conviction. If 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. Similar 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: The prosecution bears the burden of proving criminal intent beyond a reasonable doubt — the defendant does not have to prove innocence. This isn't merely a backup plan. This is a key part of nearly all theft defenses, especially in cases involving family disagreements, where sometimes people can forget about who the formal owner of a piece of property is and unintentionally misuse it.

Using This Defense:

• Grand Theft: Negates specific intent to permanently deprive
• Embezzlement: Challenges the fraudulent conversion element
• Fraud / False Pretenses: 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, how the evidence was obtained is just as important as what it is. If the investigators broke the law, the evidence can be suppressed and the prosecution may be unable to proceed.

Common suppression issues in theft and property crime cases include: searches conducted without either a warrant or just cause; searches resulting from a warrant that was based on false information; arrests without probable cause leading to an invalid search incident to arrest; GPS tracking or digital surveillance conducted without getting proper approval; and searches that go beyond the scope of a legitimate warrant. California Penal Code § 1538.5 gives defendants a statutory right to move to suppress evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment — suppression of unlawfully abstained evidence motions can destroy the prosecution's argument, leading to dropped or dismissed charges.

If this applies to your case, it can be a major win for your defense. Even partial suppression — eliminating a single piece of highly damaging evidence — can substantially change the outcome. Suppression motions are fully litigated in Corona, CA, courts, and frequently come up in theft cases.

Suppression Scenarios:

• Warrantless Home Entry: Except in special circumstances, if evidence was taken from your home without a warrant, it can be thrown out
• Vehicle Searches: Require a warrant, 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

The Corona, CA, investigators and prosecution aren't perfect: Sometimes, they get the wrong guy. False accusations can result from personal disagreements, witnesses mistaking the defendant for someone else, misunderstandings about ownership, ambiguous surveillance footage, or deliberate fabrication by a party with a motive to harm the accused. You can't rely on your innocence to get you out of trouble — you need a Corona, CA, theft crimes lawyer to protect your freedom.

False accusations in Corona, CA, often aren't the result of malice, but of a witness making an error. 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: establishing an alibi with corroborating witnesses, records, or surveillance footage; challenging the reliability of the identification procedure used by law enforcement (photo arrays, live lineups, show-ups); exposing bias or motive on the part the person making the allegations; presenting expert testimony on the science of human memory and eyewitness reliability; and highlighting inconsistencies between different statements and testimony between witnesses.

If you have been falsely accused: Stay away from witnesses, do not attempt to gather evidence independently, and do not talk to the police without your theft crimes lawyer present. Statements made to investigators — even truthful ones — can be mischaracterized, taken out of context, or used in unexpected ways. Contact defense counsel immediately and say nothing.

Lack of Knowledge — If you merely were holding property that turned out to be stolen, the prosecution must prove you were aware that the property was obtained through theft. We will challenge whether or not you had this knowledge — it's common for people to make purchases without being aware of how the seller got the item.

Consent / Permission — 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.

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

Disputing the Value of Property — In many cases, your charges are determined by how much was allegedly taken. Lower amounts lead to lesser charges. We'll show the true value of the property and argue for lesser charges.

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

Whatever your past is, you have a future. And we want to help you make the most of it. Under California Penal Code § 1203.4, individuals who have successfully completed probation for a misdemeanor or felony theft conviction may petition the court to dismiss the charges and withdraw their guilty or no contest plea — a process commonly called an expungement. The following criteria typically apply: successfully completed all terms of probation, including fines and restitution; not have any pending criminal charges against you; and — as a more recent restriction — in many 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).

In cases where probation was not granted, a petition under Penal Code § 1203.4a may provide relief after one year has elapsed since conviction. For those whose cases were dismissed without conviction, a separate petition under Penal Code § 851.91 may be available to seal the underlying arrest record entirely.

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

Important: While expungement under § 1203.4 offers many benefits, it doesn't make the record go away entirely; it can still be viewed by the police, licensing boards, and be used in future criminal cases. If your goal is the total removal of the record, to be able to legally own a gun again, or clearing a prior strike, you will need a different method of expungement. 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: 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: Does not restore firearm rights or remove record from law enforcement databases

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Corona, CA, Theft Crimes Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a difference between petty theft and grand theft in Corona, California?


The primary distinction is the value of the property allegedly taken. 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). Grand theft charges will require elite legal representation in particular, though you will always need a theft crimes lawyer to defend you, regardless of the specifics.

Is it possible to expunge a theft conviction in California?


Frequently, yes. California Penal Code § 1203.4 allows for expungement of misdemeanor and many felony theft convictions after successful completion of probation. Expungement removes the conviction from your public record and allows you to truthfully say you have not been convicted of that crime in most circumstances. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared to help you expunge your record, whatever the circumstances of your conviction.

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


Receiving stolen property (PC § 496) requires that you knew — or had good reason to know — the property was stolen. If you honestly didn't know and didn't have a reason to suspect it, that can form the basis of your defense. 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 lessen the strength of your defense, making it imperative that you hire a skillful theft crimes lawyer.

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


Extremely. You're probably looking at felony charges, with higher prison time, fines, and long-lasting record impacts. If you have any prior convictions, you are at risk of harsher penalties. Get in touch with one of our attorneys right away if you're facing this charge.

What is a "wobbler" offense in California?


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

Will I go to jail for a theft charge?


You can avoid jail in many cases, actually. Corona, CA courts have sentencing alternatives that will give you an alternative to incarceration, particularly for misdemeanors and first-time offenders. While felony charges can be harder to avoid prison for, it is still possible in some cases. Your lawyer can make a major difference in this regard, and working with an experienced one is essential. Call our firm 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 is irrelevant — if prosecutors can prove you entered with criminal intent, you can be convicted of burglary even if you left empty-handed. This is why intent evidence — and challenging how it's proven — is central to burglary defense.

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Need a Theft Defense Attorney in Corona, CA? Contact Our Team Right Away.

Every theft allegation is a big deal. Our firm is equipped to defend you — whenver you need help. Your first consultation is completely free and confidential.

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