Theft Lawyer Redondo Beach, CA. When you are charged with a crime in Redondo Beach, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. You might even be facing multiple theft charges at once. On your own, it can feel impossible to win.
Even when you're up against the toughest battle of your life, don't give up yet. You have a team who will defend your freedom: The Law Offices of David S. Chesley. Our lawyers have the tools and training to fight against any theft and related charges. With a Redondo Beach, CA, theft crimes lawyer from our team building your defense, you don't have to worry about how you'll handle things alone anymore.
Speak with a theft crimes lawyer now at (800) 755-5174 or connect with us online 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.
Why You Need a Leading Redondo Beach, CA, Theft Defense Lawyer
You should never take theft allegations lightly, whether they are felonies or misdemeanors. If you don't have an attorney, you're stuck trying to decipher a intricate legal code and increase your risk of the following penalties:
- Jail Sentence: Jail time is a common consequence for theft in Redondo Beach, CA.
- Financial Penalties: Fines are commonly assigned as penalties in theft laws, plus you could lose more money in civil court.
- Loss of Employmnet: Background checks can derail job applications, and you can lose access to professional licenses.
- Reputational Damage: Regardless of the facts and circumstances surrounding your case, some people will only look at the conviction.
- And more.
If you want to avoid all of this, you need a distinguished Redondo Beach, CA, theft crimes lawyer. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley. Look at what makes us the right attorneys for the job:
Top Qualities of Our Redondo Beach, CA Theft Defense Attorneys
Working with our expert Redondo Beach, CA theft crimes defense lawyers will give you leading legal representation. Here's what you get when you call us — and the difference it will make for your case:
- A Team Of Former District Attorneys & Judges — We have experience and insights from our time in other areas of the law. We know common weak points and how to attack the prosecution's case.
- Extensive 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.
- Defenses Built for Trial — Misdemeanor or felony, we build your defense to be trial-ready. This posture often produces better plea negotiations and dismissals — because the prosecution knows we're not bluffing.
- Expungement Services — Even after the fact, we're still here to help. Don't let an arrest or criminal record hold you back — speak with one of our Redondo Beach, CA, criminal defense attorneys to discuss expungement options.
- Terrific Reputation – We are renowned professionally and by clients.
- Available 24/7 — Our team is available whenever you need us most. If you need a theft crime attorney, you shouldn't need to wait for regular business hours. And with our team, you don't have to.
- Entirely Private — Everything you tell us is protected by attorney-client privilege. Speak freely — we need the full story to build the strongest possible defense for you.
Theft Charges We Defend in Redondo Beach, CA
Click any charge below to navigate directly to a full explanation of the law, penalties, and additional information.
Attempted Burglary | Attempted Robbery | Bribery | Burglary (Residential) | Burglary of a Vehicle | Carjacking | Commercial Burglary | Credit Card Fraud | Elder Financial Abuse | Embezzlement | Extortion | Forgery | Fraud / False Pretenses | Grand Theft | Grand Theft Auto | Grand Theft of a Firearm | Health Care Fraud | Home Health Fraud | Home Invasion Burglary | Hospice Fraud | Identity Theft | Insurance Fraud | Joyriding | Looting | Medicare Fraud | Money Laundering | Perjury | Petty Theft | Petty Theft with a Prior | Possession of Stolen Vehicle | Receiving Stolen Property | Robbery | Shoplifting (PC 459.5) | Theft from an Elder | Trespassing | Vandalism | Vehicle Theft | Welfare Fraud | White Collar Crimes
Theft Cases We Fight in Redondo Beach, CA
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we're experienced in defending against charges of theft. When you need a theft crimes lawyer in Redondo Beach, CA, don't hesitate: contact us right away 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
While there are many different theft case types in Redondo Beach, CA, odds are high you're facing one of these two: Petty theft and grand theft. You can face these charges for taking someone's possessions without permission. 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 normally be grand theft.
Defending petty theft charges often lead to more positive outcomes, in part because they are often misdemeanors. On the other hand, fighting grand theft charges pose a greater obstacle, because they are frequently charged as felonies. 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:
| Theft Charges | Petty Theft | Grand Theft |
|---|---|---|
| Value Taken | $950 or Less | More than $950 |
| Charge Type? | Ordinarilly 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. A person commits shoplifting when they go into an open store in order to steal $950 or less worth of goods.
Before Prop 47, what we now call "shoplifting" was prosecuted as burglary — a felony. Today, the majority of shoplifting cases are misdemeanors. However, repeat offenders, organized retail theft, or amounts over $950 can still result in felony charges. Whether you're up against a felony or misdemeanor charge, a local Redondo Beach, CA theft crimes lawyer can help protect you from the worst 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 Possible 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
Potential defenses consist of: No intention to steal, innocence, entrapment by loss prevention, Fourth Amendment violations during detention, and diversion programs for first-time offenders.
Petty Theft with a Prior — California Penal Code § 666
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. Not every prior offense in Redondo Beach, CA, qualifies for these enhancement, but if you have any prior convictions on your record, it's critical to work with an expert theft lawyer to defend you.
To activate this sentencing enhancement, the state must establish: (1) the defendant performed petty theft; and (2) the suspect has a criminal record including at least one of a set list of previous offenses (mostly including theft crimes, but also some sex crimes) — especially if the sentence included incarceration. This law is applicable in many cases today, even after being limited in scope by Proposition 47 in 2014. While most of the applicable prior convictions are theft related, they also include some sexual and violent crimes.
Potential Penalties:
- Charge Type: Wobbler
- Misdemeanor Jail: Up to 1 year in county jail
- Felony Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
- Applicable Priors: Previous theft, burglary, robbery, or carjacking convictions
Vehicle Theft Charges We Fight in Redondo Beach, CA
We will fight against all sorts of vehicle theft crimes in Redondo Beach, CA. One of the ones people commonly think of is grand theft auto, but that's technically not a law of its own. Grand theft auto is a smaller part 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. If they were only doing to drive it briefly and then bring it back, they're probably going to face charges of joyriding. While each of these vehicle crimes are 'wobbler' offenses, joyriding charges are almost always better to face in Redondo Beach, CA, because they're likely to be charged as misdemeanors, versus grand theft auto felonies.
One final vehicle theft-related charge that some people underestimate is possession of a stolen vehicle. In the same vein as receiving stolen property, you don't have to have actually stolen anything to be convicted of this crime. Just owning or keeping the car or truck can get you arrested for possession of a stolen vehicle.
When you work with us, you'll work with a vehicle theft crimes lawyer who has the experience necessary to combat these charges and dissect the state's case. Contact us today to start making your case.
Grand Theft Auto — California Penal Code § 487(d)(1)
If you allegedly stole a car, you might expect to face grand theft auto charges. However, grand theft auto does not have its own statute in California — it is a subcategory of grand theft that applies specifically to the theft of any motor vehicle, regardless of its value. This means even stealing a beater worth $200 can result in a grand theft auto charge.
Grand theft auto charges often hinge on your intentions during the alleged theft — if you were going to bring it back, then it wasn't technically a theft, it was joyriding.
Potential Penalties:
- Charge Type: Wobbler (usually felony in Redondo Beach, 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 — sometimes called "joyriding" broadly — is often charged alongside or instead of grand theft auto. Unlike grand theft auto, this statute does not require intent to permanently deprive the owner. If you deprive someone of their vehicle with any intentions, this law applies.
This charge is popular in Redondo Beach, CA, courts as either a plea deal or as its own charge.
Joyriding — California Vehicle Code § 10851
Joyriding is a similar charge to grand theft auto, with one key difference: The alleged offender was going to give the car back. 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 Redondo Beach, CA, vehicle theft crimes lawyer to build you a solid defense.
In most circumstances, Redondo Beach, CA, joyriding cases are handled as misdemeanors. That said, you could face felony charges if you have a criminal record, or the prosecutor thought the action was particularly bad.
| Joyriding | Grand Theft Auto | |
|---|---|---|
| Key Distinction | Intent to return | Intent to keep permanently |
| Typical Charge | Misdemeanor | Felony |
| Misdemeanor Jail | Up to 1 year | — |
| Felony Prison | — | 16 months, 2, or 3 years |
Carjacking — California Penal Code § 215
If you had to pick the worst vehicle theft crime to be charged with, carjacking would be a leading contender. If you allegedly used force or threats to take someone's car directly from them, you can be charged with carjacking. Due to the violent nature of the crime, carjacking is always a felony and is often ineligible for probation.
Carjacking is also a "strike" offense under California's Three Strikes law. A conviction can have lifelong consequences beyond just the immediate sentence.
Potential Penalties:
- Prison: 3, 5, or 9 years in state prison
- Enhancements: Additional years for weapon use or injury
- Three Strikes: Yes — counts as a strike offense
- Fines: Up to $10,000
Possession of a Stolen Vehicle — California Penal Code § 496d
In Redondo Beach, CA, the prosecution can charge you with a related crime even if you didn't steal the vehicle. 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 prosecution must prove you had knowledge the vehicle was stolen — your vehicle theft crimes lawyer can argue that you didn't.
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 Redondo Beach, CA
White collar crimes in Redondo Beach, CA, can be any one of a variety of charges, but all of them have one thing in common: taking advantage of one's position within an organization to benefit oneself, illegally.
Most white collar crimes are defined by how money is transferred. Embezzlement is the theft of money someone was supposed to manage for others, like an investment banker taking from a client's account. Money laundering an attempt to hide illegal money as legal income. For example, if someone made money from a drug deal, then pretended to have another person pay them for a job, that would be money laundering. Meanwhile, bribery 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 at face value). Forgery is when someone creates a fake document with intentions to use it in a future theft, and identity theft is the taking of someone's personal information. Note that no financial theft has to occur for a person to be charged with either of these.
Embezzlement, Money Laundering, Fraud & More
Despite there being no physical harm involved, white collar charges are treated harshly by the law — prison sentences, massive fines, professional license revocation, and permanent stains on your reputation. To protect yourself against these consequences, it's critical to have a theft crimes lawyer with local experience and expertise in your corner.
White Collar Crimes — Overview
Individual "white collar crimes" can look very different from each other. For an alleged crime to qualify, it should feature the element of deception, breach of trust, or abuse of a position for personal gain. These cases are some of the most complicated in Redondo Beach, CA, and normally require highly experienced representation to defend.
In contrast to other crime categories (like DUIs, where police may cite you immediately at a checkpoint), state investigators can spend a long time building a case before you are formally accused. Call us now if you have any reason to believe the police are looking into you. 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 key element is the pre-existing legal access — embezzlers have legitimate control over the money or property they steal.
Hypothetical examples: An accountant siphoning company funds; a payroll professional creating fake employees and taking their salaries; a financial advisor moving client funds to personal accounts; A cashier voiding out a transaction but keeping the money; a charity collector taking cash donations while leaving other types alone.
Possible 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 typically is made up of three stages: placement (bringing the illegally-obtained money into the economy), layering (in an attempt to confuse future investigators, the money is shifted through complicated financial trades and transfers), and integration (investing the funds into something legal, or using another method to extract them into seemingly-legitimate assets).
California's money laundering law specifically targets transactions of more 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
Bribery involves offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting something of value in order to affect the actions of people in certain positions of power. California law criminalizes bribery in many contexts — elected officials, judges, lawmakers, executive officers, witnesses, and even private commercial bribery. Whatever position you're in, a Redondo Beach, CA, theft crimes lawyer is important to give you insights into successful defense strategies.
Important: Whether you offered or accepted a bribe, you could face charges in Redondo Beach, CA. Attempted bribery charges are even possible, if one person tries to bribe another, and the second person refuses it.
Possible 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
Redondo Beach, CA, forgery charges don't directly involve theft, but instead the creation or modification of a document in order to aid with a future fraud attempt. California's forgery statute is broad and covers bills, receipts, stock certificates, deeds, power of attorney documents, court orders, prescriptions, identification documents, and many other types of written instruments.
What if I didn't steal anything with it? Whether or not you allegedly did something with the forgery is irrelevant. The intent to defraud, combined with the act of creating or using the fake document, is enough to be convicted.
Possible Penalties:
- Charge Type: Wobbler
- Felony Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
- Misdemeanor Jail: Up to 1 year
Identity Theft — California Penal Code § 530.5
You can face identity theft allegations in Redondo Beach, CA if you use someone else's personal information without permission to perform a restricted activity, 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 obtaining and using another person's information without authorization is enough to violate California law. Because of this, you need to work with an expert theft crimes lawyer whatever the particular of your case.
Identity theft accusations are aggressively prosecuted in Redondo Beach, CA, and increasingly involve federal charges for more serious, widespread, or online cases.
Possible Penalties:
- Charge Type: Wobbler
- Felony Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
- Per Victim: Charges can stack — one count per victim
- Federal: Up to 15–30 years (aggravated cases)
Fraud Charges We Fight in Redondo Beach, CA
Fraud encompasses a variety of specific theft types in Redondo Beach, 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 a basic type of this crime.
Insurance fraud is one of the most common types of fraud. It involves lying on an insurance claim to increase their benefit. As an example, after a car accident, a person who lies about how much damage was caused to get a bigger payout can be charged with insurance fraud.
This is not unlike welfare fraud, where someone takes advantage of government assistance programs by providing false information to them. An example of this would be pretending that one's income is lower than it actually is in order to receive food stamps.
Another popular form is credit card fraud. This type of fraud involves dishonesty about the credit card and/or how it was acquired. Maybe it's stolen, expired, or fake, but the bottom line is that the card was not supposed to be used in this way.
When you're on your own, trying to figure out what fraud charges you're facing can feel impossible. With a leading Redondo Beach, CA theft crimes lawyer, you have someone who can help you navigate through the complexity.
Fraud, False Pretenses & Financial Deception
Fraud charges in Redondo Beach, CA, cover a vast range of conduct — from simple misrepresentations to elaborate financial schemes. Your theft crimes lawyer will need to have experience not only with the state law, but also following financial trails.
Theft by False Pretenses / Fraud — California Penal Code § 532
Theft by false pretenses is one of the most common fraud charges in Redondo Beach. These allegations are used when one person lies to someone else, causing them to voluntarily transfer money or property. As opposed to forceful or unknowing theft, theft by false prestenses involves the alleged victim deliberately parting with their goods because of the deception.
Common examples: Lying about being a contest winner; misrepresenting credentials to get paid for work; creating fake invoices; lying about the condition of goods sold.
If you're facing theft by false pretenses charges, it could be either a misdemeanor or a felony. The level depends on the how much was stolen — if the total value was more than $950, you are likely looking at grand theft (and possible felony) charges.
Insurance Fraud — California Penal Code § 550
You can face insurance fraud charges for making untruthful statements in reports to your insurance agency, so that they will provide you with a benefit you are not supposed to receive. If you're facing insurance fraud charges in Redondo Beach, CA, it's possible that you'll go to prison for several years if convicted. A leading theft crimes lawyer will protect your rights and explore all avenues to help you find the best outcome possible
Common 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; fabricating injuries; health insurance billing fraud.
Potential Penalties:
- Felony Prison Sentence: 2, 3, or 5 years
- Fines: Up to $150,000 or twice what was defrauded
- Restitution: Give the amount defrauded back to the alleged victim
- Additional: Loss of professional licenses
Credit Card Fraud — California Penal Code § 484e–484j
Credit card fraud charges in Redondo Beach, CA, go beyond credit cards and involve the misuse of financial account access information. You could be accused of using another person'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 fraudulently acquiring or selling card account information.
Regarding federal charges: You are likely to face both federal and state charges, particularly when accounts 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
A person commits welfare fraud if they lie about or misrepresent themselves in order to get access to benefits from the government, such as food stamps or medical benefits.
Common examples: Failing to report income; using fake identities to collect extra benefits; Trading or selling food stamps; pretending that a child is still a dependent when they are not; continuing to collect benefits after a qualifying event ends your eligibility.
These crimes often have special investigation teams that target alleged offenders. If convicted, you could be looking at years in prison and serious financial consequences. Your premier Redondo Beach, CA, theft crimes lawyer can push back against the prosecution's case and greatly improve your case's outlook.
Potential 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: Lose your right to receive benefits in the future
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 qualify forMedicare hospice benefits, the recipient must be predicted to pass away within half a year if nothing drastic changes in their health condition — a threshold that fraudulent providers routinely falsify.
While it's possible for care recipients to face hospice fraud accusations, they are more commonly made against the care provider. Hospice can be a challenging situation for many people, and frustrations with the situation can turn into unjust accusations. And as if it weren't bad enough going up against the Redondo Beach, CA, government, you're likely to face federal charges and accusations from federal investigators.
Critical Note: If you've been accused of hospice fraud in criminal court, you can expect a civil suit to follow. If someone reaches out to the authorities, they may share their findings in order to allow for a civil suit. Providers are often unaware that an investigation is underway until a search warrant is executed.
Possible Penalties:
- Federal Prison: Up to 10 years per count (18 U.S.C. § 1347)
- Civil FCA Liability: Treble damages plus $13,000–$27,000 per false claim
- State Charges: Up to 5 years (CA Penal Code § 550)
- Additional: Exclusion from Medicare/Medi-Cal programs; license revocation
Medicare Fraud — 18 U.S.C. § 1347 / 42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7b
Medicare fraud charges have particularly far-reaching consequences. In Redondo Beach, 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. Because Medicare billing data is centrally maintained, federal agents can identify statistical anomalies and billing patterns across thousands of claims — meaning investigations often begin long before a provider is aware they are being scrutinized.
Warning: The Anti-Kickback Statute (42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7b) makes it a federal crime to offer, pay, solicit, or receive anything of value to induce referrals of Medicare-covered services. Violations can arise even when the underlying medical service was legitimately provided. Providers and referrers are both at risk of prosecution under these circumstances.
Possible Penalties:
- Federal Prison: Up to 10 years per count (up to 20 if serious bodily injury results)
- Anti-Kickback Violations: Up to 10 years per violation
- Civil FCA Liability: Treble damages plus civil monetary penalties per claim
- Additional: Ineligibility for all federal health care programs
Health Care Fraud — 18 U.S.C. § 1347 / California Penal Code § 550
Health care fraud charges are normally related to a person providing false information on an insurance form, in order to receive an undeserved payout. Critically, the statute applies to all health benefit programs, not just Medicare and Medicaid — including private commercial insurers.
Under California Penal Code § 550, health insurance fraud is independently criminalized at the state level. California's statute specifically addresses false or misleading statements made in connection with insurance claims, including the submission of multiple claims for a single loss and the preparation of false medical reports. Health care fraud cases in Redondo Beach, 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 organizations, office managers, and clerks 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, like other health care fraud types, also consists of making false statements to an insurance or government health care entity. The difference is that it describes specific types of healthcare services — including skilled nursing visits, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and home health aide services. To qualify for Medicare reimbursement, the care recipient must be homebound and require special care. Home health fraud exploits this framework in a variety of ways.
A patient could be accused of this if they had a less serious condition, but claimed it was more dire, in order to receive in-home assistance. Meanwhile, a provider could be charged if a health service team member performs unneeded medical services in order to drive up bills. Southern California has historically been one of the country's highest-risk regions for home health fraud, and federal task forces have conducted simultaneous multi-agency takedowns targeting dozens of home health agencies in Redondo Beach, CA. Commonly accused individuals include physical therapists, administrative workers, and physicians performing the diagnoses.
Important: 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.
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 Redondo Beach, CA
There is often a crossover between theft and violent crime charges in Redondo Beach, CA. This can occur if you're charged with robbery. Robbery occurs when one person threatens or attacks someone in order to take something from them. Versus burglary, where the alleged victim is not present during the act. Carjacking is to grand theft auto what robbery is to burglary.
There is another way violence and theft crimes can overlap, though: when an initially nonviolent theft collides with a person. Home invasion charges can start out as regular burglary, with the alleged offender not intending to commit violence, but that changes when they run into another person.
Extortion is a unique form of theft. When one person commits extortion, they threaten another in order to get something from them. This doesn't always need to include physical violence, but the threat should be to harm the alleged victim in some form or fashion. 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. It's essential to get a theft crimes lawyer in Redondo Beach, CA to protect your freedom.
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 Redondo Beach, CA, could either be first-degree or second-degree. These are differentiated based on the location and the alleged victim. First-degree robbery is charged in cases where the alleged robbery occurred in someone's dwelling place, against the passenger or driver of a taxi/rideshare vehicle, or while the supposed victim was at an ATM.
Potential Penalties:
- 1st Degree Prison: 3, 4, or 6 years
- 2nd Degree Prison: 2, 3, or 5 years
- Weapon Use: +3 to 10 years
- Three Strikes: Yes — serious felony
Extortion (Blackmail) — California Penal Code § 518
Extortion occurs when someone threatens another person — with violence, property damage, accusation of a crime, or exposure of damaging information — in order to obtain money, property, or an official act. Not every extortion case involves threats of violence; several involve threats to harm someone's reputation instead.
Common examples: Threatening to falsely accuse someone of theft unless the property is given up; 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 Fight in Redondo Beach, CA
Burglary technically isn't always a theft crime, but it is closely related. In California, you can be charged with this crime if you break into a site to either commit theft or commit another crime. This is commonly a building, like a convenience store (which would make it commercial burglary), but not always. For example, if you allegedly smashed 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. Due to this, these cases can often hinge on if you were allowed to be in the location or not.
Burglary Related Charges
Shoplifting also involves the theft of items from a store, similar to commercial burglary. In fact, before 2014, what you think of as shoplifting would be classified as burglary under California law. However, as we discussed above a new law Proposition 47 (officially the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act), a ballot initiative passed by California voters on November 4, 2014 that distinguishes shoplifting as specifically attempting to steal merchandise from a business during regular business hours. It took effect immediately and made several changes to reduce penalties for certain nonviolent property and drug crimes. Because it made shoplifting a separate charge from burglary, shoplifting attempts are no longer felonies in Redondo Beach, CA (except in extreme cases).
Another related charge is vandalism. California defines vandalism and the intentional harming of someone else's property with permission, such as by breaking a window to in the process of a theft. It's very likely that you'll be charged with both burglarizing and vandalizing a location together in Redondo Beach, CA, doubling the importance of working with an experienced theft crimes lawyer to protect your rights.
Finally, even if you don't commit a theft, you can face related charges in Redondo Beach, 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
People commonly think of burglary as entering someone's house to commit theft, but that's not how Redondo Beach, CA law works — you can be charged with burglary for entering a wide range of structures with the intent to commit a crime inside, even if you never actually steal anything.
Residential Burglary (First Degree) — California Penal Code § 459
The different degrees of burglary depend on the location of the alleged crime. You can be convicted of first-degree burglary if you break into someone's residence 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 Redondo Beach, CA courts treat it extremely harshly because it involves violation of someone's home. Without the right theft crimes defense lawyer, you're fighting an uphill battle
Potential Penalties:
- Prison Sentence: 2, 4, or 6 years in state prison
- Three Strikes: Yes — serious felony strike
- Probation: Generally not eligible for first-degree
- Fines: Up to $10,000
Commercial Burglary (Second Degree) — California Penal Code § 459
Second-degree burglary covers entering any non-residential structure with the intent to commit theft or a felony — stores, offices, warehouses, garages, and other commercial buildings. Unlike residential burglary, commercial burglary is a wobbler and can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony.
Your theft crimes lawyer in Redondo Beach, CA will need to be acutely aware of the difference between shoplifting and commercial burglary — this could be key in getting your charges reduced, if possible.
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 Redondo Beach, CA prosecutor interprets the circumstances.
Common misconception: The vehicle must be locked for a burglary charge to apply. 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
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. If you're up against these charges, it's not good enough to settle for second-best — you need a leading theft crimes lawyer on your side.
As with other burglary charges, home invasion burglary charges don't tend to exist in a vacuum — you're likely also facing other theft or violent crimes charges. If you are facing home invasion charges, you need the most experienced criminal defense team available, and you need them now.
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
You don't have to steal something to face theft-related criminal charges. California law makes it illegal to hide, purchase, sell, or otherwise possess stolen property, regardless of whether or not you're the one who stole it.
These cases often hinge on your mental state — namely, whether or not you were (or should have been) aware that the item was stolen. This knowledge element is often where we can mount an effective defense. Buying items at an unusually low price, without receipts, or from unknown sellers, does not 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 is the malicious defacement, damage, or destruction of another person's property. It is often charged alongside burglary when, for example, a window is broken to gain entry to a home or vehicle. It also applies to graffiti, which is one of the most commonly prosecuted forms of vandalism in Redondo Beach, CA.
While many theft charges become felonies if more than $950 is stolen, a vandalism charge can become a felony if just $400 or more worth of damage is done.
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 is another property crime, though it doesn't involve stealing (directly). Trespassing is when one person goes onto someone else's property when they aren't supposed to be, and/or refuses to exit. In many cases, because thefts often involve entering a location where one is not supposed to be, trespassing is charged alongside other offenses.
Standing alone, trespassing is usually charged as a misdemeanor or infraction. However, when combined with other charges (particularly burglary), the trespassing element can be used to establish elements of more serious offenses. Fighting these charges is often a matter of whether or not the alleged offender did in fact have permission or the right to be there.
Perjury — California Penal Code § 118
Perjury is making a false statement under oath, knowing it is false, in a legal proceeding or official document. While not a theft crime per se, perjury frequently arises in theft cases — for example, making false statements to police, lying in a court declaration, or providing false testimony at trial.
Do not make this mistake: You don't want to dig a deeper hole for yourself — if you're in a situation where you don't want to give an honest answer, just stay silent and ask for your theft crimes lawyer to help you out.
Possible Penalties:
- Charge Type: Felony
- Prison: 2, 3, or 4 years state prison
Specialized & Enhanced Charges
Elder Theft, Firearm Theft, Looting & Attempted Crimes
Sometimes, two very similar theft offenses can receive very different charges. This can hinge on details such as what was allegedly stolen and/or who the alleged victim was.
Grand Theft of a Firearm — California Penal Code § 487(d)(2)
California law treats firearms very seriously, restricting their availability and usage. Regarding theft, current statutes regarding firearm theft ignore the value of the device and always make it grand theft. Due to this the theft of even a low-value firearm will end up with a felony charge. Firearm theft can have long-lasting implications, beyond most other theft offenses — this is because it counts as a strike on your record.
As if fighting the charges in your local Redondo Beach, CA court weren't bad enough, you could also find yourself up against federal charges. The potential dual nature of these charges multiplies the complexity. And it's even more important to have an attorney with the skills to fight for you at all levels.
Possible Penalties:
- Prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years
- Strike: Serious felony — potential strike offense
- Federal: Additional federal charges possible
Theft from an Elder / Financial Elder Abuse — Welfare & Institutions Code § 15610.30
If the alleged victim was 65 or older, you might be up against elevated penalties. Financial elder abuse (also known as theft from an elder) 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 Redondo Beach, CA, does not take these charges lightly and usually pursues harsh penalties. This is further exacerbated if the alleged victim is 70 or older, which can lead to increased penalties. In addition to the legal penalties, you could also face a civil suit, and Adult Protective Services involvement can complicate cases further.
Examples: Caregiver taking money from a client's account; family member exerting undue influence over an elder's finances; 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. These cases are prosecuted especially hard under California Penal Code § 463, which increases the minimum penalties for many charges.
In Redondo Beach, CA — a city prone to wildfires, earthquakes, and civil unrest events — looting charges have been prosecuted with particular vigor. During declared states of emergency, prosecutors seek the harshest available penalties, and courts are generally unsympathetic. If you allegedly broke into a business building during a wildfire and took some of its merchandise, you could face looting allegations.
Potential Penalties (Enhanced):
- Petty Theft → Looting: Misdemeanor with mandatory jail (no OR release)
- Commercial Burglary → Looting: Felony — 16 months to 3 years
- Residential Burglary → Looting: Felony — 2 to 6 years
- Bail: Often denied or set very high during emergency periods
Attempted Theft, Attempted Burglary & Attempted Robbery
Under California law, you can be charged with a crime even if the theft, burglary, or robbery was never completed. For it to be considered an attempt, the prosecution needs to prove two things: (1) a mental state of deliberate criminal activity, and (2) a tangible step is taken towards breaking the law — regardless of whether it was successful or not.
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.
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.
Regardless of what charge you're facing, when you contact the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you can speak with an expert theft crimes lawyer in Redondo Beach, CA, who has the training and experience needed to find a path forward. Together, we will fight for the best outcomes possible in your case.
5 Steps to Take When Accused of Theft
You need to take these accusations seriously. You're up against the Redondo Beach, CA, prosecutor's office, not everyone will believe your side of the story, and you need to defend your reputation as well as your innocence. Trying to handle it yourself, it can seem impossible.
But you're not alone. When you call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you get premier California legal representation on your case. When you work with us, you will get a Redondo Beach, CA, theft crimes lawyer who will listen to your story and advocate for your rights. To get started, use the five steps below to protect your freedom and avoid common pitfalls:
1. Obey the Arresting Officer's Instructions
Nobody wants to be arrested. However, don't resist. If you act civilly, it will make things go faster and easier. Refusing to comply can only make things worse.
2. Stay Calm and Don't Talk
There's a chance you'll be interviewed or interrogated – stay silent. Simply say "I decline to answer any questions and am invoking my right to an attorney." Your answers can later be used as evidence in the case, and you say something untruthful, you can be accused of perjury.
3. Call a Redondo Beach, CA, Theft Crimes Defense Attorney Right Away
In California, you will be given the opportunity to make three completed phone calls after being arrested. Be sure to contact a theft crimes lawyer with one of your calls. The sooner you hire an expert to help with your case, the better your chances are for a positive outcome. You can reach us at (800) 755-5174, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
4. Secure Bail for Release
Your lawyer can help argue for your release at a bail hearing. Our firm's theft crimes defense attorneys will fight for your pre-trial release and lower bail requirements. We believe that protecting your freedom now is a part of protecting it for the long term.
5. Work With Your Attorney to Create a Defense Strategy
Finally, you work with your attorney to craft a strong defense. A skilled theft crimes lawyer in Redondo Beach, CA, will listen to your story, negotiate with the state, and argue for charges to be dismissed wherever possible.
Powerful Defense Strategies for Theft Charges
Your case is unique — and your defense strategy needs to be tailored to the specific details, proof, and accusations. Below, you can read about some of the popular ways we will fight theft cases in Redondo Beach, CA.
Lack of Intent / Claim of Right Defense in Theft Cases
One of the most powerful defenses in any theft case is the absence of criminal intent. In Redondo Beach, 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. Additional intent-based defenses consist of: mistake of fact (the defendant took the wrong item believing it to be their own); voluntary intoxication (which may negate specific intent in limited circumstances); and absence of permanence (the defendant intended to return the property, which may reduce or eliminate a grand theft charge even if another theft offense still applies).
Key point: The prosecution bears the burden of proving criminal intent beyond a reasonable doubt — the defendant does not have to prove innocence. Challenging the intent element is not simply a fallback strategy. It is often the strongest available defense, especially in cases involving disputes over ownership, employer-employee disagreements, family property conflicts, or transactions gone wrong.
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
The state needs to follow rules when building its case. One critically important one is the 4th Amendment, which stops authorities from performing illegal searches and seizures. In theft and burglary 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 prosecution may be unable to proceed.
Here are some of the reasons that evidence is thrown out in theft cases: searches conducted without either a warrant or just cause; searches resulting from a warrant that was based on false information; arrests without probable cause leading to an invalid search incident to arrest; GPS tracking or digital surveillance conducted without getting proper approval; and searches that exceeded the scope of a legitimate warrant. In Redondo Beach, CA, your defense attorney can file a motion to throw out any evidence the prosecution acquired through improper means — a motion that can be brought at the preliminary hearing stage and can effectively end a prosecution before trial if granted.
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 Redondo Beach, 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, valid consent, or a recognized exception such as probable cause
- Digital Evidence / Cell Phones: Require a warrant under Riley v. California (2014)
- Fruit of the Poisonous Tree: Evidence derived from an illegal search may also be excluded
False Accusation / Misidentification
Innocent people are charged with theft crimes more often than the public realizes. False accusations can stem from personal disagreements, witnesses mistaking the defendant for someone else, misunderstandings 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 — aggressive and immediate defense is essential from the moment of accusation.
Eyewitness misidentification is one of the leading causes of wrongful convictions nationally. In theft, robbery, and burglary cases, witnesses under stress frequently misidentify suspects — most notably across racial lines, if they didn't have a clear sightline, or when the perpetrator was briefly seen. Even if the witness is sure, they could be mistaken. 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 alleged victim; presenting expert testimony on the science of human memory and eyewitness reliability; and demonstrating inconsistencies between different witnesses' versions of events.
If you are innocent: Stay away from witnesses, do not try to build your defense on your own, and do not tell your side of the story to the police without your theft lawyer present. You might make a mistake, or the police might misinterpret something you say. Contact defense counsel immediately and say nothing.
Lack of Knowledge — For receiving stolen property and possession of a stolen vehicle, the state 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 — Consent regarding your use of the property is a strong defense in Redondo Beach, CA, theft cases. It's not illegal to use someone else's property if you had permission.
Constitutional Violations — From Miranda rights violations to due process claims, we examine your case for every constitutional protection that may have been violated — and use those violations to suppress evidence, challenge the prosecution's case, or secure a dismissal.
Diversion Programs — Especially for first-time offenders, California offers sentencing alternatives that can protect you from a conviction. This is often a favorable outcome for our clients that we will fight to secure.
Challenging the Property Valuation — The difference between petty theft and grand theft — misdemeanor vs. felony — can hinge on the dollar value of what was allegedly stolen. We challenge inflated or unsupported property valuations, which can dramatically reduce the charges you face.
Theft Crime Expungement / Record Clearance — California Penal Code § 1203.4
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. To be eligible, the defendant generally must have: successfully done all that was asked of you as a part of probation, such as paying fines and restitution; not currently be charged with, on probation for, or serving a sentence for any other offense; and — as a more recent restriction — in several cases, must not have spent time in state prison (though SB 731 and related reforms have expanded relief options for some state prison cases).
If you were not given probation, there are still options for you — Penal Code § 1203.4a provides another form of conviction relief. Arguably, the best cases are those which were dismissed without any form of conviction. In these cases, instead of expunging the conviction, the arrest record can be sealed.
When you work with a theft lawyer to clear your record, you can look forward to the following perks: In particular, an expunged conviction generally does not need to be disclosed on private employment applications under state law. However, 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 does not affect most professional licensing decisions. Senate Bill 731 (effective July 1, 2023) even automates part of the expungement process in some cases, if there haven't been any subsequent criminal cases.
Critical Note: 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 full sealing, to be able to legally own a gun again, or clearing a prior strike, you will need a different method of expungement. By talking to a theft conviction expungement attorney, you get help with exploring what other possibilities could help in your situation.
Relief Options:
- PC § 1203.4: Dismissal after successful probation completion
- PC § 1203.4a: Relief for misdemeanors without probation (1 year post-conviction)
- PC § 851.91: Seal records of arrests which did not end in a conviction
- SB 731 (2023): Automatic relief for qualifying non-violent felony convictions
- Limitations: Does not restore firearm rights or remove record from law enforcement databases
Redondo Beach, CA, Theft Crimes Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a difference between petty theft and grand theft in Redondo Beach, 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). Anything over $950, guns, or vehicles all result in grand theft charges, which can either be a misdemeanor or a felony. Both require an attorney, but grand theft charges demand urgent and aggressive representation.
Does California allow me to expunge my record from a theft crime?
In many cases, yes. California Penal Code § 1203.4 allows for expungement of misdemeanor and many felony theft convictions after successful completion of probation. This will protect your record, prevent most of the public from being able to access it, and help you get a clean start. Your theft crimes lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared to explore this as an option for your case and walk you through the process if so.
What should I expect from first-time shoplifting charges in Redondo Beach, CA?
You will usually face misdemeanor charges for a first offense, as long as the amount alleged stolen is less than $950. Additionally, we can often secure alternative sentencing options which will keep you out of jail. Our theft crimes attorneys can significantly improve your odds of avoiding a conviction and protecting your record.
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 sincerely 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. That said, circumstances like an unusually low price or no documentation of ownership can be used against you, which is why an attorney is essential.
How serious is a grand theft auto charge in Redondo Beach, CA?
Extremely. You can expect your grand theft auto case to be charged as a felony, with increased penalties. If you have a criminal record, you are at risk of harsher penalties. Call one of our attorneys as soon as possible 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. Several 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?
Not necessarily. Redondo Beach, 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. The answer depends heavily on your specific charge, criminal history, and the quality of your legal representation. Contact our firm to review what options you have.
Can I be charged with burglary if I didn't steal anything?
Unfortunately, yes. California defines burglary as entering a structure with the intent to commit theft or a felony inside. Whether 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 how it's presented — is central to burglary defense.
Up Against Theft Charges in Redondo Beach, CA? Contact Us to Protect Your Rights.
Every theft allegation is a big deal. Our firm is prepared to defend you — whenver you need help. Contact us now for a free, confidential case review.
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