Property Offenses
In California, a person who commits a property crime may face misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the severity of the offense. For crimes that involve the unlawful obtainment of another party's property, the severity of the charges and penalties levied against the alleged perpetrator generally depends on the total value of the involved property and the method in which the crime was committed. Charges and penalties for property damage offenses depend upon how badly the involved property is damaged and the location of the crime. A conviction for any of these crimes often comes with devastating consequences. It is vital for those accused of property crime to seek legal counsel as soon as they can.
Shoplifting or minor theft may not seem like serious offenses. However, the negative repercussions of such property offenses convictions, regardless of severity, can be life-long.
Our law office will take the time to review your case in detail and explain all your likely defense options, drawing upon Mr. Robertson’s knowledge and practical experience gained in more than 20 years of practice. Our law office can assist you with mounting a defense against the following theft charges:
Shoplifting
Vandalism
Break-and-enter charges
Theft
Petty Theft
Grand Theft
Possession of stolen goods
In some cases, we may be able to seek alternative sentencing in place of criminal punishment. Each individual case will be determined on its own merits. We will meet with you to assess your individual case and to determine the best defense strategy to protect your rights and freedoms.
Theft & Stolen Property
Theft occurs when a person takes or uses something which does not belong to him or her without the owner’s permission. Theft charges fall into two different categories: Theft under $5000 and Theft Over $5000. The difference between these two charges is the value of the stolen property and the potential punishment involved if a person is found guilty. Theft can encompass a range of situations from shoplifting to employee theft or embezzlement.
Possession of stolen property is also a crime. One of the requirements of this charge is knowledge – you either knew or should have known the items were obtained by theft, fraud or any other crime. Even if you were not the person who stole the property but you had reason to believe that it was stolen, you may be found guilty of possession of stolen property.
A conviction for theft or possession of stolen property can have a significant impact on your employment prospects even if no jail time is served. Because of potential for serious life-altering repercussions, it is important to hire a lawyer familiar with this area of the law who will fight for your rights and ensure that you receive the lowest possible sentence if convicted.
At the Law Office of Earl Robertson III we have the requisite knowledge and experience defending clients against theft and stolen property charges. Depending on the facts of your case, it may be possible to have the charges reduced or even withdrawn.
Breaking & Entering/Burglary
Burglary charges will be laid in cases where a person enters or trespasses onto private property, such as a dwelling house or a commercial place of business, with the intention of committing a criminal offense. There is no need to actually “break” anything or force entry. For a break and enter conviction, no actual damage to the property need actually occur. Walking through an open door can be considered a break and enter. The most serious form of break and enter is a “home invasion”, which occurs when an accused breaks and enters a property knowing that there are people present and is prepared to use force against them.
A breaking and entering offense usually occurs when someone is attempting to steal property, but the charge can be laid without any theft. There are a number of other related offenses in the California Penal Code, such as:
Unlawfully in a dwelling house
Possession of burglary instruments
Robbery
Many factors can affect the severity of a robbery charge, including a previous criminal record, the use of any weapons, the degree of violence used, any injuries that may have been cause to the complainant or the value of the stolen property.
If you are convicted of a robbery offense involving a firearm, or an imitation firearm, you will likely face mandatory jail time. For repeat offenses, the consequences will be even more severe.
Given the severity of the potential consequences of being charged with a robbery offense, it is always advisable to seek the help of experienced defense counsel to protect your rights. The lawyers at Law Office of Earl Robertson III has the requisite knowledge and experience to successfully defend clients against robbery charges. We will work with you to develop the most effective defense strategy given the specific circumstances of your case.
Repeat Theft Offenses
We have experience representing clients who have previous criminal history of theft or other criminal offenses. In such situations, there may be mandatory unavoidable penalties. If you are facing repeat offenses, do not give up hope and do not attempt to fight these charges alone. With our years of experience in this area, we may be able to help you avoid a severe sentence. We will work with you to protect your long-term interest through diligent negotiation with the district attorney. In cases with probation implications, it may be in your best interest to go to trial. If so, rest assured you will be in very capable hands.
CONTACT OUR LAW OFFICE TO FIND OUT HOW WE CAN ASSIST YOU
Whatever the nature of your offense, we can help. To learn more, contact us using the form below or at 951-977-9828 to schedule a free consultation. Spanish translation services are available.