Property crimes are among the most common types of crimes in the United States. If you have been accused of stealing someone else’s property, you could face financial penalties and jail time. There are many defenses for these charges, but without an attorney, you give up your best chance at having your charges dropped or downgraded.
Finding the right attorney is a challenge when you’re dealing with the stress of criminal charges. Our list of attorneys makes it easy for you. We have used every attorney’s California Bar Profile to verify their location in Orange County, so you can limit your search to lawyers near you.
Although many people use the terms for different types of property crime interchangeably, there are slight differences that set them apart. Theft refers to taking someone else’s property intentionally. If you enter a business or residence specifically to steal, that is burglary. First degree burglary can land you up to six years in prison, and a second degree burglary could lead to up to three years in prison. First degree burglary involves entering an occupied home, while second degree burglary involves entering a business, car, or other type of property.
Stealing property with the use of force or terrorization is robbery. First degree robbery involves stealing from those in commercial vehicles, those in homes, and people using or who have finished using an ATM. This conviction carries a prison sentence of up to nine years. Second degree robbery could lead to a sentence of up to five years. If you involve a weapon in a robbery—even if you simply show the weapon in order to frighten or threaten—expect much more severe penalties.
The most minor type of property crime is shoplifting, which is taking goods from a store. However, when you shoplift higher value items, even this crime can lead to very serious penalties.
Burglary is a serious criminal offense that involves the unlawful entry into a building or structure with the intent to commit a crime. If you have been charged with burglary, there are a few potential defenses that your attorney may be able to use to help reduce or dismiss the charges against you. Some of these defenses may include:
It’s important to note that the defenses available to you will depend on the specific facts of your case, so it’s best to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help you build an airtight defense strategy.
The theft crimes defense attorneys listed on this page serve clients in Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Garden Grove, Orange, Fullerton, Costa Mesa, Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Newport Beach, Buena Park, Tustin, Yorba Linda, Laguna Niguel, San Clemente, La Habra, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, Brea, Ladera Ranch and all courts throughout Orange County and Southern California. If you or a family member has been arrested for robbery, burglary or shoplifting in Orange County, you NEED to talk to a lawyer and get your questions answered, call an attorney listed here today.
There are no one-size-fits-all options for criminal defense. If you have been charged with burglary or robbery, it is highly recommended that you hire a criminal defense lawyer to represent you. Robbery is a serious criminal offense that can result in significant penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and a criminal record that can impact your future job prospects and other aspects of your life.
An experienced attorney can help you understand the charges against you, explain the potential consequences, and develop a strong defense strategy. They can also help you navigate the California criminal justice system, negotiate plea deals, and represent you in court if your case goes to trial. Without a lawyer, you may be at a significant disadvantage in defending yourself against the charges. An Orange County criminal defense lawyer can review the evidence, interview witnesses, and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case that can be used to your advantage.
Ultimately, hiring a lawyer for a robbery or burglary defense is an important step in protecting your rights and achieving the best possible outcome in your case.