Theft / Burglary

Effective Defense for Property Crimes

Riverside, California Burglary and Theft Attorney

From retail theft to breaking and entering to burglarize a home, property crimes carry serious consequences. In addition to possible jail time, a conviction on your record can come back to haunt you in job applications and other facets of your life.

An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you avoid the worst penalties and possibly keep the crime off your record. The law firm of Daniel L. Greenberg, P.L.C. represents citizens of Riverside County and surrounding counties of Southern California. We provide a free initial consultation to discuss the facts of your case, the likely outcome, and your legal options.

Shoplifting and Employee Theft

Shoplifting is typically a petty misdemeanor. However, when the value of merchandise is over $400 or for repeat offenses, it can be charged as a felony (up to 3 years in prison). As most people are caught with the items or captured on camera, fighting shoplifting charges centers on proving that the theft was unintentional. When the prosecution has a solid case, we negotiate for lesser charges or alternative punishment.

For a first-time shoplifting conviction, we may be able to avoid jail time in exchange for restitution, probation, or fines. If you are sentenced to jail, some judges may allow you to serve your sentence on weekends. Upon completion of probation, we can help you file for a 1203.4 dismissal of the charges. This form of record expungement allows you to legally state (on a job or loan application) that you were never convicted, although your arrest record stays on file.

Burglary / Breaking and Entering

Burglary of a home (first degree burglary) is a felony, punishable by probation or up to six years in prison. Burglary of a commercial building (second degree burglary) can be a misdemeanor or felony, punishable by probation or up to three years in prison.

For the state to convict on burglary charges, the prosecutor must prove that it was you who entered the home or business and that you were guilty of breaking and entering with the intent to steal. We challenge police records, physical evidence and witness statements to find weaknesses in the prosecution's case and get charges dismissed. When conviction is likely under the facts, we move to get charges reduced (from first-degree to second-degree, or from second-degree to criminal trespassing). Even on conviction, we may be able to avoid or minimize prison or jail time based on a lack of criminal history.

Property Crime Criminal Defense: (951) 329-9300

Daniel L. Greenberg, P.L.C. handles all theft and property crimes, including auto theft, possession of stolen property and vandalism. We represent juveniles and adults. Contact our Riverside law firm for your free consultation.