Riverside Burglary and Theft Defense Attorney
Burglary and theft are two separate offenses in the state of California. If you are accused of either crime, a Riverside burglary and theft defense attorney at Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox LLP can represent you. You could be imprisoned for burglary or theft and you need a legal advocate fighting for your rights and looking out for your legal interests.
Burglary and Theft laws in Riverside
California Penal Code Section 459 defines burglary to include entering a house, room, apartment, or certain other building with the intent to commit larceny or any felony offense. There are different degrees of burglary. If the building or house entered is inhabited or designed for habitation, you will generally be charged with burglary in the first degree. Potential penalties for this offense could include imprisonment for up to six years.
Theft, on the other hand, is defined as stealing, taking, or carrying away someone else’s personal property. Theft is broadly defined to include any actions you take to deprive an owner of the full value of goods or of the value of services. Theft offenses could include:
- Firearm theft
- Grand theft auto
- Petty theft
- Grand theft
- Receiving stolen property
- Embezzlement
- Credit card theft
- Identity theft
The penalties for theft vary depending upon the value of the items allegedly taken or the type of items allegedly stolen. You could be charged with either a misdemeanor or a felony.
How a Riverside Burglary and Theft Defense Attorney Can Help
When you are accused of theft or burglary, you need to decide whether to plead guilty or not guilty. An attorney at Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox LLP can evaluate your case and help you decide which plea is likely to get the best outcome possible for you.
Your attorney can try to negotiate a plea deal with the prosecutor if you don’t want a trial. If you want to plead not guilty, your attorney will be there for you during your entire court case. You can avoid conviction if you introduce reasonable doubt about whether you violated laws prohibiting theft or burglary. You can also raise defenses to theft or burglary, which may include:
- Lack of intent to enter a dwelling or to commit a crime.
- A rightful claim to the property you are accused of taking.
- Insufficient proof of theft or burglary.
- Mistaken identity.
- Entrapment.
Every case is different and you should speak with a Riverside burglary and theft defense lawyer about what your options are given the nature of the charges you face and the type of evidence the prosecutor has against you. Call Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox LLP to get help today from an experienced lawyer who will fight hard to protect your freedom.
