Facing robbery or theft charges in Glendale, California can be one of the most frightening experiences of your life. The consequences extend far beyond potential jail time—a conviction can permanently damage your reputation, eliminate employment opportunities, destroy professional licenses, and create a criminal record that follows you for decades. At Tu Defensor Criminalista, we understand what’s at stake when you’ve been accused of robbery or theft crimes in Los Angeles County, and we’re here to fight relentlessly for your freedom and future.
Glendale, located approximately 10 miles north of downtown Los Angeles in the heart of Los Angeles County, is home to nearly 188,000 residents and serves as the fourth-largest city in Los Angeles County[1]. This vibrant community, known for its diverse population and thriving business district, faces unique challenges when it comes to property crime enforcement. According to recent crime statistics, Glendale experiences property crime incidents at a rate of approximately 22 per one thousand residents[2], making professional legal representation absolutely critical for anyone facing theft-related charges in the area.
If you’ve been arrested or are under investigation for robbery, burglary, shoplifting, grand theft, petty theft, or any other theft-related offense in Glendale, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney who knows the local courts, understands California theft laws, and has a proven track record of protecting clients’ rights. The prosecutors in Los Angeles County are aggressive, and they have substantial resources at their disposal. You need equally aggressive representation to level the playing field.
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Robbery is one of the most serious property crimes you can face in California. Unlike simple theft, robbery is always charged as a felony and carries severe penalties including lengthy prison sentences. Under California Penal Code Section 211[3], robbery is defined as “the felonious taking of personal property in the possession of another, from his person or immediate presence, and against his will, accomplished by means of force or fear.”
The key distinction between robbery and other theft crimes is the use of force or fear. This doesn’t necessarily mean physical violence occurred—intimidation, threats, or even the display of a weapon can constitute “force or fear” under California law. Even if you didn’t physically harm anyone, you can still face serious robbery charges if prosecutors believe you used fear to take property from another person.
California law divides robbery into two degrees, with first-degree robbery carrying the harshest penalties. First-degree robbery under Penal Code 212.5[4] includes:
If convicted of first-degree robbery, you face three, four, or six years in California state prison. However, if the robbery occurred in an inhabited dwelling and you acted in concert with two or more other people (commonly known as home invasion robbery), the penalties increase dramatically to three, six, or nine years in state prison.
First-degree robbery is also classified as a “violent felony” under California’s Three Strikes law. This means a conviction will count as a strike on your record, and if you’re subsequently convicted of another felony, your sentence will be doubled. A third strike conviction could result in a mandatory sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
Any robbery that doesn’t meet the criteria for first-degree robbery is charged as second-degree robbery. While still extremely serious, second-degree robbery carries slightly lower penalties: two, three, or five years in California state prison.
Don’t be fooled by the designation “second-degree”—this is still a violent felony strike offense that will permanently impact your life. A second-degree robbery conviction means:
California law provides for numerous sentencing enhancements that can add years or even decades to a robbery sentence. These include:
Use of a Firearm: Under Penal Code 12022.53[5], using a gun during a robbery adds 10 years to your sentence. Firing a gun adds 20 years, and causing great bodily injury or death with a firearm adds 25 years to life.
Great Bodily Injury: If the victim suffers significant physical injury, prosecutors can add a Penal Code 12022.7[6] enhancement, which adds three to six additional years in prison.
Gang Enhancement: If the robbery was committed for the benefit of a criminal street gang, prosecutors may add two to ten additional years under Penal Code 186.22[7].
These enhancements are not hypothetical—Los Angeles County prosecutors routinely seek them in robbery cases. A single robbery charge with enhancements can easily result in a sentence of 15 years or more in state prison.
While robbery involves force or fear, theft crimes encompass a broader range of property offenses. California law recognizes numerous types of theft, each with different elements and penalties. Understanding which theft crime you’re charged with is critical to mounting an effective defense.
Petty theft under California Penal Code 484[8] occurs when someone takes property valued at $950 or less without permission. This is generally charged as a misdemeanor and carries penalties including:
While petty theft is a misdemeanor, it’s still a crime of moral turpitude that can have serious consequences for your employment, professional licenses, and immigration status. Even a misdemeanor theft conviction can make it extremely difficult to find work, particularly in positions involving money, trust, or access to others’ property.
In Glendale’s retail districts, including the Glendale Galleria and Americana at Brand, shoplifting arrests are common. Store security and loss prevention officers work closely with Glendale Police Department to prosecute even minor shoplifting cases. What might seem like a small mistake can result in criminal charges that follow you for years.
Grand theft under Penal Code 487[9] is charged when the property taken exceeds $950 in value, or involves specific types of property regardless of value, including:
Grand theft is a “wobbler” offense, meaning it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances and your criminal history. As a misdemeanor, grand theft carries up to one year in county jail. As a felony, the penalties include 16 months, two years, or three years in county jail or state prison.
The decision whether to charge grand theft as a misdemeanor or felony depends on several factors:
In Los Angeles County, prosecutors often charge grand theft as a felony to pressure defendants into accepting plea bargains. An experienced Glendale theft defense attorney can negotiate with prosecutors to reduce felony charges to misdemeanors, potentially saving you from a felony conviction and prison time.
California Penal Code 459.5[10] created a specific shoplifting offense for entering a commercial establishment during business hours with intent to steal property worth $950 or less. Before this law was enacted, such conduct could be charged as burglary, a serious felony. Now, shoplifting is generally charged as a misdemeanor with penalties similar to petty theft.
However, shoplifting can still be charged as a felony if you have certain prior convictions, including prior theft offenses, sex offender registration requirements, or serious violent felonies. Additionally, if the value exceeds $950, you may face burglary charges instead of shoplifting.
Glendale’s major shopping centers make the city a hotspot for shoplifting enforcement. Stores employ sophisticated loss prevention systems including facial recognition, security cameras, and undercover security officers. If you’ve been arrested for shoplifting in Glendale, you need an attorney who understands both the criminal charges and potential civil demand letters seeking substantial damages from you.
While often confused with robbery or theft, burglary under Penal Code 459[11] is a distinct crime. Burglary occurs when someone enters any building or structure with the intent to commit theft or any felony inside. The key element is intent at the time of entry—you can be convicted of burglary even if you never actually stole anything.
California law divides burglary into two degrees:
The distinction between burglary and shoplifting often comes down to intent and circumstances. If you entered a Glendale store after hours or with intent to commit any felony (not just theft), you could face burglary charges. If you entered during business hours intending to steal property worth less than $950, you would typically face shoplifting charges.
California has numerous laws addressing vehicle theft, each with different elements and penalties:
Glendale, like much of Los Angeles County, has seen fluctuations in vehicle theft rates. These crimes are prosecuted aggressively, particularly when they involve multiple defendants, professional theft rings, or use of violence.
Penal Code 496[14] makes it illegal to buy, receive, conceal, sell, or withhold property that you know has been stolen. This charge often accompanies other theft charges and can be filed even if you weren’t involved in the original theft.
Receiving stolen property is a wobbler offense. The prosecutor’s decision whether to charge it as a misdemeanor or felony depends largely on the value of the stolen property and your criminal history. Penalties include:
Many people don’t realize they can be charged with receiving stolen property even if they didn’t know for certain the property was stolen. California law only requires that you knew or should have reasonably known the property was stolen based on the circumstances.
Modern theft crimes increasingly involve identity theft and fraud. Penal Code 530.5[15] prohibits using someone else’s personal identifying information for any unlawful purpose. Related offenses include:
These white-collar theft crimes are taken seriously in Glendale, particularly given the city’s substantial business community and proximity to major financial districts in Los Angeles County. Convictions can result in felony charges, prison time, substantial restitution orders, and complete destruction of your professional reputation.
Glendale’s unique characteristics as a major commercial center in Los Angeles County create specific challenges for anyone facing theft or robbery charges. Understanding the local context is essential to building an effective defense strategy.
Theft and robbery cases in Glendale are prosecuted in the Glendale Courthouse, located at 600 East Broadway. This courthouse is part of the Los Angeles County Superior Court system and handles both misdemeanor and felony criminal cases. The Glendale courthouse serves not just Glendale proper but also nearby communities including La Cañada Flintridge, La Crescenta, and portions of Burbank.
The prosecutors assigned to Glendale cases are experienced Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorneys who handle hundreds of theft and robbery cases each year. They know the law, they know the judges, and they have access to substantial investigative resources including Glendale Police Department detectives, crime lab analysis, and expert witnesses.
Without an attorney who regularly practices in Glendale court, you’re at a severe disadvantage. Local knowledge matters—understanding which judges are more receptive to certain arguments, which prosecutors are willing to negotiate, and how to effectively present your case in this specific courthouse can make the difference between conviction and acquittal, between prison and probation.
The Glendale Police Department[16] takes theft and robbery crimes seriously. When you’re arrested in Glendale, you’re dealing with trained investigators who will build the strongest possible case against you. This includes:
The police want a conviction. They’re not on your side, and anything you say to them can and will be used against you. This is why the single most important thing you can do after a theft or robbery arrest in Glendale is to remain silent and immediately contact an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Understanding crime trends in Glendale provides important context for defense strategies. According to recent data, Glendale recorded 3,444 property crimes, including theft offenses, resulting in a property crime rate of approximately 1,826 per 100,000 residents[17]. While this rate is lower than the national average by approximately 6.6%, property crime remains a significant concern for local law enforcement.
The concentration of major retail centers in Glendale, including the Glendale Galleria, Americana at Brand, and numerous auto dealerships along Brand Boulevard, creates numerous opportunities for alleged theft crimes. Store security officers work closely with Glendale Police to apprehend suspected shoplifters, and these arrests often lead to broader investigations into organized retail theft.
For individuals facing charges, these statistics matter. In a city that has experienced property crime concerns, prosecutors and judges may be less inclined toward leniency. This makes it even more critical to have an experienced defense attorney who can contextualize your specific case and distinguish it from the broader crime trends.
Glendale’s economy is built on commerce and retail. The city is home to major employers including Walt Disney Imagineering, DreamWorks Animation, and numerous Fortune 500 companies. The Brand Boulevard corridor serves as the city’s commercial heart, featuring high-end retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Theft and robbery cases involving these high-profile locations often receive additional scrutiny from both prosecutors and media. Businesses have sophisticated loss prevention systems, trained security personnel, and legal departments that aggressively pursue both criminal prosecution and civil restitution. If you’re accused of stealing from a major retailer or committing robbery in a prominent Glendale location, you can expect the full weight of corporate resources to be directed against you.
Glendale is one of the most diverse cities in California, with approximately 49.7% of residents born outside the United States[18]. For non-citizens, a robbery or theft conviction can trigger severe immigration consequences including deportation, denial of naturalization, and inadmissibility.
Under federal immigration law, robbery is considered an “aggravated felony” and a “crime involving moral turpitude.” A conviction will almost certainly result in deportation proceedings, regardless of how long you’ve lived in the United States or whether you have U.S. citizen family members. Even certain theft crimes can be classified as crimes involving moral turpitude, particularly if they involve fraud or intent to permanently deprive the owner of property.
If you’re not a U.S. citizen, it’s absolutely critical that your criminal defense attorney understands immigration law and works to avoid convictions that will trigger deportation. Sometimes accepting a seemingly favorable plea bargain can be the worst possible decision if it results in mandatory deportation.
Every case is unique, and the best defense strategy depends on the specific facts and circumstances. However, there are several common defenses that frequently apply in Glendale robbery and theft cases:
Both robbery and theft require specific intent—you must have intended to permanently deprive the owner of their property. If you took property believing it was yours, or if you intended to return it, you may have a valid defense.
For example, if you took an item from a Glendale store believing you had already paid for it, or if you grabbed someone’s property thinking it was yours, you didn’t have the criminal intent required for theft. Similarly, borrowing property (even without permission) isn’t theft if you intended to return it.
Intent is often the most contested element in theft cases. Prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you had criminal intent when you took the property. An experienced defense attorney can challenge this evidence by highlighting ambiguities, presenting alternative explanations, and demonstrating reasonable doubt.
California law provides a complete defense if you had an honest and reasonable belief that you had a right to the property. This is known as the “claim of right” defense and applies when you genuinely believed the property belonged to you.
For instance, if you took property from someone who owed you money, believing you had a right to take it as payment, this could support a claim of right defense. While you might face other charges (such as self-help repossession violations), you would not be guilty of theft or robbery because you believed the property was rightfully yours.
The claim of right defense requires both honesty (you actually believed it) and reasonableness (a reasonable person in your situation would have believed it). Your attorney will need to present evidence supporting your belief, such as contracts, communications, or other documentation showing why you thought you had a right to the property.
The prosecution bears the burden of proving every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. This is an extremely high standard, and in many cases, the evidence simply isn’t there. Common evidentiary weaknesses include:
An experienced criminal defense attorney knows how to identify and exploit weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. This might involve filing motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, conducting independent investigations, hiring expert witnesses, or simply demonstrating to the jury that the prosecution hasn’t met its burden of proof.
Robbery and theft cases often rely heavily on eyewitness identification, which is notoriously unreliable. Studies have shown that eyewitness misidentification contributes to more wrongful convictions than any other factor[19]. Factors that affect reliability include:
If you’ve been misidentified as the perpetrator of a robbery or theft, your attorney can challenge the identification through various means:
Unfortunately, false accusations of theft and robbery do occur. Common motivations include:
When you’ve been falsely accused, your attorney will investigate the accuser’s motivations, background, and credibility. This might involve reviewing communications, interviewing witnesses, examining financial records, and exposing contradictions in the accuser’s story.
The critical element distinguishing robbery from theft is the use of force or fear. If the property was taken without force or fear, the appropriate charge should be theft (likely grand theft or petty theft depending on value), not robbery.
Force or fear must be used to accomplish the taking or to facilitate escape. If property was taken through deception, trickery, or stealth—without any force or fear—robbery charges should not apply. Your attorney can argue for reduction of robbery charges to lesser theft offenses, which carry significantly lower penalties and don’t count as strike offenses.
Your constitutional rights don’t disappear when you’re accused of a crime. Common violations that can result in dismissal of charges or suppression of evidence include:
An experienced Glendale criminal defense attorney will scrutinize every aspect of the police investigation and prosecution to identify constitutional violations that can be used to defend your case.
Most people charged with robbery or theft focus on potential jail or prison time, which is certainly the most immediate concern. However, a conviction carries numerous collateral consequences that can impact your life for years or decades:
A theft or robbery conviction will appear on background checks conducted by employers. Many employers automatically reject applicants with theft convictions, particularly for positions involving:
Even if you’re not automatically disqualified, you’ll face questions about your conviction in job interviews. While California’s “Ban the Box” laws prohibit employers from asking about criminal history on initial applications, they can still consider convictions later in the hiring process.
Glendale is home to major employers in entertainment, technology, and professional services. These industries often conduct thorough background checks and have strict policies regarding employee criminal history. A conviction could close doors to the best employment opportunities in your field.
California licensing boards take theft and robbery convictions seriously, as these are crimes involving moral turpitude. If you hold or are seeking any professional license, a conviction could result in:
Professions affected include healthcare providers (doctors, nurses, pharmacists), attorneys, accountants, real estate agents, contractors, security guards, and numerous others. For many people, losing a professional license means losing their career and livelihood.
For non-citizens, the immigration consequences of a theft or robbery conviction can be devastating and permanent. As mentioned earlier, robbery is categorically an aggravated felony under immigration law, making deportation virtually certain. Many theft offenses also qualify as crimes involving moral turpitude or aggravated felonies depending on specific circumstances.
Deportation doesn’t just mean leaving the United States—it means being permanently banned from returning, separated from U.S. citizen family members, and losing everything you’ve built here. For many immigrants in Glendale’s diverse community, these consequences are far worse than criminal penalties.
A felony conviction can affect your ability to obtain housing, particularly public or subsidized housing. Many private landlords also conduct background checks and refuse to rent to individuals with theft or robbery convictions. You may also face barriers to educational opportunities, as some colleges and universities ask about criminal history and may deny admission or financial aid.
A felony robbery or theft conviction results in a lifetime prohibition on owning or possessing firearms under both California and federal law. Even misdemeanor theft convictions can result in temporary firearm prohibitions. If you’re a gun owner, sport shooter, or your livelihood depends on firearms, this consequence alone makes fighting the charges absolutely critical.
Beyond the legal consequences, a conviction carries substantial social stigma. Family relationships may be strained, romantic relationships may end, and your reputation in the community can be permanently damaged. The psychological toll of incarceration, probation supervision, and carrying a criminal record affects mental health and quality of life.
These collateral consequences underscore why it’s so critical to fight robbery and theft charges with the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney. Even if you think the evidence against you is strong, an attorney may be able to negotiate for reduced charges, dismissed cases, or alternative resolutions that avoid the worst consequences of a conviction.
Not every criminal case needs to end in a trial. In many theft cases, alternative resolutions may be available that allow you to avoid a conviction entirely or minimize the long-term impact of charges. Your attorney should explore all available options, including:
California Penal Code Section 1001.95 and other statutes provide for pretrial diversion in certain cases. If you’re eligible, you can enter a diversion program instead of pleading guilty or going to trial. If you successfully complete the program, the charges are dismissed entirely.
Diversion programs typically require:
Not everyone is eligible for diversion. Violent crimes like robbery typically don’t qualify, but many theft offenses do. Even if you don’t qualify for statutory diversion, your attorney may be able to negotiate an informal diversion agreement with the prosecutor.
Most criminal cases are resolved through plea bargaining rather than trial. A skilled defense attorney can negotiate with prosecutors for:
The strength of your defense and the quality of your attorney directly impact what kind of plea bargain you can obtain. Prosecutors offer better deals when they know they face a strong defense and real risk of losing at trial.
In some cases, you may be able to enter a plea with sentencing deferred. If you complete probation successfully, you can withdraw your plea and the case is dismissed. This allows you to honestly say you’ve never been convicted of a crime.
Even if you’re convicted, California law allows for expungement of many theft convictions under Penal Code 1203.4[20]. After completing probation (or serving your sentence), you can petition the court to dismiss the conviction. While this doesn’t erase the conviction entirely, it does provide some benefits:
An experienced attorney will discuss all post-conviction relief options with you, ensuring you understand how to minimize the long-term impact of any conviction.
When your freedom, future, and reputation are at stake, the attorney you choose makes all the difference. At Tu Defensor Criminalista, we bring extensive experience defending clients against robbery and theft charges throughout Los Angeles County, including Glendale.
We regularly practice in the Glendale courthouse and know the local prosecutors, judges, and court personnel. We understand how cases are handled in this specific jurisdiction and can use that knowledge to your advantage. We’ve built relationships and credibility with decision-makers, which can be invaluable during negotiations.
We don’t believe in cookie-cutter defense strategies. Every case is different, and every client deserves a defense strategy tailored to their specific situation. We take the time to thoroughly investigate your case, interview witnesses, examine evidence, and explore every possible defense.
We’re not afraid to take cases to trial when that’s in your best interest. While many criminal defense attorneys prefer easy plea bargains, we have extensive trial experience and know how to present a compelling case to a jury. Prosecutors know we’re willing and able to fight in court, which gives us leverage during negotiations.
With nearly half of Glendale’s residents born outside the United States, we recognize the importance of culturally competent legal services. Our team includes bilingual attorneys who can communicate effectively with clients in both English and Spanish, ensuring you fully understand your rights, options, and the legal process.
We don’t rely solely on police reports and prosecutor’s evidence. Our team conducts independent investigations, which may include:
This thorough approach often uncovers evidence that weakens the prosecution’s case or supports your defense, leading to better outcomes.
We understand that your case isn’t just about the criminal charges—it’s about protecting your future. We consider the collateral consequences of any conviction, including impacts on employment, immigration status, professional licenses, and personal relationships. We fight not just for the best legal outcome, but for the outcome that preserves your ability to move forward with your life.
We believe in keeping our clients informed throughout the legal process. You’ll have direct access to your attorney, not just paralegals or support staff. We’ll explain your options in plain language, answer your questions, and involve you in strategic decisions about your case. You’ll never wonder what’s happening with your case or feel left in the dark.
Our attorneys have successfully defended countless clients against robbery and theft charges in Los Angeles County. We’ve obtained dismissals, acquittals, reduced charges, and favorable plea bargains for clients facing even the most serious allegations. Our reputation speaks for itself.
If you’ve been arrested for robbery or theft in Glendale, understanding what happens next can help reduce anxiety and allow you to make informed decisions. Here’s what to expect:
After your arrest, you’ll be transported to the Glendale Police Department for booking. This process includes:
For misdemeanor cases, you may be released on your own recognizance or after posting bail. For felony cases, you’ll typically be transferred to a Los Angeles County jail facility until your arraignment.
Your first court appearance is the arraignment, usually within 48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays). At arraignment:
Never plead guilty at arraignment without first consulting with an attorney. Once you enter a guilty plea, it’s very difficult to withdraw it. Having an attorney at your arraignment can make a significant difference in bail amount and initial case strategy.
After arraignment, there will be multiple pretrial hearings where your attorney and the prosecutor exchange information (discovery), file motions, and discuss potential resolutions. These proceedings may include:
This phase can take months and is when most cases are resolved through plea bargaining or dismissal.
If your case goes to trial, you have the right to a jury trial (12 jurors who must unanimously agree on guilt) or a court trial (judge decides). Trials typically involve:
Trials can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on case complexity.
If convicted (either by plea or trial), sentencing occurs at a separate hearing. The judge considers:
Sentencing for theft and robbery varies dramatically based on offense level, aggravating factors, and criminal history.
The key difference is the use of force or fear. Theft involves taking property without permission, while robbery involves taking property from someone’s person or immediate presence using force, fear, or intimidation. Robbery is always a felony, while theft can be either a misdemeanor or felony depending on the value of property taken.
Yes. Robbery doesn’t require a weapon. Any use of force or fear satisfies the requirement, including intimidation, threats, pushing, grabbing, or creating fear through words or actions. Even snatching property from someone’s hands can constitute sufficient force for a robbery charge.
After arrest, you’ll be booked, and the store will likely ban you from returning. You’ll receive a court date for arraignment. The store may also send a civil demand letter seeking damages up to $500 plus the value of the merchandise. Both the criminal case and civil demand need to be taken seriously, though they are separate proceedings.
Not necessarily. First-time petty theft is a misdemeanor carrying up to six months in jail, but many first offenders receive probation instead of jail time, especially with proper legal representation. Your attorney may be able to negotiate for diversion, community service, or a plea bargain with no jail time.
Legal fees vary based on case complexity, charges, and whether the case goes to trial. We offer free consultations and can discuss fee arrangements during that meeting. Remember that the cost of not having an attorney—conviction, jail time, permanent record—far exceeds the cost of quality legal representation.
Yes. Charges can be dismissed for many reasons, including insufficient evidence, constitutional violations, witness credibility problems, or successful motion to suppress evidence. Even strong cases can sometimes be dismissed through effective legal representation. Every case is different, and dismissal depends on the specific facts and circumstances.
Proposition 47, passed by California voters in 2014, reduced many theft crimes from felonies to misdemeanors. It made theft of property worth $950 or less generally a misdemeanor (petty theft) rather than felony grand theft. If you were previously convicted of a felony that would now be a misdemeanor under Prop 47, you may be able to petition for reduction and resentencing.
Potentially yes. Many theft crimes are considered “crimes involving moral turpitude” under immigration law, which can lead to deportation, denial of naturalization, or inadmissibility. Robbery is also considered an aggravated felony. If you’re not a U.S. citizen, it’s critical to have an attorney who understands both criminal and immigration law.
Misdemeanor cases typically resolve within 3-6 months, while felony cases can take 6 months to over a year. Complex cases involving multiple defendants, extensive evidence, or going to trial take longer. Your attorney can give you a more specific timeline based on your particular case.
If you’ve been served with a Felony DUI in Glendale, time is running out. Don’t face this crisis alone. Contact Tu Defensor Criminalista immediately for a free, confidential consultation about your case.
Attorney Armando Josué Cespedes is rated 5.0 on Avvo, with 34 five-star reviews from clients praising his dedication, professionalism, and results. Many note how his trial skills and attention to detail led to reduced charges or outright dismissals.
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