Charged with robbery or theft in Los Angeles County? You’re facing criminal convictions ranging from petty theft misdemeanors to felony robbery with STRIKE allegations, state prison sentences, massive restitution orders, and a permanent criminal record that brands you as a “thief” for life. Whether accused of shoplifting, grand theft, burglary, robbery, carjacking, embezzlement, receiving stolen property, or auto theft, a theft or robbery conviction in Los Angeles County devastates employment prospects, professional licenses, immigration status, and every future opportunity you have worked to build.
At Tu Defensor Criminalista, we are aggressive, bilingual (English/Spanish) criminal defense attorneys fighting robbery and theft charges throughout all of Los Angeles County. We challenge evidence, attack identifications, expose investigative errors, and fight to keep our clients out of prison and off the permanent record. The stakes are too high to face these charges without experienced representation.
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Accused of robbery or a theft crime in Los Angeles County? You are facing one of the most aggressively prosecuted categories of criminal offenses in California’s most populous county. According to the California Department of Justice – Crime in California Report[1], Los Angeles County consistently accounts for the largest share of theft-related and robbery arrests in the state year after year. Property crime and violent theft offenses are prosecuted by a dedicated unit within the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office[2], with prosecutors who are experienced, well-resourced, and motivated to secure convictions.
What makes robbery and theft charges especially dangerous in Los Angeles County is the intersection with California’s Three Strikes Law under Penal Code § 667[3]. Robbery — a crime of violence under California law — is a “serious felony” and a “violent felony,” meaning a conviction counts as a STRIKE on your record. A second strike doubles your sentence. A third strike can result in a mandatory sentence of 25 years to life in state prison. Even non-violent theft crimes like residential burglary are classified as serious felonies and count as strikes.
You need an experienced robbery and theft defense attorney in Los Angeles County immediately. Every day that passes without quality legal representation is a day the prosecution builds their case against you.
Robbery – PC § 211
Charged with robbery in Los Angeles County? You are facing the most serious theft-related charge in California — a crime that is always a felony, always a STRIKE, and always prosecuted aggressively. Robbery is the taking of personal property from another person against their will through force or fear. First-degree robbery — committed in an inhabited dwelling, against a transit passenger, or against an ATM user — carries three, four, or six years in state prison. Second-degree robbery carries two, three, or five years. With priors or gang enhancements, sentences can exceed a decade in prison. A conviction follows you forever, closing doors to employment, housing, professional licensing, and immigration benefits.
Carjacking – PC § 215
Accused of carjacking in Los Angeles County? You are facing a felony STRIKE charge carrying three, five, or nine years in state prison — and up to life in prison when committed for the benefit of a criminal street gang under Penal Code § 186.22[4]. Carjacking is prosecuted as a violent felony with consequences nearly identical to robbery. Our attorneys aggressively challenge identifications, vehicle surveillance footage, and all evidence the prosecution presents.
Charged with burglary in Los Angeles County? First-degree (residential) burglary is a felony STRIKE carrying two, four, or six years in state prison. Second-degree (commercial) burglary can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony depending on circumstances and criminal history. Burglary charges frequently arise from retail theft operations, smash-and-grab incidents, and residential break-ins — all aggressively prosecuted in Los Angeles County courts.
Grand Theft – PC § 487
Accused of grand theft in Los Angeles County? Grand theft involves taking property valued at $950 or more and can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony (“wobbler”) depending on the circumstances. Grand theft auto, grand theft firearm (always a felony), and grand theft of specific high-value items carry enhanced penalties. A felony grand theft conviction can result in up to three years in county jail or state prison, plus restitution orders that can total tens of thousands of dollars.
Petty Theft – PC § 484 / PC § 488
Cited or arrested for petty theft in Los Angeles County? While petty theft is a misdemeanor, repeat petty theft with prior convictions can be charged as a felony under Penal Code § 666[5] — petty theft with a prior. Even a first-time misdemeanor petty theft conviction creates a permanent criminal record visible to employers, landlords, and professional licensing boards.
Charged with shoplifting in Los Angeles County? Under Penal Code § 459.5[6] — enacted by Proposition 47 — shoplifting property valued at $950 or less from a commercial establishment during business hours is a misdemeanor. However, organized retail theft operations can be charged as felonies under Penal Code § 490.4[7], and Los Angeles County prosecutors have increasingly pursued felony organized retail theft charges against groups engaged in coordinated shoplifting.
Receiving Stolen Property – PC § 496
Accused of receiving stolen property in Los Angeles County? You don’t have to be the one who stole the property to face serious charges. Knowingly buying, receiving, hiding, or withholding stolen property is a crime punishable by up to three years in county jail as a felony. These charges are common in flea market, swap meet, and online resale situations throughout Los Angeles County.
Embezzlement – PC § 503
Charged with embezzlement in Los Angeles County? Embezzlement — the fraudulent misappropriation of property entrusted to you by another — can result in misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the value of the property involved. Embezzlement allegations frequently arise in employment contexts — involving bookkeepers, cashiers, managers, and other employees with access to funds — and carry serious professional and licensing consequences in addition to criminal penalties.
Accused of identity theft in Los Angeles County? Using another person’s personal identifying information without authorization is punishable by up to three years in county jail as a felony, plus restitution to victims. Identity theft charges are often filed alongside related charges including forgery, credit card fraud, and computer crimes.
Auto Theft – VC § 10851
Charged with vehicle theft in Los Angeles County? Taking or driving a vehicle without the owner’s consent under Vehicle Code § 10851[8] can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, with felony sentences up to three years. According to the California Highway Patrol – Annual Auto Theft Statistics[9], Los Angeles County consistently ranks among the highest counties in the state for vehicle theft incidents, making auto theft prosecution a priority for local law enforcement.
Accused of robbery or residential burglary in Los Angeles County? You’re facing not just the immediate criminal charge — you’re potentially facing a permanent STRIKE on your record that will affect every future criminal case, sentence, and prosecution for the rest of your life. Under California’s Three Strikes Law codified at Penal Code § 667(b)–(i)[3] and Pen[10]a[10]l Code § 1170.12[10]:
A person with one prior strike conviction who is convicted of any new felony must receive double the base term for the new offense. A person with two or more prior strike convictions who is convicted of any new felony faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years to life in state prison — regardless of what the new felony is.
Robbery under PC § 211 is both a “serious felony” and a “violent felony” — qualifying as a strike for both purposes. Residential burglary under the first degree of PC § 459 is a “serious felony” — qualifying as a strike for serious felony purposes. Carjacking under PC § 215 is both a serious and violent felony.
This means that a single robbery conviction can alter the trajectory of your entire life. At Tu Defensor Criminalista, we fight these charges with the urgency they demand, pursuing every possible avenue to prevent strike convictions — including challenging evidence, negotiating for reduced charges that are not strikes, and litigating Three Strikes issues in court. Contact us immediately if you or a loved one is facing robbery or any strike-eligible theft charge in Los Angeles County.
Charged with organized retail crime or smash-and-grab theft in Los Angeles County? You are facing one of the fastest-growing prosecutorial priorities in California. Following high-profile coordinated retail theft incidents throughout the Los Angeles area, the California Legislature and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office have dramatically increased enforcement efforts and penalties for organized retail crime.
Under Penal Code § 490.4[7], enacted specifically to address coordinated retail theft operations, a person who acts in concert with one or more persons to steal merchandise from a retail establishment with the intent to sell, exchange, or return the items for value can be charged with organized retail theft — a felony punishable by up to three years in county jail or state prison, regardless of the value of the merchandise. Unlike standard shoplifting under PC § 459.5, which is generally a misdemeanor for merchandise valued at $950 or less, organized retail theft prosecutions can target participants even when their individual share of the merchandise would be below the misdemeanor threshold.
The California Attorney General’s Bureau of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse[11] and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office – Organized Retail Crime Task Force[2] have both launched dedicated enforcement initiatives targeting organized retail crime rings throughout Los Angeles County. Law enforcement agencies including the LAPD, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and the California Highway Patrol participate in coordinated operations targeting smash-and-grab groups, organized shoplifting rings, and cargo theft operations throughout the county.
If you have been charged with organized retail theft, conspiracy to commit theft, or any related offense in Los Angeles County, the prosecution likely has extensive surveillance footage, undercover law enforcement intelligence, and possibly recorded communications as evidence. These are serious, complex cases that require experienced defense representation immediately. Tu Defensor Criminalista has the resources and experience to challenge the evidence, contest the conspiracy allegations, and pursue the best possible outcome. Contact us now.
Understanding the scale of theft and robbery prosecution in Los Angeles County clarifies why aggressive defense representation is critical. The numbers are stark:
According to the California Department of Justice – Crime in California Annual Report[1], property crimes — including theft, burglary, motor vehicle theft, and robbery — account for the largest category of criminal offenses prosecuted in California each year, with Los Angeles County representing a disproportionately large share of all statewide property crime cases.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Annual Report[12] documents tens of thousands of robbery and theft-related offenses reported within the City of Los Angeles alone in any given year. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department[13] adds thousands more cases from the unincorporated communities and contract cities across the county.
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Crime Data Explorer[14], Los Angeles County and the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area consistently rank among the highest in the nation for reported robbery offenses and motor vehicle theft, reflecting both the county’s size and the aggressive enforcement priorities of local agencies.
The California Highway Patrol – Vehicle Theft Prevention Program[9] reports that California leads the nation in auto theft, and Los Angeles County is consistently one of the highest-impacted counties in the state.
These statistics mean that robbery and theft prosecutions are a top priority for Los Angeles County law enforcement and prosecutors — and they mean that defendants in these cases face an experienced, well-funded prosecutorial apparatus. You deserve equally experienced and dedicated defense.
Robbery and theft cases are often built on eyewitness identifications, surveillance footage, and circumstantial evidence — all of which can be challenged by an experienced defense attorney. At Tu Defensor Criminalista, we build powerful, individualized defenses by systematically attacking every element of the prosecution’s case:
Challenging Eyewitness Identification
Eyewitness misidentification is one of the leading causes of wrongful convictions in the United States, according to the Innocence Project[15]. In robbery cases especially, victims and witnesses are often under extreme stress during the incident, which significantly impairs accurate memory and identification. We challenge lineup procedures, photo arrays, and in-court identifications that were tainted by suggestive police procedures or cross-racial identification errors.
Attacking Surveillance Footage and Digital Evidence
Surveillance cameras are everywhere in Los Angeles County — in retail stores, parking lots, residential complexes, traffic intersections, and businesses. While prosecutors present surveillance footage as definitive proof, this evidence is far from infallible. Video quality, angle, lighting, and identification certainty all affect the reliability of surveillance footage. We retain forensic video analysis experts when necessary to challenge the prosecution’s interpretation of digital evidence.
If stolen property, weapons, or other evidence was obtained through an unlawful search or seizure — including illegal vehicle stops, warrantless searches of homes, or searches that exceeded the scope of a warrant — we file motions under the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution[16] and Penal Code § 1538.5[17] to suppress that evidence. Evidence suppressed by the court cannot be used against you at trial, and suppression can result in dismissal of charges entirely.
Lack of Intent
Many theft crimes require proof of specific criminal intent — the intent to permanently deprive the owner of their property. We challenge intent elements in cases involving borrowed property, misunderstandings, return of merchandise, and other situations where criminal intent was absent.
Lack of Force or Fear in Robbery Cases
Robbery requires proof that property was taken by means of force or fear. If the use of force or fear cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt — for example, in cases where contact was incidental or the alleged victim’s fear was not reasonable — we challenge whether the facts support a robbery charge versus a lesser offense.
Alibi Defense
When our clients were not present at the location of the alleged crime, we investigate and document alibi evidence including witness statements, cell phone records, GPS data, electronic transaction records, and security footage from locations where our client was actually present.
Suspects in robbery and theft cases are frequently misidentified due to brief encounters, poor lighting, masked or hooded perpetrators, or officers who fixate on a suspect early in an investigation and filter evidence to confirm their initial theory. We conduct independent investigations to identify alternative suspects and challenge the reliability of the prosecution’s identification evidence.
Contact Tu Defensor Criminalista to discuss which defense strategies apply to your specific case.
Arrested for robbery or theft in Los Angeles County? The hours and days immediately following your arrest are critical. Here is what to expect — and what you must do to protect yourself:
Upon arrest, you will be transported to a local law enforcement facility for booking, fingerprinting, and processing. In robbery cases — classified as violent felonies — bail is typically set significantly higher than for property-only theft offenses. The Los Angeles County bail schedule sets bail for second-degree robbery at approximately $100,000 and for first-degree robbery at $150,000 or more. For carjacking or robbery involving a firearm, bail can be set at $500,000 or higher, and the prosecution may argue at arraignment for remand — no bail at all.
Within 48 to 72 hours of arrest, you will be arraigned before a Los Angeles Superior Court judge, where formal charges are entered and bail is addressed. It is absolutely critical to have a criminal defense attorney representing you at arraignment. An attorney who is present at arraignment can argue for a reduction in bail, begin the process of challenging the charges, and ensure that your rights are protected from the very first court appearance.
After arraignment, the case proceeds through preliminary hearings (in felony cases), pre-trial motions, and — if not resolved through negotiation — trial. The timeline from arrest to resolution in Los Angeles County robbery and theft cases can range from several months to more than a year depending on the complexity of the case, the court’s calendar, and the availability of witnesses and evidence. Throughout this period, Tu Defensor Criminalista is with you at every step — investigating, negotiating, litigating, and fighting for the best possible outcome. Contact us immediately after any arrest — early intervention is the single most important factor in the outcome of a robbery or theft case.
Los Angeles County is one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse regions in the world, home to millions of immigrants and non-citizens from countries across the globe. According to the U.S. Census Bureau – QuickFacts: Los Angeles County[18], approximately 35% of Los Angeles County residents are foreign-born. For this large community, robbery and theft convictions carry immigration consequences that can be just as devastating as the criminal sentence itself.
Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)[19], theft offenses with a potential sentence of one year or more are classified as “aggravated felonies” under federal immigration law — one of the most serious categories of immigration violations, triggering mandatory deportation for lawful permanent residents and permanent inadmissibility for visa applicants. Robbery is classified as both an aggravated felony (as a crime of violence) and a crime involving moral turpitude under federal immigration law.
This means that a robbery or felony theft conviction in Los Angeles County Superior Court can result in deportation, permanent bar from re-entry, denial of naturalization, and cancellation of immigration benefits — regardless of how many years you have lived in the United States or what ties you have to your community and family here.
At Tu Defensor Criminalista, we understand these stakes deeply. We fight to resolve robbery and theft cases in ways that protect immigration status — through dismissals, reductions to offenses with no immigration consequences, or alternative resolution programs. We coordinate with immigration counsel when necessary. Call us today if immigration status is a concern in your robbery or theft case.
Los Angeles County is the most populous county in the United States, encompassing 88 incorporated cities, numerous unincorporated communities, and a court system that spans the entire county through multiple branches of the Los Angeles Superior Court. Robbery and theft cases are prosecuted across all of these courthouses, and the specific courthouse where your case is handled affects everything from the local prosecution culture to the availability of diversion programs and plea negotiation opportunities.
Tu Defensor Criminalista represents clients in robbery and theft defense cases throughout Los Angeles County, including:
Wherever your robbery or theft case is being prosecuted in Los Angeles County, Tu Defensor Criminalista has the knowledge and experience to defend you effectively. Contact us for a free consultation.
Accused of violating probation in a Los Angeles County robbery or theft case? You’re facing probation revocation, imposition of suspended jail or prison sentences, and immediate custody — often with far less constitutional protection than you had at your original criminal trial. Whether the alleged violation involves a new arrest, a missed probation appointment, failure to pay restitution, failure to complete a theft-awareness program, or association with prohibited persons or places, probation violation proceedings threaten your freedom and can result in years of imprisonment for conduct that might not otherwise be criminal.
In robbery and theft cases, probation conditions typically include regular check-ins with a probation officer, staying away from certain locations (including stores or areas where the offense occurred), payment of restitution to victims, prohibition on possessing certain items, and completion of specific counseling or theft-awareness programs. Violation of any of these conditions — even a minor or technical violation — can trigger a PC § 1203.2[20] probation revocation hearing.
At Tu Defensor Criminalista, we represent clients in probation violation hearings throughout Los Angeles County. We challenge the alleged violation, present mitigating evidence, and fight to preserve probationary status and keep our clients out of custody. Contact us immediately if you have been accused of violating probation in a robbery or theft case.
Facing a probation revocation hearing under PC § 1203.2 in Los Angeles County? Unlike the original criminal trial — where the prosecution must prove every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt — a probation violation need only be proven by a preponderance of the evidence, meaning it is “more likely than not” that the violation occurred. This lower standard means the court can revoke probation even when the evidence would be insufficient for a criminal conviction.
Our attorneys at Tu Defensor Criminalista approach PC § 1203.2 hearings with the same commitment and aggression as full criminal trials. We scrutinize the evidence of the alleged violation, challenge the credibility of witnesses including probation officers and law enforcement, present evidence of compliance and mitigating circumstances, and argue vigorously against revocation. When revocation is unavoidable, we fight for reinstatement of probation with modified conditions rather than imposition of a prison sentence.
Not every robbery or theft charge in Los Angeles County must result in a conviction. For eligible defendants — particularly those with limited or no criminal history facing non-violent theft charges — there are alternative resolution paths that can protect against permanent criminal records:
PC § 1001.95 — Judicial Diversion
Under Penal Code § 1001.95[21], judges in misdemeanor cases have discretion to place defendants in diversion, requiring completion of specific programs and conditions in exchange for dismissal of the charge. This is available for many misdemeanor theft offenses including petty theft and first-offense shoplifting.
Deferred Entry of Judgment
In some cases, particularly involving younger defendants or first-time offenders, negotiated dispositions can provide for completion of community service, restitution, and theft education programs in exchange for deferred entry of judgment and ultimate dismissal.
Plea Negotiations to Non-Strike, Non-Theft Offenses
For defendants facing felony theft or robbery charges with significant collateral consequences — particularly immigration consequences — we negotiate aggressively with prosecutors for pleas to offenses that do not carry the same collateral damage.
Proposition 47 Reclassification
For eligible defendants with prior felony theft convictions, Proposition 47[22] allows petition to the court to reclassify certain felony theft convictions as misdemeanors, reducing the impact of prior record on employment, housing, and immigration.
Speak with Tu Defensor Criminalista today about which resolution options are available in your specific robbery or theft case.
Bilingual Representation — English and Spanish
Los Angeles County’s large and diverse Spanish-speaking community deserves full, effective criminal defense representation in their own language. At Tu Defensor Criminalista, every client receives complete legal representation in both English and Spanish, ensuring there is no confusion about charges, rights, defense strategies, or consequences.
Aggressive, Thorough Defense
We do not take a passive approach to robbery and theft defense. We investigate independently, challenge every piece of evidence, file suppression motions when constitutional rights are violated, and fight for the best possible outcome in every case — whether through negotiated resolution or trial.
Knowledge of Los Angeles County Courts and Prosecutors
Our attorneys have deep experience in Los Angeles County Superior Court locations throughout the county. We understand how specific prosecutors, courthouses, and judges approach robbery and theft cases — and we use that knowledge to our clients’ advantage.
Immigration-Conscious Defense
In a county where more than one-third of residents are foreign-born, we take immigration consequences seriously in every case. We work to protect our clients’ immigration status through careful case strategy and coordination with immigration counsel when needed.
Available 24/7 — Free Consultations
Arrests happen at any hour. Tu Defensor Criminalista is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We offer free, confidential consultations to anyone facing robbery or theft charges in Los Angeles County. Call or contact us online now.
Theft involves taking property without the owner’s consent. Robbery is theft that is accomplished by force or fear directed at another person. Robbery is always a felony and always a STRIKE under California law, whereas theft ranges from a misdemeanor to a felony depending on the value of the property and other circumstances.
Yes. Robbery under Penal Code § 211 is both a “serious felony” and a “violent felony” under California’s Three Strikes Law. A single robbery conviction counts as one strike. A second strike doubles your sentence on any future felony. A third strike can result in 25 years to life in state prison.
Yes, in many cases. Depending on the facts, criminal history, and value of the property involved, theft charges can be reduced through negotiation, dismissed through diversion programs, or reclassified under Proposition 47. An experienced defense attorney significantly improves the chances of a favorable outcome.
Very seriously. Theft offenses with a potential sentence of one year or more are aggravated felonies under federal immigration law, triggering mandatory deportation. Robbery is both an aggravated felony and a crime of moral turpitude. Non-citizens facing these charges should immediately consult a criminal defense attorney before accepting any plea.
First-degree robbery carries three, four, or six years in state prison. Penalties increase significantly with priors, gang enhancements, great bodily injury, or use of a firearm.
Proposition 47 reclassified certain non-violent theft and drug felonies as misdemeanors in California, including theft of property valued at $950 or less. It also created a process for people with qualifying prior felony convictions to petition for reclassification to misdemeanors.
Yes. If law enforcement obtained stolen property or other evidence through an unlawful search or seizure — without a valid warrant or a recognized exception — a motion to suppress under Penal Code § 1538.5 can result in that evidence being excluded from trial. Without the evidence, the prosecution often cannot proceed.
Exercise your right to remain silent immediately and do not make any statements to law enforcement without an attorney present. Contact Tu Defensor Criminalista as soon as possible — we are available 24/7 and offer free consultations.
First-degree burglary involves entering an inhabited dwelling — a home, apartment, or other residence — and is always a felony STRIKE. Second-degree burglary involves entering any other building (commercial premises) and can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony.
You may be eligible for expungement under Penal Code § 1203.4 after successfully completing probation. Expungement allows you to truthfully answer “No” to questions about convictions on most private employment applications, though it does not eliminate all consequences including certain government background checks and immigration effects.
Remember:
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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