San Diego Burglary & Robbery Lawyer

Most people hear the terms “burglary” or “robbery” and think of a planned theft or heist, such as a bank robbery in which armed gunmen charge into a bank lobby wearing masks, waving guns, and demanding cash.

However, it’s not uncommon for burglary or robbery charges to result from disputes or altercations that simply spun out of control. Say that you have a dispute over the ownership of a piece of personal property. It’s in possession of another person, and you go to their house to demand that they give it to you. If you use force or threats to get them to hand the item over, and then you leave with it, you could find yourself charged with robbery if the other person has evidence to support their ownership of the property.

In California, a burglary is defined as entering someone’s residence or place of business with the intent to commit a felony. You don’t have to break in at 3 a.m. and prowl around in the dark looking for something to steal to be charged with burglary, although that’s one scenario that might lead to a burglary charge. It’s enough that you enter the property and have some intent to commit any felony — even if the felony isn’t theft.

A charge of burglary or robbery in California is a very serious matter. Burglary and robbery are felonies in California, and can have long-term, life-altering effects on your life beyond the imposition of a jail sentence or payment of fines. Hiring an experienced San Diego burglary and robbery lawyer to handle your case can help you avoid the maximum penalties you face.

Consequences of a Conviction for Burglary or Robbery in California Include:

• A possible sentence of years in jail or prison
• Significant fines
• A felony record that can be a barrier to your finding a job or renting a place to live
• Denial of an application for an immigration visa, green card, or U.S. citizenship
• Loss of a professional license

Hiring a San Diego Burglary and Robbery Lawyer For Your Charge

When you’re charged with a serious crime such as burglary or robbery, the police and prosecutors are looking for anything they can use to convict you. When that happens, you need skilled legal help from someone who will listen to your version of events and work to make sure that your side is heard in court.

There may be facts or evidence that cast doubt on the story told by the alleged victim or by prosecutors in court. An experienced San Diego criminal defense attorney can examine every facet of your case and find the facts and evidence that work in your favor — and then use those to negotiate with prosecutors or argue in front of a judge or jury that you deserve to be acquitted or treated with leniency.

As California criminal defense lawyers, we will zealously represent you and work to get the best possible outcome for your burglary or robbery charge. We have a history of successfully resolving criminal charges for people from all walks of life and in varying types of circumstances, and helping them to put their criminal charges behind them and move forward with their lives.

Types of Charges We Handle

When you’re charged with a felony such as a burglary or robbery, you want representation from a San Diego burglary and robbery lawyer with experience handling the specific charge you face. You want someone who not only has a thorough understanding of the law, but the local courts, prosecutors, and judges who will be involved in your case.

We can help with your case if you’ve been charged with:

• • Residential Burglary — Entering a residence or occupied dwelling with the intent to commit a felony.
  • Commercial Burglary — Entering any structure other than a dwelling with the intent to commit a felony. That could include entering an office, business, warehouse, school, church, or any other type of building that isn’t a place where people live.
  • Robbery — Using force or threats to take someone else’s property from them.
  • Possession of Burglary Tools — Having tools in your possession that could be used to commit a burglary, such as lockpicking tools or a crowbar, can result in jail time and fines in California.
  • Carjacking — Carjacking is a form of robbery that involves stealing a car with the use of threat or force. It’s a serious felony in California.

How a San Diego Robbery Attorney Can Help

Jessica McElfresh is a seasoned theft and robbery attorney that has years of experience advocating for the rights of her accused clients. If you were charged with robbery or theft – don’t delay in seeking legal representation from an experienced lawyer today. We can be reached at We can be reached at (858) 756-7107 or through our contact form.