If you have been arrested for Commercial Burglary in Orange County, then you are going to have many questions.  The team of attorneys at The Atias Law Firm can go over the facts of your case and help you understand the possible outcomes, and possible strategies for successfully getting your case reduced or dismissed. Commercial Burglary is essentially entering any Commercial building or room with the intent to commit a felony or a theft once inside. If you have been charged with Commercial Burglary in Orange County, please contact our firm to schedule a free consultation regarding the arrest, charges and allegations. “Commercial Burglary” as it is commonly known, is unfortunately a charge that can be misconstrued or alleged by the Police under a very wide variety of circumstances and facts that may not truly be a Commercial Burglary as defined by California State Law. The attorneys at The Atias Law Firm know how to decipher and construe each element of that offense to make sure that zealous police officers and trumped up charges will not ultimately lead to a lengthier prison term or jail sentence than may be required, if any based on a case by case basis and the facts presented. Our attorneys work hard to differentiate the fine details to help prove that simply because a police officer may have arrested you for that crime… it may not be the crime committed. I cannot stress that point enough, just because you are charged with a certain offense does not mean that is the offense you may have committed. Let’s examine the actual statutory law, the possible reductions to other lesser offenses, the penalties and finally the full on legal defenses.

Commercial Burglary Orange County Penal Code 459

The Law for Commercial Burglary is set out in California Penal Code Section 459. For the Orange County District Attorney’s Office to prove that a defendant is guilty of Commercial Burglary, the Prosecutor must prove the following:

1. The defendant entered a shop, store, office building, or any other commercial building;
2. When they entered that shop, store, office building, or commercial building, they intended to commit either a California felony or a California theft; and
3. One or more of the following things is true: The value of the property that the defendant stole or intended to steal was more than nine hundred fifty dollars ($950);
   1. The structure that the defendant entered was a commercial establishment.

The Commercial Burglary laws in Orange County can be confusing to a defendant charged with that crime. Our team of Lawyers in Orange County know the ins and outs of these criminal charges and we may be able to help you get your case dismissed or lowered to a lesser offense, .... But not necessarily Commercial Burglary.

Will I Go To Jail?

Possibilities & Penalties for Commercial Burglary Charges in Orange County

The consequences of a PC 459 Commercial Burglary conviction will almost always be in the second-degree. Second-degree/Commercial Burglary under Penal Code 459 PC is what is known as a “wobbler.” A “wobbler” is a California crime that can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor, at the prosecutor's discretion. The potential consequences of a felony second-degree Commercial Burglary conviction are:

• Felony probation;
• 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years served in county jail; and/or
• A fine of up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000)

Enhancements to Commercial Burglary Penalties that Could Require Longer Prison Terms

1. Great bodily injury inflicted in the commission of the crime.
2. Using a Gun to commit the offense.

As detailed below, your case may be reduced to a lower crime, or your case may be dismissed.

Legal Defenses to Commercial Burglary in Orange County

The Atias Law Firm’s Defense team of skilled lawyers located in Orange County, CA have over 20 years combined experience, therefore we know the defenses that may help get your Commercial Burglary charge dismissed. There are several defenses to Commercial Burglary in Orange County, however the applicability of those defenses depends on the facts of your case.

1. For if you are victim of false accusations. Because Commercial Burglary laws in Orange County can be complex, it is possible to be victim of false accusations.
2. Another defense is lack of willful intent. If there was a lack of intent to commit a crime, there is no violation of PC 459.

Additionally, as you can see above, the Prosecutor has a lot to prove. We may be able to show that any number of the requirements of the law aren’t met or that there is insufficient evidence. Also, if you have been charged with multiple counts of Commercial Burglary, we may be able to get all your charges consolidated into one charge, with one penalty.

Reducing Commercial Burglary Charge to a Lesser Crime

California Burglary law is divided into “first-degree Burglary” and “second-degree Burglary.” Second-degree Burglary is Burglary of any other type of structure (including stores and businesses). Therefore, Commercial Burglary will almost always be charged as second-degree burglary. Circumstances may allow the Prosecutor to charge you with Shoplifting instead of Commercial Burglary. These circumstances include that the prosecution lacks evidence of the intent to commit a crime. Our Commercial Burglary lawyers in Orange County aggressively challenge any allegations of great bodily injury. California’s great bodily injury enhancement imposes a three to six-year prison sentence in addition to the penalty for a Commercial Burglary conviction. If we can show that the injuries are not as severe as alleged, then we may be able to keep you out of state prison.

How Can Commercial Burglary Charges Be Reduced?

When the prosecution case is strong, sometimes the best tactic is to try to work out a plea deal with the Prosecutor, which can avoid the maximum sentence a Judge may want to sentence a defendant to after a trial. Our attorneys always want to be reasonable with our clients and not mislead or misguide their expectations, while making certain they understand just how long serving a lengthy prison sentence. Our skilled attorneys may be able to get your Commercial Burglary charge reduced, and a Felony Commercial Burglary penalty reduced to a Misdemeanor Commercial Burglary charge.

What Happens If I Have a Prior Conviction?

If you have prior convictions for Commercial Burglary, then you may face increased penalties in your current case. The Atias Law Firm with years over 20 years combined experience aggressively challenges any prior convictions. For instance, if your prior conviction occurred more than 10 years ago, or if it occurred in another state, then we may be able to get those prior convictions stricken, so that your sentence is not enhanced. If we can successfully strike your prior convictions, then you may only face first time penalties. Call the Atias Law Firm today to see if your prior convictions may impact your current charge.

What Should I do about a Commercial Burglary charge in Orange County?

Just pick up the phone and call.  One of our attorneys will look at your personal history and the facts surrounding the charges against you, and then we can discuss possible outcomes with you at no cost.