🚨 Facing Charges Right Now? We Answer 24/7
A theft or robbery charge can feel like your entire life is collapsing overnight — your job, your record, your family's trust. Attorney Jason Ronis has spent 20+ years fighting these exact charges in San Diego, Chula Vista, and National City. There is still a path forward. Call now.
⏱ Every Day Without a Lawyer Is a Day the Prosecution Gets Stronger
Charged with theft, robbery, burglary, or shoplifting in San Diego, Chula Vista, or National City? These charges range from misdemeanor petty theft to serious felony robbery — and the difference in penalties is enormous. Attorney Jason Ronis has defended hundreds of property crime cases across San Diego County, challenging weak identifications, faulty surveillance footage, and unlawful searches. Consultations are free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day. Call (619) 859-2002 now — the sooner you call, the more options you have.
Property Crime Charges We Defend
Robbery, Theft & Burglary Attorney for San Diego County
Every property crime charge carries different penalties depending on value, force used, and prior record. Find your situation below.
Always a Felony
Robbery Charge Attorney in National City & San Diego
Robbery is the most serious property crime under California law — taking property directly from a person’s body or immediate presence through force or fear. Even a minor altercation during a theft can escalate a simple shoplifting stop into a felony robbery charge.
- ⚠ California Penalties (PC 211)
- 2, 3, or 5 years in state prison (first-degree)
- Up to 9 years for first-degree robbery in an inhabited dwelling
- Counts as a "strike" under California's Three Strikes Law
- Enhanced penalties if a weapon was used
Felony or Misdemeanor
Grand Theft Lawyer in Chula Vista & San Diego
Grand theft applies when stolen property is valued over $950 — or automatically for firearms and vehicles regardless of value. This is a “wobbler” offense, meaning prosecutors decide whether to file it as a misdemeanor or a felony, and that decision changes everything about your future.
- ⚠ California Penalties (PC 487)
- Up to 1 year in county jail (misdemeanor)
- 16 months to 3 years in state prison (felony)
- Restitution to the victim required
- Permanent criminal record affecting employment
Usually a Misdemeanor
Shoplifting & Petty Theft Attorney in San Diego
Shoplifting and petty theft under $950 in value are usually charged as misdemeanors under Proposition 47 — but repeat offenses, use of tools to defeat security tags, or allegations of “organized retail theft” can quickly escalate the charge to a felony.
- ⚠ California Penalties (PC 459.5 / PC 484)
- Up to 6 months in county jail
- Fines up to $1,000
- Permanent theft record — affects background checks
- Felony upgrade possible for repeat offenses
First or Second Degree
Burglary Defense Attorney — San Diego County
Burglary charges apply when someone enters a structure or vehicle with intent to commit theft or another felony inside — even if nothing was actually taken. First-degree burglary (residential) is always a felony and one of California’s “strike” offenses.
- ⚠ California Penalties (PC 459)
- Up to 6 years for first-degree (residential) burglary
- Up to 3 years for second-degree (commercial) burglary
- Strike offense — enhanced future sentencing
- Separate charge from any theft that occurred inside
One Mistake Should Not Define the Rest of Your Life.
Maybe it was a moment of desperation. Maybe it was a misunderstanding that spiraled out of control. Maybe you weren't even the one who did it.
Whatever brought you here, we understand that a theft or robbery charge feels like the ground has disappeared beneath you. The shame. The fear of what your family will think. The panic about your job, your record, your future — all of it hits at once, and it's overwhelming. You do not have to face this alone, and you do not have to accept the worst outcome as inevitable. Jason Ronis has spent over 20 years standing beside people in exactly this moment — people from San Diego, Chula Vista, and National City who felt like their life was over, and who walked out with their future intact. There is still time to fight. There is still a path forward. But that path gets narrower every day you wait.
Verified Google Reviews
What Clients Say After Calling Us
People who felt exactly like you do right now — and are glad they made the call.
"I had an outstanding experience working with Jason Ronis. His expertise, sharp strategy, and attention to detail made all the difference. He is relentless, strategic, and genuinely invested in achieving the best results. You won't find a better attorney in San Diego."
Ethan C.
Criminal Defense · San Diego · Google ✓
"Jason and his team followed up extremely well during my whole process. He is very communicative and explored anything I brought up. The entire process was made much easier with his help and knowledge of the system."
Jenny G.
Criminal Defense · Google ✓
"After my brother was arrested we needed an attorney fast. We called Jason Ronis Law and got my brother's charges reduced. His office was very helpful, kept us updated, and made a scary situation manageable. Highly recommend."
Maria C.
National City · Google ✓
Why San Diego Families Trust Jason Ronis With Their Future
Property crime cases move fast — and the attorney you choose in the first 48 hours can shape the entire outcome. Here is what two decades of experience actually gets you.
University of San Diego School of Law Graduate
J.D. 2003. Licensed by the California State Bar continuously since 2003. Member of the California Bar Association and American Bar Association.
Deep Relationships in San Diego County Courts
Judges and prosecutors in San Diego, Chula Vista, and South Bay courthouses know Jason Ronis by name and reputation — a real advantage during negotiation.
Emergency Response — 24/7
Arrests happen at any hour. So do we. Call (619) 859-2002 the moment you need us — a real attorney answers, not a voicemail.
Fully Bilingual — English & Spanish
Se Habla Español — complete bilingual representation from the first phone call through every court appearance.
Flexible Payment Plans
Facing a criminal charge is stressful enough. We offer payment plans because your financial situation should never determine the quality of your defense.
Where We Practice
Property Crimes Attorney Serving San Diego, Chula Vista & National City
Theft and robbery laws are the same across California, but every courthouse has its own tendencies, prosecutors, and pace. Local experience matters.
Theft Attorney in San Diego
From downtown retail theft cases to burglary charges throughout the county, Jason Ronis appears regularly in San Diego Superior Court — Central Division — and knows exactly how local prosecutors evaluate property crime cases.
Robbery & Theft Attorney in Chula Vista
hula Vista's South Bay courthouse handles a high volume of retail theft and robbery cases. We understand the local patterns — from first-time shoplifting stops to more serious armed robbery allegations.
Property Crimes Lawyer in National City
ational City's proximity to major retail corridors means shoplifting and grand theft arrests are common here. We defend clients from National City through every stage — arraignment to trial.
Common Questions
Theft & Robbery Charge Questions We Hear Every Day
Straight answers — no legal jargon. If your question isn’t here, call us directly.
Theft is taking someone’s property without their consent — no direct confrontation is required. Robbery is always more serious because it involves taking property directly from a person through force or fear. Robbery is always charged as a felony, while theft can be a misdemeanor or felony depending on the property’s value.
Under Proposition 47, shoplifting property valued at $950 or less is generally a misdemeanor. However, prior theft convictions, tools used to defeat security tags, or allegations of organized retail theft can elevate the charge to a felony. Every case depends on the specific facts.
Yes. Theft and robbery charges are regularly reduced or dismissed through challenges to identification evidence, surveillance footage quality, lack of intent, disputed property value, and unlawful searches or stops. First-time offenders may also qualify for diversion programs that avoid a conviction entirely.
Grand theft applies when property value exceeds $950 (or automatically for firearms and vehicles). It’s a “wobbler” — chargeable as a misdemeanor (up to 1 year in county jail) or a felony (16 months to 3 years in state prison), plus restitution and a permanent record.
Do not answer questions from police or store security beyond identifying yourself. Say: “I want to speak with my attorney.” Then call Jason Ronis Law immediately at (619) 859-2002. We are available 24/7, and early legal help can significantly change your outcome.
Yes — Jason Ronis Law represents clients throughout San Diego, Chula Vista, National City, San Ysidro, El Cajon, and Escondido, appearing in every San Diego County courthouse.
Your Future Is Worth Fighting For. Call Before You Do Anything Else.
Whatever brought you here — a moment of panic, a misunderstanding, or a mistake you deeply regret — you deserve a real defense. One free, confidential call to Jason Ronis Law can change everything that happens next.
Get a free consultation — it takes 30 seconds
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We stand by your side in State and Federal courts, delivering proven results and round-the-clock emergency legal assistance.
Hours
Monday : Open 24 hrs
Tuesday : Open 24 hrs
Wednesday : Open 24 hrs
Thursday : Open 24 hrs
Friday : Open 24 hrs
Saturday : Open 24 hrs
Sunday : Open 24 hrs
