Cerritos Burglary Lawyer

Experienced Burglary Attorney in Cerritos

In California, burglary charges are taken quite seriously. If you or a loved one are facing charges, it’s critical that you know how to move through the next phases of the California judicial process. Fortunately, you do not have to handle your case alone. Contact the Cerritos burglary lawyers at Gibbons & Gibbons.

About Gibbons & Gibbons

At Gibbons & Gibbons, we understand that facing a criminal charge like burglary can turn your entire life upside down, leaving you with nothing but uncertainty about what lies ahead. Our lawyers believe you shouldn’t have to navigate this overwhelming process alone. As a family-focused legal team, we treat our clients like our own family.

We’re here to listen and protect your constitutional rights. For over 60 years, our attorneys have provided compassionate criminal defense representation to the residents of Cerritos and across Southern California. When your freedom is at stake, let our family defend yours.

California Burglary Definition

Under California law, burglary means accessing a structure or locked vehicle with the specific intention of committing a grand theft, petty theft, or a felony once inside. However, a break-in does not actually have to occur for someone to be charged. The crime is committed the exact moment the person enters the property with criminal intent, even if they walk through an unlocked door and ultimately leave without stealing a single thing.

Burglary Penalties in California

California divides burglary into two categories:

• First-Degree (Residential). The target structure of this type of burglary is any inhabited dwelling (house, apartment, room, inhabited vessel, or trailer). This is charged as a felony and, if convicted, an individual faces a potential sentence of 2, 4, or 6 years in California state prison. It does count as a “strike” under California’s Three Strikes Law.
• Second-Degree (Commercial). This type of burglary includes all other structures (stores, offices, businesses, warehouses, or locked vehicles). Second-degree burglary can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, with the potential consequence being up to 1 year in county jail for a misdemeanor; for a felony, the penalty is 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in county jail.

There are some important nuances for burglary, especially if your charges involve shoplifting or vehicle burglary. Consider speaking with a knowledgeable licensed legal professional about your charges.

Burglary in Context

Cerritos ranks in the 21st percentile for overall city safety index databases. Law enforcement reported 448 burglaries in Cerritos during 2024. Following a series of city-wide security initiatives, burglaries dropped to 284 total reported burglaries by the close of 2025.

Across California, property crimes dominate local offenses, with larceny, auto theft, and burglary making up the bulk of property violations. During 2024, burglary alone accounted for roughly 15 percent of California’s property crime pipeline.

This data shows a high volume of property crime, followed by a dramatic crackdown on citizens in our own backyard. Burglary is heavily targeted by local law enforcement. In Cerritos, law enforcement is under intense pressure to lower the number of burglaries in the area using automated tech, which often leads to sloppy arrests and violations of constitutional rights.

If you have a clean criminal record or if you show a willingness to accept responsibility, the court may look more favorably on your case. Also, pursuing a reduced sentence or minimized charges is often possible if the offense didn’t involve a completed theft, the use of force, or injury to anyone. You can speak with a Cerritos criminal defense lawyer about your case to determine how these mitigating circumstances can be leveraged to protect your freedom.

Contact a Cerritos Burglary Lawyer

If you’ve been the latest victim of overcharging, seeking immediate legal representation is necessary. At Gibbons & Gibbons, we are deeply familiar with the local landscape, the community, and the specific trends impacting the Cerritos courts. We’re prepared, detail-oriented attorneys who study the data affecting our neighbors to learn how we can help. For reliable support, contact us immediately.

FAQs

What Are the Kinds of Burglary Crimes in California?

There are two main kinds of burglary crimes in California. Burglary is divided into first or second degree, depending upon the type of structure entered with the intent to commit a theft or any felony inside.

If the offense is a residential burglary, the burglary is first-degree, which involves entering an inhabited dwelling designed for habitation. If the offense is a commercial burglary, the burglary is second-degree, which involves entry into any other type of non-residential structure.

What Does It Cost to Hire a Burglary Lawyer?

It is challenging to provide reliable information about what it costs to hire a burglary lawyer to build a defense because every attorney may set their own rates for their services. Lawyers base their rates on their experience level, the time they spend on client work, and other case-specific factors. If you need to hire a lawyer, ask about what’s included in their fee agreement before becoming a client.

Can My Lawyer Get My Burglary Charges Dropped?

Yes, it may be possible for your lawyer to get your burglary charges dropped. While it’s never a guarantee, your lawyer can aggressively work to expose weaknesses in the evidence the state intends to use against you, address constitutional violations, or negotiate to have the charges dropped entirely. Contact a lawyer about your specific case.

Do I Have to Hire a Lawyer After Being Arrested for a Burglary?

No, you do not have to hire a lawyer after being arrested for a burglary in California. However, most people find having a lawyer on their side is helpful since they can provide comprehensive legal support during a case. An attorney can build a compelling case on your behalf and negotiate with the prosecutor.

Hire a Burglary Lawyer in Cerritos: Contact Gibbons & Gibbons

If you’re facing charges and need to hire a burglary lawyer, reach out to Gibbons & Gibbons. Our Cerritos burglary attorneys understand California burglary penalties, and we are here to discuss how to avoid the most serious burglary-related consequences.

We bring our knowledge of state burglary laws to each case we handle for our valued Cerritos clients. From Shadow Park to The Courts, Cerritos residents count on us for their criminal defense and burglary representation. Contact Gibbons & Gibbons to set up your initial consultation with our lawyers.