Ventura Burglary Crimes Attorney

Over 15 Years of Relentless & Compassionate Defense for the Accused

Burglary charges are treated with particular seriousness under California law. Many cases begin with unclear circumstances or misunderstandings that later take on a criminal label. Once formal charges are filed, the process can move quickly, and it is easy for context to be lost in the rush to prosecute.

At Welch Law, APLC, we step in to make sure your side of the story is heard. Every case deserves a careful look at what actually happened, not assumptions about intent or motive. We investigate how the accusation came about, how the evidence was obtained, and whether the prosecution’s claims hold up under scrutiny. Our role is to bring clarity and control to a situation that may feel anything but, and to work toward the best possible outcome for your future.

Contact (805) 467-6542 today to discuss your case with our aggressive Ventura theft crime attorney. 

Get a Proven Defender on Your Side

Attorney Christopher P. Welch has earned recognition in Ventura County for his depth of trial experience and steady presence in high-stakes cases. For more than 17 years, he has built his practice around direct courtroom advocacy, with a focus on precision and preparation. His background reflects years of navigating Ventura’s courts, prosecutors, and juries across a wide range of criminal allegations.

• Over 70 jury trials tried to verdict in Ventura County and throughout California.
• Hundreds of felony and misdemeanor cases handled, including burglary, assault, homicide, domestic violence, and juvenile defense.
• Active memberships in the California Bar Association, Ventura County Bar Association, U.S. District Court, California Attorneys for Criminal Justice, and the California Public Defenders Association.
• Supporter of the Innocence Project, advocating for accountability and reform within the criminal justice system.
• Featured in local media for commentary and insight on criminal law topics.

Understanding Burglary Charges

California Penal Code Section 459 defines burglary as entering a structure, locked vehicle, or other enclosed space with the intent to commit theft or any felony once inside. What distinguishes burglary from trespassing or theft is intent at the moment of entry.

The law separates burglary into two degrees: 

• First-degree, involving an inhabited dwelling and always charged as a felony
• Second-degree, involving other buildings or vehicles that may be filed as either a felony or a misdemeanor

The difference often determines whether a person faces county jail or state prison, as well as the long-term impact on employment and background checks.

Welch Law, APLC uses this framework as a starting point for every burglary case. We focus on whether intent can truly be proven, whether the location meets the statute’s definition of a “structure” or “dwelling,” and whether law enforcement followed proper procedure. 

By grounding each case in the specific elements the prosecution must prove, the firm builds a defense that is factual, strategic, and designed to reduce or eliminate the consequences that follow a burglary charge.

How “Entry” Shapes a Burglary Case

In Ventura County, prosecutors often center a burglary charge on one key issue: whether an “entry” occurred under California law. The definition is broader than most people expect. Any part of a person’s body — or an object they control — crossing the outer boundary of a structure can meet the legal standard for entry. A brief reach through a window, removing a screen, or stepping onto a balcony may be enough for the state to claim the crime was complete.

At Welch Law, APLC, we analyze the entry element in detail because it often determines whether a case can be reduced or dismissed. We look at:

• How law enforcement established entry — including video footage, physical evidence, and witness accounts.
• Whether the alleged act meets the legal definition of entry under California Penal Code Section 459.
• How prosecutors are framing intent, and whether that interpretation is supported by facts.
• Where inconsistencies or overstatements exist in police reports or testimony.

By dissecting these details thoroughly, we work to narrow the scope of the charge, expose weaknesses in the state’s theory, and protect your future from the long-term effects of a burglary conviction.

Navigating the Burglary Process in Ventura County

Being charged with burglary sets a legal process in motion that moves through several stages. Understanding what happens next can make a significant difference in how your case develops.

• Investigation & Arrest: Most burglary cases begin with the Ventura Police Department or Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. Officers gather statements, review surveillance, and collect evidence before forwarding the case to prosecutors. We step in early to protect your rights, address investigative errors, and limit the information used against you.
• Filing of Charges: The District Attorney reviews the police report to decide whether to file charges. Welch Law, APLC examines that same report, identifying inconsistencies or assumptions that may affect how the case is filed — or whether it proceeds at all.
• Arraignment at Ventura County Superior Court: This first appearance is where charges are formally read and bail is considered. Our attorney ensures you understand the accusations, advises on plea decisions, and advocates for fair release terms.
• Pretrial Phase: During discovery and motion hearings, evidence is challenged, and negotiations take place. We work on suppressing unreliable evidence, testing how “entry” or “intent” is being interpreted, and pushing for dismissals or reductions when possible.
• Trial: If a case proceeds to trial, the defense must be strategic and disciplined. Drawing on years of trial experience, presents your case clearly, challenges the prosecution’s narrative, and works relentlessly to secure the best possible outcome under the law.

Effective Strategies to Defend Against Burglary Charges

The legal team at Welch Law, APLC has won over one hundred case dismissals. We develop legal strategies based on a range of recognized defenses.

With extensive trial experience in Ventura County, we prepare for challenges unique to the local court system. Familiarity with local judges, common approaches taken by prosecutors, and typical jury perspectives all shape how we plan a defense. This hands-on knowledge helps us present defenses in the most effective way for burglary cases in the area.

Common legal defenses to burglary we employ include:

• Lack of intent
• Mistake of fact
• False accusation
• Misleading evidence
• Mistaken identity
• Police misconduct

To discuss which defense strategies may work for you, contact our burglary lawyer in Ventura for a free consultation.

FAQs

How quickly will my burglary case move through the Ventura court system?

Case timing depends on the court’s calendar, the seriousness of the charge, and the specific facts of your situation. Burglary cases in Ventura County usually proceed through several hearings, which may take weeks or months to complete. Prompt legal counsel helps you prepare for each phase.

What risks should I consider with a burglary charge in Ventura?

Risks include jail time, fines, and long-term impacts on employment or housing. Ventura courts and prosecutors treat these charges seriously, so learning about the process and building a defense early is important to protect your interests.

Can a burglary charge affect immigration status?

A burglary conviction in California can result in immigration consequences, including possible deportation or loss of certain status protections. Consult with our attorney to learn how your specific situation may be affected.