Articles Posted in Petty-Theft

In September of 2014 the Los Angeles City Attorney started a new diversion type program called the Neighborhood Justice Program. Once a Defendant is arrested or cited for an offense he may be eligible for a program where the case never actually goes to court. This program only applies to certain minor charges such as: Petty…

On November 4, 2014, California voters approved a voter initiative which requires that certain crimes MUST be filed as misdemeanors. This appears to be an effort by the state of California to reduce the number of people in the state prison system. From now on theft offenses for less than $950.00 must be filed as misdemeanors-even…

The charge of Petty Theft under Penal Code Sections 484(a)-488 is a very commonly alleged crime and generally not considered serious as first time offenders generally face no jail time and small fines. However, the effect of such a conviction on professionally licensed persons like Nurses, Doctors, Lawyers and Teachers can be career ending. The reason for…

The Orange County District Attorney has been resolving criminal cases by having the Defendant give their DNA in exchange for dismissals of usually minor cases. This program in Orange County has only been in effect for the last couple of years and had generally been very beneficial to Orange County Defendants facing minor criminal charges…

If you “Google” the phrase “shoplifting during the holidays” you will find hundreds of news items from across the country discussing how shoplifting increases during the holiday season. Not surprising, the number of shoplifting arrests increases as well. Here is video from WBKO which discusses how one major US retailer, TARGET, deals with shoplifters. If…

Misusing a California Handicap Parking Placard has always been punishable with a fine, but did you ever think about facing a $1000 fine and also being charged with petty theft? What many people forget is that not only does the California handicap placard allow you to park in convenient spots, you are also allowed to…

The head of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tustin, California in Orange County, Clifford Polston, pled guilty to grand theft for stealing more than $114,000 from the group. The Boys & Girls Club of Tustin, which provides a safe place for youth to learn and grow, was shocked over the recent turn of events.…

If you were an avid fan of Seinfeld or if you enjoy watching syndicated Seinfeld reruns, then you will probably remember the famous episode called “The Bookstore.” This is episode 173 from the 9th season, which aired originally April 9, 1998.  Like all Seinfeld episodes, this episode had numerous plotlines, but who can forget when Jerry discovers…

Many times when we are watching television news or a crime drama we hear the phrases petty theft or grand theft. In most states the value of the stolen item(s) will determine what crime will be charged. In California the most common theft charge is Petty Theft (Penal Code Section 488); this can only be…

The LA Times and Orange County Register report that the Orange County crime lab and new DNA database will be reviewed in order to examine if there is a level of bias and to check productivity. John Moorlach a member of the Board of Supervisors commented that “if we’re doing all right they way it…