Shoplifting is one of those terms, like assault, that is used differently by the public than by those in the justice system. Most people use the term to indicate that someone stole merchandise from a store, but it’s a little more complicated under the law. Similarly, many people assume the crime is not very serious […]
How A Vista Credit Card Fraud Lawyer Can Help You
Credit card fraud is increasing in frequency every day. As the internet makes it easier to steal, share and use credit card information, it will continue to do so. Unfortunately, because so many credit card fraud cases involve anonymous internet activities, many people are wrongly charged with this crime. In many cases, police begin to […]
Possession of Stolen Property Lawyer in San Diego
Most people agree that stealing is wrong, but taking ownership of something you know has been stolen can be a legal gray area. Whether the matter is ethical or not typically comes down to whether or not the individual taking the item knows if it was stolen. The law considers the issue similarly, which is […]
What is 484 (PC): Petty Theft In California
In California, the severity of a theft offense is based on the value of the stolen money, goods, or services. If the property is valued at less than $950, the offense is considered petty theft, defined under California Penal Code 484 (PC). Anyone charged with this crime in San Diego should call a criminal defense […]
What are the Penalties for Stealing a Catalytic Converter in California?
Catalytic converter theft is dramatically increasing in frequency. This crime may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony in California, depending on the value of the auto part.
What to Know About Dognapping Laws in Vista, California
One of the most increasingly common crimes is that of dognapping. Perhaps one of the most surprising things about this crime is the fact that it is usually only charged as petty or grand theft, and a good portion of people accused of the crime only face misdemeanor charges. Here’s what you should know about […]
What Happens if You Dine and Dash in Vista, California?
Some people dine and dash for fun, others dine and ditch because they get tired of waiting for the check, and others skip out on their bill because they forgot their wallet. Whatever the reason, you can go to jail for not paying your bill at a restaurant in Vista, and sometimes dine and dash […]
California Laws Against Organized Theft: 490.4 (PC)
In 2017, California enacted new theft laws to ensure those who shoplifted could only be charged with a misdemeanor or infraction, whereas prosecutors previously filed felony burglary charges against shoplifters. After the law was changed, most offenders qualified for a diversion program, allowing them to avoid having a conviction appear on their criminal record. While […]
Is Mail Theft a Felony in California?
Mail theft is best known as a federal crime, and under USC Section 1702 of Title 18, if you open someone else’s mail, it is a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison. This section of the law applies whether a letter or package is sent via UPS, USPS, FedEx, Amazon, or any […]
It IS Legal to Pick California Poppies
Californians love their state flower. It’s little wonder we’re so proud of them when they create a golden landscape spreading across hills and valleys in areas like Mission Trails, Antelope Valley, Diamond Lake, and Lake Elsinore. Many residents are so enchanted by our state flower that they don’t even question it when someone tells them […]
