Theft crimes of all kinds, from shoplifting to organized retail theft, are increasingly a problem in California and throughout the country. State lawmakers throughout the U.S. are taking steps to increase penalties for thefts and resale of multiple, high-value items
This year, California strengthened a number of theft-related laws. Two new laws target those involved in various facets of what is known as “organized retail theft.”
Multiple thefts can be combined for purposes of charging
A new law lets prosecutors combine (“aggregate”) the value of property stolen by the same person in separate incidents. The thefts don’t have to be from the same location or even occur in the same California county. This ability to aggregate the value makes it more likely that the combined value will reach over $950, which is what’s required for a felony grand theft charge.
Possession of stolen goods
A related change in the law makes it illegal to possess over $950 in stolen goods “with intent to sell, exchange or return” them, whether the person in possession of them was aware they were stolen or not. This means prosecutors no longer have to prove what that person knew about how they were obtained.
These are just two of the recent changes in California law that are intended to deter organized theft rings and repeat offenders by making it easier for prosecutors to charge people with felonies that come with harsher penalties – including more time behind bars.
These crimes can involve multiple people (some of whom may not have met or not even know about others involved in the crime). That’s one reason it’s critical that anyone facing theft-related charges get their own legal representation to present their case and protect their rights.