When Prop 47 went into effect in late 2014, even some of the most talented legal minds struggled to completely comprehend it. We at Chambers Law Firm are well-versed in what it does and does not do. Today, we’ll look at several theft-related offenses and how Prop 47 affected them.
Shoplifting
There was no such thing as “shoplifting” before Proposition 47. Prosecutors would instead prosecute accused shoplifters with commercial burglary, a felony. This was a deceptive strategy used to get people to plead guilty whether or not they were guilty.
Because of a new legislation prohibiting shoplifting, the approach is no longer available with Prop 47. It must be filed as a misdemeanor, with a potential penalty of six months in prison — but there are certain exceptions, such as if the property is worth more than $950.
Forgery
Forgeries involving checks, money orders, bonds, notes, or cashier’s checks for less than $950 must now be charged as misdemeanors, with a maximum sentence of a year in county jail. There are a few exceptions, but petty forgery is no longer considered a felony in most cases.
Passing bad checks
Prop 47, like the forgery amendment, makes passing bogus check with a value of less than $950 a misdemeanor – not a felony.
Property theft
You’ll see that $950 is a common monetary figure, and it also applies to property theft. Theft of goods worth less than $950 is now only penalized as misdemeanor petty theft, according to the new laws.
Taking possession of stolen goods
Again, under the new provisions outlined in Proposition 47, a person accused with stealing something whose value does not exceed $950 will be prosecuted with a misdemeanor rather than a felony.
Prop 47 does not apply to all people
There are certain exceptions to Proposition 47, as we said. The following people are not eligible under the new rules:
- Those who have been convicted of significant or violent offenses in the past
- People who have been convicted of sex crimes in the past
- Those who have been charged with specific types of drug offenses
Do you fulfill the qualifications to be eligible for the benefits of Proposition 47?
Have you been accused of committing a theft-related offense? If that’s the case, contact Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088. We’ve worked with clients just like you for decades. We stay up to speed on the current legislation and can give you with innovative defense choices. You’ve discovered an experienced Prop 47 lawyer that will stand up for your rights. A free consultation is available to you. Call the lawyer who will battle for you and give you complete faith in his abilities to offer you with the skilled legal advice you require.
