Last Wednesday night, on March 10, 2010, $10,000-$12,000 worth of gear was stolen from locked outdoor storage sheds at Bolsa Grande High School in Garden Grove, Orange County. The young players were shocked to find their mitts, bats, helmets, cleats, catching gear and pitching machine all gone. 80% of these items belonged to the players themselves and were purchased with their own money. Because of the unfortunate theft, an opening season game against Saddleback Valley Christian was cancelled. Practices, however, have resumed with the players using older or donated equipment, but it is not the same said one of the players. The booster club will now be meeting to discuss fundraising options as about 70% of the school's students come from economically disadvantaged households and do not have the resources to buy new gear. Perpetrators of the crime can be charged with Burglary (California Penal Code 459) or Grand Theft (California Penal Code 487(a) if caught, since they first broke into the sheds and then committed the theft.
Criminal Law Updates by the Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo (714) 547-4636
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 you find yourself or a family member being accused of shoplifting (petty theft), remember retaining legal counsel is very important. Here is one client's experience.
"I was charged with Penal Code Section 488 (Petty Theft). I was alleged to have taken items worth $415.00 from a store without paying. I hired Attorney William W. Bruzzo to represent me in this matter. My most important concern was keeping my record clean. After I hired Mr. Bruzzo he made the appearances in court without my being present. Prior to my hiring Mr. Bruzzo I learned that he is extremely familiar with the District Attorneys in Orange County and this permits him to get better results for his clients. After Mr. Bruzzo made several appearances in court without my being present, he was able to negotiate a DISMISSAL with the District Attorney once I completed community service and other requirements. I truly believe that without Mr. Bruzzo's knowledge of the courts and the District Attorneys in Orange County I would not have had such a favorable result. I highly recommend Mr. Bruzzo for any Petty Theft or criminal matter." ~~ AL, May 14, 2009
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.
Polston took $6,323 in unauthorized car allowance and paid $75,000 to his wife for a fictitious job that he created. Now, as punishment for his crime, he has to repay $137,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tustin plus ten percent interest using proceeds from a life insurance policy purchased for him by the Club. Former mayor Tracy Worley Hagen said she feels "terrible" because she thought "he was doing a great job for the community", but she is "happy he's going to try to make it right with the Boys & Girls Club."
Grand theft, what Polston pled guilty to, differs from petty theft in that the value of the property stolen exceeds $400. Here, Polston stole well above that amount and received an enhanced sentence because of it. Typically, felony grand theft, defined by Penal Code Section 487, carries a maximum sentence of three years State Prison. However, in Polston's case, he was looking at a maximum of four years State Prison.
Criminal Law Updates by the Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo (714) 547-4636
A group of teenagers who call themselves the "Bling Ring" stole more than $3 million in merchandise from the homes of celebrities such as Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, Audrina Patridge, Rachel Bilson, and Orlando Bloom.
One member of the ring has now come forward and helped put an end to this string of burglaries. Nicholas Frank Prugo gave police a statement implicating several others in the thefts at the homes of Hollywood's young celebrities.
The group was successful in committing these burglaries by surfing the Internet first to find out where the celebrities lived, then by watching the locations and working out ways to break-in. In many of the homes, the doors were even left unlocked.
California Penal Code 459 defines burglary as the breaking and entering of the dwelling house of another with the intent to commit a felony inside. Even entering through an unlocked door constitutes a breaking and entering for purposes of a burglary if done without the owner's permission. This serious offense is punishable for up to 6 years in State Prison.
Criminal Law Updates by the Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo (714) 547-4636
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 charged as a misdemeanor. It carries a maximum of 1 year in jail. Generally speaking if the item(s) stolen are $400.00 or less then the matter can be charged as a Petty Theft. But you need to understand: A PETTY THEFT VIOLATION WITH A PRIOR PETTY THEFT CONVICTION CAN CAUSE THE NEW CASE TO BE FILED AS A FELONY AND THE CLIENT SENT TO STATE PRISON.
Here is a testimonial from one person who was charged with petty theft in Orange County, California.
"I was accused of petty theft [a violation of Penal Code Section 484(a)-488 a misdemeanor] and told to appear in the Orange County Superior court. It was alleged that I took an item worth over $300.00 from a store without paying for it. The maximum jail sentence for this crime is 6 months in jail. I hired Mr. Bruzzo because of his years of experience in the Orange County courts and his familiarity with all the District Attorneys. I knew that only a lawyer practicing in Orange County for quite some time would be able to get me the result I desired. In addition, as I am not a citizen there would have been serious immigration consequences for me if I had been convicted of this crime. Mr. Bruzzo went to court several times in an effort to negotiate my case. Thankfully, he was able to get me a complete DISMISSAL after just a few court appearances. All I had to do was complete a short class and give a DNA sample. Mr. Bruzzo took care of everything from the beginning to the end. Thanks to him, my record is clean.
I am happy to recommend Mr. Bruzzo to anyone facing a criminal charge, especially petty theft." ~~ RT August 13, 2009
