San Diego Criminal Lawyers Blog
Two suspects that were arrested in connection with suspected shoplifting at a south Springfield Walmart were released from the Greene County Jail because they could not be extradited. The same three suspects that were involved in the alleged shoplifting attempt were already wanted in a prior shooting and alleged shoplifting incident at another Walmart in Los Banos, California in November. The shooting allegedly occurred when the suspects were being confronted about suspected shoplifting activity.
According to the deputy district attorney for Merced County, Ray Littlefield, 21, Peyton Garnica, 20, and Carl Littlefield, 20, were wanted on a “Ramney Warrant.” Carl Littlefield, who police say fired the shot, still remains at large. A Ramney Warrant is an arrest warrant that is obtained by a police department gaining approval by a judge, while bypassing the district attorney.
Earlier this week, a detective with the Los Banos Police Department traveled to Springfield to interview the two suspects in the Greene County Jail. The police department says that extradition, the process of moving the suspects from one area to another under a Ramey warrant, is not allowed. In Greene County, the prosecutor is still deciding on whether to file charges on the two suspects in the south Springfield Walmart shoplifting incident.
California Petty Theft and Shoplifting Law
Theft is generally defined as the unlawful taking of someone else’s property. In California, the crime of theft is considered ‘petty theft’ when the value of the property taken is under $950. See CA Penal Code § 484. This crime is also known as larceny or theft by larceny.
Shoplifting, however, is a different offense under the Penal Code. Shoplifting is defined as when one entires a commercial establishment with the intent to steal items worth under $950. See CA Penal Code§ 459. You may be charged with shoplifting even if you do not succeed in procuring the items. All that matters is that you intended to steal them.
Both petty theft and shoplifting are misdemeanors punishable by a fine up to $1,000 and six months in county jail.
Theft of property that is worth more than $950 is called “grand theft.” See CA Penal Code 487. That is a wobbler crime, meaning it may be charged as a felony or misdemeanor depending on the circumstances. Grand theft charged as a felony can result in up to three years imprisonment.
San Diego Petty Theft and Shoplifting Lawyer
it is worth noting that California’s petty theft law underwent changes with the signage of Prop 47. Additionally, if this is your first time being convicted of petty theft, a skilled lawyer may be able to reduce your charges. If you have been arrested and charged with petty theft or shoplifting, contact the Law Offices of David M. Boertje today. Consultations are free and confidential.