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What Do I Do If I Am Detained For Suspicion Of Shoplifitng In California?

By Walin & Klarich

Under California law petty theft is the taking of property of another valued at less than $950. A first offense is chargeable as a misdemeanor and carries a maximum sentence of six months in county jail. Commercial burglary in California is defined as entering any structure other than a residence with the intent to commit a crime therein. Commercial burglary is a "wobbler" under California which means that it can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony and can carry up to a maximum of three years in state prison. Many people are surprised when they are detained for what they believed to be petty theft and are arrested for and charged with commercial burglary. The difference between the two crimes has everything to do with whether the person intended to commit a crime or theft when they entered the building...continue to full post

Full post as published by Southern California Criminal Defense Blog on March 04, 2011 (boomark / email).