RSSWhen smartphones, laptops and other expensive items are stolen, it’s usually from cars or occasionally from one’s own home. However, a recent theft case in Los Angeles involves an unusual setting: the corridors and locker room of a private high school.
On September 25, local police appealed to the public for help in finding a man who they say has been stealing from students’ lockers at a private Los Angeles high school. On the evening of September 23, the man was purportedly spotted via video surveillance walking through Cathedral High’s halls. Officials mention that the video recording also shows the suspect going into the male locker room and making off with various items. These include smartphones, iPods, a laptop computer and currency.
The LAPD noted the man’s approximate age as between 25 and 30 years old. He is described as having a “fauxhawk” haircut and potentially driving an older white SUV. If caught, the individual faces accusations of grand theft.
In California, petty theft is distinguished from grand theft. The main difference lies in the value of the items being stolen. Generally, when one is accused of grand theft, the items stolen are valued above $950. Still, there are exceptions to this general rule and it is helpful to have legal advice when facing any sort of theft charges.
The penalties for a theft conviction in California are severe. Even if one is convicted of petty theft rather than the more serious grand theft, the consequences are still harsh. They can include a possible $1,000 fine or six months behind bars. For grand theft, a convicted offender can face a jail term lasting as long as a year; however, the individual can also face felony sentencing, which can increase the length of imprisonment to three years. It’s possible for some convicted offenders to serve even longer sentences if they have prior convictions.
While the penalties for conviction are steep, there are many defenses available to those accused of theft and related crimes in L.A. The Law Offices of Jonathan I. Kelman can be reached at 310.286.1218 for more information.