Recently in Orange County, a man who the police suspect has a drug habit was arrested Friday in connection with thefts from as many as 10 vehicles in a Costa Mesa neighborhood, which was done in an apparent attempt to fuel his habit. Robert Carl Hopkins of Costa Mesa is being held in Orange County jail on bail on suspicion of possession of stolen property charges, petty theft charges and drugs charges.

Police responded to a call in the early morning hours on Friday when the reporting party described a suspicious man in the in the Mesa Verde residential neighborhood looking into vehicles. When the police officers went to the area, they found Hopkins in possession of various personal items, some of which were positively identified as the property of area residents. Police believe Hopkins is responsible for stealing property from up to 10 vehicles in the last few days.

In order for Hopkins to be convicted of this crime, the People must prove that: 1. He took possession of property owned by someone else; 2. He took the property without the owner’s consent; 3. When he took the property he intended to deprive the owner of it permanently or to remove it from the owner’s possession for so extended a period of time that the owner would be deprived of a major portion of the value or enjoyment of the property; and 4. He moved the property, even a small distance, and kept it for any period of time, however brief. For petty theft, the property taken can be of any value, no matter how slight.

If you or a loved one have been accused or charged with this crime, it is very important that you speak with an experienced Orange County theft defense attorney immediately, like the attorneys at Wallin & Klarich. We have over 30 years of experienced handling this type of matters and can assist you in obtaining the best possible result. Call the law firm of Wallin &Klarich today at, (888) 749-0034 to speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney about your case.