RECENT CHANGE TO FELONY PETTY THEFT LAW – PENAL CODE SECTION 666
In September 2010, then-Governor Schwarzenegger signed an amendment to Penal Code section 666 requiring three prior petty theft convictions before a person can be charged with a felony petty theft. Previously, a person could be charged with felony petty theft after just one prior petty theft.
The amendment was signed as part of “Chelsea’s Law,” a variety of new laws generally increasing punishment for sex offenders. The law was named after 17-year-old Chelsea King, who was murdered by a convicted sex offender. Chelsea’s murderer also admitted to previously killing a 14-year-old girl, Amber Dubois.
The new Penal Code section 666 includes two important exceptions: a convicted sex offender or a person with a prior “strike” conviction may still be charged with a felony petty theft after just one prior petty theft.
A felony petty theft conviction is punishable by up to three years in state prison.
If you have been accused of a felony petty theft, call an experienced Southern California criminal defense attorney immediately. The new change in petty theft law may mean that you were charged incorrectly, and that a misdemeanor petty theft charge is appropriate. Contact a Southern California petty theft lawyer to discuss your defense.
Under no circumstances should you speak to law enforcement, except to state that you wish to remain silent and wish to contact an attorney.
If you are facing petty theft charges, you will need an experienced Southern California criminal defense firm to vigorously represent you at all phases of trial. At Wallin & Klarich, we have helped people charged with a variety of crimes, including petty theft, for over 40 years. Call us today at (888) 280-6839. We will be there when you call.
