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How Did Proposition 47 Change the Penalties for Drug Possession and Other Crimes?

This past Election Day, California voters passed a new law, Proposition 47, which will make some important changes to how drug possession and certain other crimes will be penalized by the criminal justice system. What are some of the changes that the law introduces? Due to Proposition 47, nonviolent drug possession for personal use will…

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Four Things You Might Not Know About Burglary in California | Temecula, Murrieta and Hemet Criminal Law Attorney

Burglary is a common crime in California. Between 2001 and 2006, there were over 200,000 burglaries each year in the state. And yet it’s often misunderstood, with people not being sure what constitutes burglary and possibly confusing it with other crimes such as robbery. The following are four things you might not know about burglary:…

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Finders Keepers? How Failing to Return Lost Property Could Get You Charged with Theft

Let’s say as you’re going about your business, you find someone’s wallet on the ground. Or maybe it’s an iPhone, or a piece of jewelry. What would happen if you pick it up and take it with you, and the police later find it in your possession? Section 485 of the California Penal Code states…

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Charity Worker Accused of Embezzlement Faces 35 Counts of Elder Theft

An employee of a charity that helps disabled people was recently accused of embezzlement. Among the charges he now faces are 35 counts of elder theft. What does it mean to perpetrate elder theft? California Penal Code 368 covers different types of abuse against adults who are classified as dependents or as elderly (at least…

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Grand Theft Auto? $200K Racecar Alleged Stolen In San Bernardino

It’s a story that seems ripped straight from Grand Theft Auto: $200,000 race car that was undergoing renovations has been stolen, according to San Bernardino police. The Press Enterprise reports that the car, a 2008 Dodge Charger, was being souped-up so that it could go a top speed of 200 mph and was undergoing work…

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Grand Theft Scheme Hits California Highways | Temecula, Murrieta and Hemet Defense Attorney

Accused of staging bogus accidents, a 42-year-old man was recently arrested for allegedly conning money from motorists in the Mid-City area as well as the San Fernando Valley. NBC Los Angeles reports that the scheme may have had many more victims. Among other charges, the individual faces accusations of grand theft. What is Grand Theft?…

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After the Target security breach, a quick review of credit card fraud | Temecula, Murrieta and Hemet Criminal Defense Attorney

Target has been in the news in recent weeks for a major credit and debit card data security breach affecting approximately 40 million accounts. Though it isn’t yet clear who’s behind the breach, there’s already evidence that the sensitive account information is being sold on the black market. Let’s take the opportunity now to review…

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Corona Man Suspected Of Being ‘Buttondown Bandit’ Responsible For 5 Bank Robberies | Temecula, Murrieta and Hemet Criminal Defense Attorney

A 49-year-old Corona man was arrested in mid-December after allegedly robbing a bank in Redlands. Police believe he is ‘The Buttondown Bandit,’ to whom they attribute five Southern California bank robberies over the past month. According to the Press-Enterprise, the man is believed to have robbed the Pacific Western Bank location in the 200 block…

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Temecula Man Suspected Of Robbery Arrested At Pechanga Casino | Temecula, Murrieta and Hemet Criminal Defense Attorney

A 28-year-old Temecula man was arrested Thursday, Dec. 5, on suspicion of robbing the Submarina California Subs in Murrieta. According to The Murrieta Patch, a man walked into the sandwich shop in the 3300 block of Antelope Road around 6:30 on Wednesday, Dec. 4, and demanded cash from employees. It does not seem a weapon…