On Sunday morning, Oange County Sheriff deputies were patrolling a neighborhood on an unrelated call when they spotted a suspicious male fleeing a parked vehicle, according to San Clemente Police Services.
The vehicle was recently reported stolen out of Anaheim.
After a quick pursuit, the suspect—a probationer from Anaheim—was apprehended. A search revealed methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and a controlled substance.
The suspect was arrested for:
- Possession of a stolen vehicle
- Possession of methamphetamine
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Possession of a controlled substance (with 2 prior convictions)
Here are the plain-text penalties for each of the charges the suspect faces under California law:
1. Possession of a Stolen Vehicle
- Charge: Penal Code § 496d PC
- Type: Wobbler (can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony)
- Penalties:
- Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail and/or a fine up to $1,000
- Felony: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in jail and/or a fine up to $10,000
2. Possession of Methamphetamine
- Charge: Health & Safety Code § 11377(a)
- Type: Usually a misdemeanor, but can be a felony with prior serious convictions
- Penalties:
- Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine up to $1,000
- Felony (with serious priors): 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in jail and/or a fine up to $10,000
3. Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Charge: Health & Safety Code § 11364
- Type: Misdemeanor
- Penalties:
- Up to 6 months in county jail and/or a fine up to $1,000
- May also result in professional license suspension if applicable
4. Possession of a Controlled Substance (with 2 prior convictions)
- Charge: Health & Safety Code § 11350 or similar
- Type: Likely a felony due to prior convictions
- Penalties:
- Felony: Up to 3 years in state prison, substantial fines, and extended probation
- Prior convictions can trigger enhanced sentencing, especially under California’s “Three Strikes” law