On January 31, 2025, at 8:56 PM, the Newport Beach Police Department dispatch center received a report of a residential burglary in progress in the area of East Coast Highway and Pelican Point. NBPD officers, along with a K-9 unit and the Huntington Beach PD helicopter, quickly responded to the scene and established a secure perimeter around the property.
The suspect was located and surrendered without incident.
The suspect, Christopher A. Ramirezsilva, a 30 year-old male, resident of Santiago, Chile, was taken into custody and transported to the Newport Beach Police Department Jail for processing.
The arrest charges included suspicion of Residential Burglary and Possession of a Controlled Substance.
Penalties for Residential Burglary in California
In California, home burglary is classified as first-degree burglary and carries significant penalties:
- Definition: First-degree burglary involves entering an inhabited dwelling with the intent to commit theft or any felony.
- Penalties: It is considered a felony and is punishable by:
- 2, 4, or 6 years in state prison.
- It is also a “strike” under California’s Three Strikes Law, which can lead to enhanced penalties for repeat offenders.
Penalties in California for Possession of a Controlled Substance
In California, the penalties for possession of a controlled substance can vary based on several factors, including the type and amount of the substance, and whether the individual has prior offenses. Here are the key points:
- Misdemeanor Charges: Most simple possession cases are charged as misdemeanors, especially for first-time offenders. The penalties typically include:
- Up to one year in county jail.
- Fines up to $1,000.
- Felony Charges: Possession with intent to sell or possession of larger quantities can lead to felony charges, which carry more severe penalties.
- Diversion Programs: California offers diversion programs for eligible offenders, focusing on rehabilitation through drug education and treatment programs instead of incarceration.
