Last Thursday, police officers investigated a man trying the door handles of several parked vehicles in an apartment complex on Via Ricasol, according to the Irvine Police Department.
When the IPD officers arrived, the man tried to escape but he was detained outside the apartment complex.
After searching his backpack, the officers found a window glass breaker and drug paraphernalia.
The 30-year-old man from Costa Mesa was arrested on charges including vehicle tampering, resisting arrest, possession of burglary tools, and drug paraphernalia.
The suspect faces misdemeanor charges in California, each carrying potential jail time, fines, and probation. Here’s a breakdown of the penalties for each charge:
- Vehicle Tampering (California Vehicle Code § 10852):
- Misdemeanor offense.
- Up to 1 year in county jail.
- Possible fine up to $1,000.
- Probation may be granted in lieu of jail time.
- Resisting Arrest (Penal Code § 148(a)(1)):
- Misdemeanor offense.
- Up to 1 year in county jail.
- Possible fine up to $1,000.
- May include probation and mandatory community service.
- Possession of Burglary Tools (Penal Code § 466):
- Misdemeanor offense.
- Up to 6 months in county jail.
- Possible fine up to $1,000.
- Court may consider intent and prior criminal history.
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Health & Safety Code § 11364):
- Misdemeanor offense.
- Up to 1 year in county jail.
- Possible fine up to $1,000.
- May be eligible for diversion programs or drug treatment instead of jail.
If convicted on all charges, the penalties could be served concurrently or consecutively, depending on the court’s discretion and the suspect’s criminal history. Probation, fines, and mandatory programs are often part of sentencing for first-time offenders.