On Saturday, one of the Irvine Police Department’s K9 officers spotted a suspicious van in the commercial area of Sky Park.
When the officer stopped the vehicle, he determined it was stolen.
The officers found narcotics, mail belonging to Irvine residents, and three access cards belonging to other people inside the car.
One of the passengers also had a blank check belonging to another person.
The three people inside the van, who were Santa Ana residents, were arrested on a variety of charges.
Here are the penalties for auto theft, narcotics, and mail theft in California:
Auto Theft
- Grand Theft Auto: If the vehicle is valued at more than $950, it can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. A misdemeanor carries up to one year in jail, while a felony can result in 16 months, two years, or three years in prison12.
- Petty Theft of a Vehicle: If the vehicle is valued at $950 or less, it is a misdemeanor with penalties of up to six months in county jail, a fine of $1,000, or both1.
Narcotics
- Simple Possession: Possession of controlled substances can be a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the substance and amount. Penalties range from fines to up to one year in jail for misdemeanors3.
- Possession for Sale: This is a felony with penalties of two, three, or four years in jail, and fines up to $20,000. If the drugs involved are cocaine or heroin, penalties can be much harsher4.
Mail Theft
Mail Theft: This is a misdemeanor offense, punishable by up to one year in county jail and a fine of up to $1,00056.
