Last Friday night Orange County Sheriff deputies assigned to Rancho Margarita Police Services were patrol checking local businesses.
A vehicle was stopped leaving one of the businesses and something just didn’t seem right.
An investigation revealed over $2,000 worth of stolen items from a CVS.
The individuals involved were arrested and a juvenile was released to a responsible adult pending additional charges.
In California, stealing $2,000 worth of items from a CVS store would be considered grand theft rather than shoplifting, due to the value exceeding $950.
Grand theft is typically charged as a felony and can result in penalties such as:
- Imprisonment: Up to 3 years in county jail.
- Fines: Up to $10,000.
- Probation: Possible probation terms.
The severity of the penalties can vary based on the circumstances of the theft and the individual’s criminal history.
For juveniles in California, the approach to grand theft is different from that for adults. The juvenile justice system focuses more on rehabilitation rather than punishment. Here are some key points:
- Court Proceedings: Juvenile cases are handled in juvenile court, which aims to educate and rehabilitate rather than punish.
- Penalties: Penalties can include probation, community service, counseling, and educational programs1. Incarceration is less common and usually reserved for serious or repeat offenses.
- Probation: Juveniles may be placed on formal or informal probation, with requirements to meet certain conditions.
The goal is to help juveniles learn from their mistakes and avoid future criminal behavior.
