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RECENT NEWS

New Law: Veterans Now Eligible for DUI Diversion

By michaelfannon • August 25, 2017
On August 7, 2017, Governor Brown signed SB 725 which amends Penal Code section 1001.80 regarding veteran’s diversion by adding subdivision (l) to take effect as urgency legislation. Subdivision (l) now states: “Notwithstanding any other law, including Section 23640 of the Vehicle Code, a misdemeanor offense for which a defendant may be placed in a [..] The post New Law: Veterans Now Eligible for DUI Diversion appeared first on Ryan Birss, Attorney at Law.

Proposition 57 Update

By michaelfannon • July 26, 2017
My friend Douglas Fienberg from the Fresno County Public Defender’s Office has been carefully tracking the proposed rules for Proposition 57.  You can see the proposed rules here: http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/proposition57/docs/Prop-57-Public-Comment-Regs.pdf. Here is the latest from Mr. Fienberg: There are at least four problems with the proposed regulations. First, the proposed regulations exclude people subject to indeterminate [..] The post Proposition 57 Update appeared first on Ryan Birss, Attorney at Law.

California Proposition 57: What You Need to Know

By michaelfannon • November 21, 2016
On November 8, 2016, California voters approved Proposition 57, also known as the California Parole for Non-Violent Criminals and Juvenile Court Trial Requirements Initiative. Here’s a brief look at what Proposition 57 means to California and its citizens. New parole opportunities for those convicted of non-violent felonies. Proposition 57 changes the time calculation for parole [..] The post California Proposition 57: What You Need to Know appeared first on Ryan Birss, Attorney at Law.

Theft Crimes

California divides theft into two categories: petty theft and grand theft. There are also special related charged such as mail theft, auto theft, burglary, and receiving stolen property.


The severity of the charge and potential penalty depends primarily on the amount stolen. Generally, thefts under $950 in value are considered misdemeanors, and anything over that is a felony. Using violence, taking property directly from a person, or breaking into a locked structure may result in additional penalties.


To prove a theft case, the prosecution must show that you had no lawful right to the property and that you had a criminal intent to deprive the owner of the property. This burden may sound easy, but the prosecution is required to eliminate reasonable doubts like mistakes over ownership or bad eyewitness identification.


Because most thefts are nonviolent crimes, you also have several options instead of going to trial. If you have a clean record, a small theft charge may be dropped entirely if you complete community service. The prosecutor may also agree to reduce the charge or sentence if you pay full restitution.


Do you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer serving Shasta, Trinity, Tehama, Siskiyou, and Butte Counties? Call Michael J. Fannon today to schedule a consultation.