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California Prosecutors Charge First Suspect Under Proposition 36; Four Arrested, Including Man with Six Prior Theft Convictions

Dec 23, 2024, 04:49 PM

San Francisco prosecutors have charged their first suspect under Proposition 36, a new law that increases penalties for minor property and drug offenses. This legislation, which is now in effect, aims to address rising concerns over crime and theft in California. The law allows for felony charges and harsher sentences for repeat offenders and group thefts. Four individuals arrested for retail theft at a Bay Area shopping center are among those facing these enhanced penalties. A notable case involves a man with six prior theft-related convictions, charged for allegedly stealing electric scooters from a Target store in Kern County. The implementation of Proposition 36 marks a significant shift in California's approach to crime, with many expressing surprise at the realization that low-level theft is now a felony once again.