Officers in Santa Barbara County Arrest Woman on Package Theft Charges
According to a report from KEYT-TV, a 43-year-old woman from Los Angeles has been arrested on package theft charges in Santa Barbara County. The Santa Barbara County's Sheriff Office reports that she allegedly stole packages from a delivery driver and several other people. The woman is facing several different criminal charges and is being held in county jail on $50,000 bail.
Local law enforcement are warning people to watch out for package theft this holiday season. A spokesperson for the Santa Barbara County Sheriff Office noted that they will be taking enforcement action to stop package theft. In this article, our Santa Barbara theft defense attorney provides an overview of the key things that you should know about package theft charges in California.
A Brief Guide to Package Theft Charges in California
Package theft is a significant issue in California and throughout the United States. A recent survey from C+ R Research found that more than half of people nationwide report a stolen package each year—with the average theft amount totaling $106. Stealing a package is a serious criminal offense in California. Here are three things to know about package theft charges in Santa Barbara County:
Package Theft Can be Charged as Mail Theft: In California, package theft is generally charged under Penal Code 530.5(e) as the crime of ‘mail theft.' Under this section of state law, package theft is a misdemeanor criminal offense.
Criminal Penalties Can be Significant: The criminal penalties for violating California's mail theft law can be substantial. While Penal Code 530.5(e) is a misdemeanor offense, it carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison, a $1,000 fine, and payment of financial restitution worth the full value of the theft.
Defendants May Face Additional Charges: With a package theft case, a defendant may face additional charges beyond the mail theft under PC 530.5(e). For example, in the recent arrest of the 43-year-old Los Angeles woman, a number of different criminal charges were filed. As she allegedly stole a package directly from a delivery driver, she is facing a burglary charge. If physical force was used to steal a package, a defendant could face felony charges.
Every criminal case is unique—and a package theft charge is certainly no exception. If you or someone you know was arrested on package theft charges in Santa Barbara, an experienced criminal defense lawyer can review the specific circumstances, explain your options, and take action to protect your rights.
Schedule a Confidential Consultation with A Santa Barbara Theft Crimes Defense Attorney
At Andrade Law Offices, our Santa Barbara criminal defense attorney has the professional skills and legal experience to handle the complete range of theft charges. If you or someone you know was arrested for package theft or any related office, we can help. Give us a call or contact our team online for a confidential consultation. Our law firm serves communities all over Santa Barbara County, including in Santa Barbara, Goleta, Solvang, Lompoc, Santa Maria.