"Bay Area prosecutors have filed more than 1,200 felony petty theft cases under a tough-on-crime measure California voters overwhelmingly approved last year but charging rates vary widely across the region as some counties more aggressively employ the new penalties."
"Frustrated by viral smash-and-grab robberies, store closures and locked-up merchandise in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly 70% of voters backed Proposition 36, which carried majorities in each of the state's 58 counties."
"Proposition 36, which took effect in mid-December, empowers prosecutors to bring felony charges against repeat petty theft and drug offenders. It reversed a key facet of a landmark crime reform measure voters passed in 2014 that had reduced simple drug possession and most thefts of less than $950 to misdemeanors, which generally carry little jail time. Local district attorneys have broad discretion over how to enforce the measure, reflected in varying charging rates in the Bay Area and across the state."
Proposition 36, approved by nearly 70% of California voters, took effect in mid-December and allows prosecutors to seek felony charges for repeat petty theft and repeat drug offenders. The measure reversed part of a 2014 reform that had downgraded many thefts under $950 to misdemeanors. Bay Area prosecutors filed more than 1,200 felony petty theft cases in the law's first months, with San Mateo County filing 365 cases and recording the region's highest rate. Local district attorneys retain broad discretion, producing wide variation in charging practices. Prosecutors and retailers say the law helps combat retail theft, while experts say it is too early to judge effects due to limited data.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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