Theft Crimes - Part 2

DNA Used to ID 3 Car Burglary Suspects

Los Angeles authorities have used DNA samples to identify three auto burglary suspects, according to an article. Police have taken one man into custody for the burglary in Los Angeles and are searching for the other two.

Blood left on a door handle identified one of the individuals to his car theft. His DNA was a match for a car burglar who smashed the window of a sports car parked near 4th and Hill streets in 2007 and removed cash. In another case, blood found on a paper bag left by a car burglar in 2008 was collected and placed in the laboratory queue for analysis.

The blood was analyzed a year later and the results were added to a state database. The final suspect was identified from a burglary in which a window was smashed and a stereo and CDs were stolen from a car parked on Jesse Street west of Santa Fe Avenue.

DNA evidence has been used much more in recent years, but usually in cases that involve more serious charges like murders and sexual assaults. The article indicates that this may be changing, however, after a study completed last year involving the LAPD showed that when investigators recovered usable DNA samples from property crime scenes, a suspect could be identified in 45% of the cases.

Huntington Beach Bank Robber Arrested

The website hbindependent.com reported in a story on May 15, 2009 that an Orange County homeless man was arrested just a block from Comerica Bank with bags full of cash. Patrick Murphy, 53 was found with approximately $20,000 in cash just one hour after the robbery of the Huntington Beach Bank. Police stated that Murphy is a well known transient in that Orange County area.

According to police reports, Murphy walked into the Comerica Bank at 17011 Beach Blvd sometime after 1:00 p.m. Two minutes later police were alerted of the robbery by an alarm in the bank. Murphy verbally asked for money from a bank teller.

Fitting the robber’s description, Murphy was located one block away in front of the Howard Johnson hotel on Beach Boulevard. Police report that he later admitted to the robbery. Police do not have any other signs that Murphy was involved in other robberies. Murphy was booked at the Huntington Beach Police Department City Jail.

Lt. Russell Reihnart said, “When he was arrested, he was armed with a pocketknife in his jacket pocket.”

There are a variety of different theft crimes in California, which carry serious legal repercussions. Listed are just a few theft related crimes that may result in harsh punishments, if convicted: identity theft, petty theft, grand theft, and burglary.

California theft and robbery charges can be serious offenses that carry heavy fines and heavy jail sentences. If you have been arrested for committing a theft crime in California, you need the immediate assistance and representation of an experienced Orange County theft defense attorney at the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf. Our experienced Orange County, California criminal defense lawyers have over 30 years of experience defending the rights of clients who have been accused of a variety of criminal charges. If you are facing theft crime charges, please contact the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf at [number type=”1″] for a free consultation.

Los Angeles Juvenile Robberies Arrest Two For Thefts

A recent article reported on February 10, 2009 that two juveniles were arrested in connection with an outbreak of robberies in the last month. Echo Park and Silver Lake were the locations of these street robberies. According to police reports, the suspects would approach males walking by themselves between the hours of midnight and 3 am. Police reports show that a search warrant was done on one of the suspect’s house and many stolen items were recovered including iPods, mobile phones, and guns and knives used in the Los Angeles robberies.

Due to the suspects being juveniles, their identity will not be disclosed by the authorities. This Los Angeles theft crime remains open and the police urge anyone with information to contact the detectives of Northeast Area Gang at 213-847-4263.

There are a variety of different theft crimes, which in California, carry with them serious legal repercussions. Listed are just a few theft crimes in Los Angeles that may result in harsh punishments, if convicted: identity theft, petty theft, grand theft, and burglary.

There are a variety of Federal and California State laws which have been enacted to severely punish people convicted of theft and juvenile crimes in Los Angeles. Crimes involving the theft of another person’s belongings are taken very seriously in Los Angeles and California, with the legal repercussions being very harsh. The knowledgeable and skilled Los Angeles juvenile crime defense lawyers at the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf can help you in your time of need. Please call [number type=”1″] for a free consultation.

Irvine Eagle Scout Sentenced in Theft Case

In a story that illustrates that even our most trusted and accomplished citizens are not exempt from committing crimes, an 18-year-old Irvine Eagle Scout arrested last month on suspicion of stealing iPods, cash and cigarettes from vehicles pleaded guilty to sevenmisdemeanor theft counts in court last week and was sentenced to 60 days in jail. Carter Andrew Sudeith will begin serving his time on Monday, July 28th and will serve 3 years probation upon his release.

Sudeith was arrested on June 18th, just hours after his high school graduation, police said. He was dressed in black and had a backpack full of stolen good that he had taken from unlocked cars in the school parking lot. He eventually pleaded guilty to six misdemeanor counts of petty theft and one misdemeanor count of possession of burglary tools.

Petty theft is a crime a crime in which an individual knowingly steals another person’s property that amounts to no more than $400. Depending on the circumstances of the theft crime, it can either be labeled a petty theft, a grand theft, or a burglary. Other serious theft related crimes include misuse of public funds, counterfeiting, first degree burglary, second degree burglary, embezzlement, bribery, receiving stolen property, and theft of artwork. Although most theft crimes have standard penalties, the jail term and/or fine may be drastically increased depending upon the situation.