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In the early hours of this morning, around 2 a.m., deputies patrolling Los Alisos Blvd. & Jeronimo Rd. spotted a vehicle displaying two stolen plates, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Lake Forest Police Services.
A records check confirmed it was stolen a month ago out of Anaheim.
As deputies investigated, two individuals attempted to flee in an Uber but were quickly detained. Both were linked to the stolen vehicle, and additional illegal narcotics were found.
With prior convictions elevating the charges, both suspects were arrested on multiple felony counts.
In California, the penalties for auto theft can be quite severe, especially if you have a prior criminal record:
- Grand Theft Auto: If the vehicle is valued at more than $950, it is considered grand theft auto. This can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. A felony conviction can result in a prison sentence of 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years.
- Repeat Offenders: Under Penal Code § 666.5 PC, if you have a prior conviction for auto theft or a related offense, the penalties increase. A repeat offense can lead to a longer prison sentence, typically 2, 3, or 4 years.
- Joyriding: If the intent was to temporarily take the vehicle, it might be charged as joyriding under Vehicle Code 10851 VC. This is usually a misdemeanor for first offenses but can be charged as a felony for repeat offenders.
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