Recent Changes in California Law Affecting Criminal Defense
The law is evolving, and as a California resident, these changes affect you. A slew of new laws went into effect at the start of 2025, many of which target how different criminal charges are categorized and prosecuted. Learning more about these changes can help you better protect your rights if you are accused of a crime. If you are arrested, the criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Robin D. Perry & Associates can help.
The team at the Law Offices of Robin D. Perry & Associates is passionate about protecting Californians’ rights and privacy, and that extends to your rights when you are accused of a crime. Our criminal defense law firm can fight for the best outcome for you while ensuring that our criminal justice system does not violate your rights. Robin D. Perry, Esq., worked as a Deputy District Attorney prior to starting his own firm, giving him unique insight and experience that puts him in the best position to help his clients. Find out how we can help you by calling us at 562-216-2944.
Consolidated Charges for Theft
Two different bills tackle this issue. AB 2943 permits prosecutors to combine the value of property stolen from different people or in different counties to reach the threshold for felony grand theft. This means that someone who previously would have faced a misdemeanor for a smaller amount of stolen property may instead face felony charges if multiple retailers or victims report the theft. SB 905 tackles this issue on the automobile theft side.
Sex Trafficking of Minors
Previously, certain solicitation cases involving minor victims were handled as misdemeanors in California. With the passing of SB 1414, purchasing sex or soliciting sex from those under the age of 16 is a felony. The law also allows prosecutors to charge perpetrators with a felony if they repeatedly target victims who are at least 16 years old. With this law, California legislators hope to address the growing issue of sex trafficking in the state by holding offenders accountable. This could signal a drastic change for criminal defense lawyers who regularly handle sex offenses, as the consequences for a felony are dramatically different from misdemeanor penalties.
Stiffer Sentences for Repeat Offenders
Proposition 36, voted on in 2024, makes it easier for prosecutors to request tougher penalties for repeat offenders. Specifically, this legislation permits felony charges for certain drug possession charges and thefts under $950 if the offender has two previous drug or theft convictions. This is a significant turnaround from changes made to California law in 2014, which downgraded some nonviolent offenses to misdemeanors. However, increasing crime in the state seems to have made voters more open to tougher penalties. Criminal defense law firms will have to adjust how they handle cases involving repeat offenders as a result of this law; what may have previously been a misdemeanor may now be a felony if the offender has two prior offenses. This will likely lead to changes in attorneys’ strategies and risk tolerance.
Enhancements for Certain Felonies
Large-scale theft is a growing problem throughout California, with smash-and-grab thefts that target retail stores resulting in tens of thousands of dollars in losses for retailers throughout the state. These thefts are often carefully planned and carried out, and victims often have minimal recourse. A change in state law added sentencing enhancements for offenders who sell stolen property worth $50,000 or more. On a similar note, a new law makes it a crime to own property that was stolen during a vehicle theft.
What This Means for Criminal Defense Attorneys
Your right to be considered innocent until proven guilty is a crucial right in America, and with a flurry of new laws increasing penalties and toughening up law enforcement, it’s even more important to safeguard your rights. Moving forward, criminal defense lawyers in Southern California will work aggressively to defend clients’ rights and ensure their fair treatment.
Find Out How the Law Offices of Robin D. Perry & Associates Can Help You
If you’ve been accused of a crime in California, make sure you have the legal representation you need to fight for your future. Set up a consultation with the team at The Law Offices of Robin D. Perry & Associates now—call us at 562-216-2944 or fill out our online contact form.
Attorney Robin D. Perry has been part of the Long Beach Community for over 25 years handling business litigation, employment litigation and advising, criminal defense, personal injury and code enforcement defense for businesses.
