In California, if someone steals your car: is it worse if they broke into it to do that?
919059
No. Same charge and penalty.
971936
That happens ALOT where I live.  A couple of my friends have been in accidents that the illegal alien has ran away.  The ones that get caught go to court and are charged a fine that they can make payments to, but if a American gets caught with out Insurance and goes to court they have to pay for fines up front. We not do have the option to make payments. On this one road where I live, they wreck a car and just leave it there and run away.
20411
It depends on what crime, but some of the worst ones are. petty crimes are normal behavior.
943523
I think it does help.  Just not all the time.  When my house was broken into, I gave the cops the descriptions of everything taken and less than a week later they called me because they thought they found my camcorder.  It turned out to belong to another family that got robbed, but yes I do think they recover things that get stolen.
1030247
No matter if it's a misdemeanor or a felony, you would find yourself in a lot of "hot water" (possibly cited, arrested, or jailed) and out of a lot of money trying to defend yourself.  Then you would have to pay penalties to make your car's registration current.   Not worth it.....
1096932
Let me clear up the "it's only a misdemeanor" talk.\n\nIf they entered a business with the intent to use them (i.e. theft of money) it is a felony burglary. And no, I am not kidding.\n\nIn CA, all it takes is entering the business with the intent to commit theft, regardless of the amount stolen!\n\nCA's definition of theft includes taking property or money "by any false or fraudulent representation or pretense, defraud any other person of money,..."
849789
Yes,  As long as it was during the commission of a crime.  in your example a vehicle, and you were driving that vehicle, stopped and arrested.  If the police were to impound your vehicle, conduct an inventory of that vehicle to record everything you had in that vehicle as your property and found 20 pounds of dope in the trunk, they have every right to charge you for the dope.   \n\nNow if your vehicle was found abandoned on the side of the road and the police towed it,  I dont believe that the police should pop open your trunk.
222391
report the car as stolen
600679
Not sure about California, but in many states, the arresting agency can seize anything used in drug related activities, including vehicles, money, laptops, phones, etc.
521278
I'd say you hit it just right.  Yes, it can happen. I've punched a guy in a parking lot trying to break into my car.  His eye popped out and dangled there.  I was more shocked than he. Luckily for him we where across the street from a clinic.  I pointed him in the direction and hopped in my car and left.
899299
You are well within your rights to press charges and I encourage it. But I am a city girl and am always thinking with an urban attitude. \n\nLegally, that person will get charged with I am sure (1) breaking and entering, (2) theft, (3) fraud....most of which are felonies. If he has been released he will be arrested and will need a lawyer. He will then go on trial and the courts will contact you. Once you press charges you will be assigned a detective or a person of contact within the police department. \n\nPersonally...I am afraid that this person has had the opportunity to look in your wallet, know your address, and may be even have made COPIES OF YOUR KEYS. I really am not trying to scare you, but as a single woman, we have to look out for any possible scenarios that may put us in harm's way. \n\nI suggest you atleast change all locks to anything leading in to your home or apartment. I would much prefer you to be safe than suing. \n\nGood Luck to you and I am sorry to hear that someone decided to violate you in that way. Please try to always remember to carry your purse with you and ensure that all valuables are at least in your trunk. Always remember to be very cautious when entering your car.
961844
I know... a thief has more rights than the person being robbed.   Kinda reminds you of the liberals (thieves, more rights) and conservatives (being robbed, less rights).\n\nDoesn't it?
687200
Doesn't sound like a good thing to me, but maybe I'm just crazy.  In a related item, I understand that the crimes "car theft" and "carjacking" are going to be replaced with a "guest driver" program.
402962
parking lots are private property so there has to be a sign posted saying that the property owner has allowed the police to patrol the parking lot.  If there is noting like that there is nothing that they can do to you unless you were pulling on to a city street, at least that is the law in CA
477602
This is what is referred to as an embezzled vehicle. It is a similar charge to vehicle theft. However, the DA's office can pursue theft charges depending on the circumstances.
794547
that depends on your jurisdiction and the dist atty.\nin l.a. you probably wouldn't even go to court.\nin a small town you could go to jail.
618227
No, because if you shoot them you'll go to jail.\n\nAnd don't act like a Latino has never stolen anything in your neighborhood. Because I know a lot of Hispanic thieves