California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed more than 730 bills into law last year, most of which went into effect on January 1st. Here are some of the more noteworthy that affect California criminal law.
Regarding Marijuana:
Despite the fact that California voters recently declined to legalize marijuana, a new law reduces the crime of possessing less than an ounce of marijuana from a misdemeanor to an infraction.
Violations will not become a part of the defendant’s criminal record.Medical marijuana dispensaries may not open within 600 feet of a school.
Regarding Children:
Chelsea’s law (which actually took effect a few months ago) provides longer sentences and tougher parole conditions for those who are convicted of sex crimes against minors.
There will be longer prison sentences for anyone who causes permanent physical injury or disability to a child younger than 8.
Adults who knowingly provide alcohol to a minor…when the minor harms another person as a result…will be subject to civil liability.
Regarding Real Estate Fraud:
New laws not only make it easier for victims of foreclosure fraud to seek monetary damages from those who prey on their misfortune but also increase the penalties for those who pose as property owners to scam tenants in foreclosed and vacant homes.
Miscellaneous Laws:
The minimum threshold for a crime to be considered grand theft rises from $400 to $950.
The minimum fine facing domestic violence offenders who receive probation increases from $200 to $400.
New laws ban possessing a firearm in designated areas in public transit facilities, including train and subway stations.
And finally…if you are convicted of your third offense for fare evasion on the public transit system, you face a $400 fine or 90 days in a county jail.
