Published on Wednesday, December 29, 2010 12:09 AM PST
Many new criminal laws will go into effect in California come Jan. 1, 2011. The following is only a sample.
Possession of Less Than an Ounce of Marijuana is Now an Infraction. As of January 1, 2011, possession of less than an ounce will be considered an infraction, punishable by not more than a $100 fine.
Grand Theft Dollar Amount Threshold: The threshold amount, which was previously $400, will go up to $950. Grand theft can be charged as either a felony or misdemeanor. A felony grand theft conviction has a penalty of up to three years in state prison. A misdemeanor grand theft conviction is punishable by up to one year in the county jail.
Restitution for Identity Theft Victims To Include Credit Repair and Credit Monitoring: In addition to existing punishments and restitution requirements, people convicted of identity theft will now also be responsible for the costs to repair and monitor the victim’s credit report for as long as it is “reasonably necessary to make the victim whole.”
New Law for Child Abuse Cases: Caregivers who abuse young children in a way that causes serious injury, such as coma or paralysis, will now face up to life in prison.
Ammunition Sales Restrictions: Beginning February 1, 2011, no firearm ammunition vendor shall sell, offer or display for sale, any ammunition in a manner that allows that ammunition to be accessible to a purchaser without the assistance of the vendor or an employee thereof. Ammunition sales may only occur in face-to-face transactions. The vendor is responsible for obtaining a thumb print from the buyer as well as verifying the identity of the buyer with a driver’s license or other official ID. Failure to comply with the new law is a misdemeanor.
For more information, www.california-law.org.
Copyright © 2010 Kern Valley Sun
Comments
No comments posted.
READER COMMENT CRITERION
Use the form below to post a brief comment to this story, or respond to other readers. Please use the word count tool to assist you in keeping your remarks to 100 words or fewer.
- Be respectful of others, the writer and the subjects in the story.
- Comments need to be relevant to the story that is being discussed.
- Posters are responsible for the opinions they express and the accuracy of the information they provide.
- Be aware that, in accordance with the Communications Decency Act and provisions upheld in judicial appeal, you, not the Kern Valley Sun, are responsible for comments posted on this Web site.
- We encourage a civil, collegial, and non-insulting tone.
Comments that are unrelated to the story, repetitious and/or redundant, potentially libelous or damaging innuendo, contain obscene, explicit, or racist language, personal attacks, insults or threats will not be accepted.
Comments are unedited and approved by an editor before appearing on the Web site. Your thoughtful contribution to the online discussion is appreciated.
Article source: http://m.kvsun.com/articles/2010/12/28/news/doc4d1a5f215ac62479932103.txt
Category: Prison Time