California Proposes Stricter Penalties for Looting

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman and Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer are advocating for stricter penalties for looting during emergencies, proposing legislation that would elevate looting to a felony under California's Three Strikes Law. The new measures would increase potential prison sentences for looting from county jail terms to state prison sentences ranging from two to four years, and introduce a new offense for trespassing with intent to commit theft. Additionally, the proposal includes mandatory judicial review before the release of suspects and makes looting ineligible for diversion programs. This initiative comes in response to a series of wildfires that have devastated the area, resulting in significant loss of life and property. Hochman emphasized the need for strong deterrents against those exploiting disaster victims, describing current laws as inadequate. The district attorneys have urged Governor Gavin Newsom to amend his special legislative session proclamation to include this crucial legislation.