The SDPD has arrested 6 young suspects ranging from age 18 to 20 allegedly involved in a crime spree throughout Chula Vista that included an attempted homicide, criminal conspiracy, mayhem, home burglaries and stealing from middle school students on the streets on the weekend of June 20.
A 5th and 6th suspect, both 17-year-old Chula Vista residents, was also taken into custody and booked into juvenile hall for attempted homicide and robbery. However, the San Diego District Attorney’s office is considering charging them as adults as one of them turns 18 this month. What is more bizarre in this story is that the SDPD is looking for a 7th suspect in this group. He is wanted on charges of attempted homicide and robbery and at large. The CVPD believes there are more victims out there who have been assaulted or robbed by this group of suspects.
Robbery Charges in California
This story is bizarre, but here is a basic breakdown of all the potential charges this group faces:
- Assault- is defined as the “application of force” that is harmful to someone. It is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a fine of $1,000. This charge is typically brought in addition to charges of battery, or assault with a deadly weapon, which is punishable by a felony of up to 4 years in jail.
- Robbery- is defined as the act of taking someone else’s property by force or fear. A 1st degree robbery conviction is punishable by 3-6 years in California state prison and a $10,000 fine. If there are multiple victims as there are in this case, you will be charged with a different count of robbery for each victim. Additionally, there are sentencing enhancements in California depending on whether the robbery was committed with a gun, or whether the victim suffered great bodily injury. This crime also qualifies for California’s 3 Strikes Law.
- Theft (also called larceny)- is defined as the act of permanently withholding a property owner’s right to property. California distinguishes between petty theft and grand theft.
- Mayhem- is defined in the California Penal Code as the act of unlawfully disabling/disfiguring, or cutting off the limbs/body parts of a victim. It is a felony punishable by 2-8 years in prison and a fine of $10,000.
- Criminal Conspiracy– exists when two or more people agree to commit almost any unlawful act. It is punishable by up to 16 months to 3 years in state prison.
- Attempted murder- is defined as trying to kill someone. It is a felony, but comes with a sentencing enhancement when committed as part of a criminal gang or with a gun. These sentencing enhancements add a minimum of 10-15 years to your sentence.
San Diego Criminal Defense Lawyer
It is important to note that when you face numerous charges, it will be more likely you will be charged and tried as an adult, even if you were a minor at the time of the incident. Prosecutors and police are also cracking down on minors, especially if they have reason to believe the committed crime was connected to gang activity. The Law Offices of David M. Boertje handles all misdemeanor and felony criminal cases. We have successfully represented many defendants, including those with very serious charges such as the ones discussed in this blog. In instances of alleged group activity, we will seek to distinguish the evidence against you specifically, from the evidence of the rest of the group. Contact the office today for a free consultation.