Minor Restitution Fines and Retail Theft
In 2024, the California Legislature continued to focus on rehabilitating minors by eliminating restitution fines. It also cracked down on retail theft with increased sentencing.
Gov. Gavin Newsom Signs ‘Smash-and-Grab’ Bill AB 1960 to Crack Down on Retail Theft
Under AB 1960, courts will be required to impose an enhanced sentence when “suspects take, damage, or destroy property valued at over $50,000.” The bill also reinstates a tiered system of penalty enhancements. Under the bill, if the loss or property value is over $50,000, the court will impose an additional term of one year; any loss or property value exceeding $200,000 will trigger an additional term of two years; and so on.
Gov. Newsom Signs AB 1186 to Eliminate Restitution Fines for California Minors
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law Assembly Bill 1186, which eliminates restitution fines for minors adjudged to be a ward of the court, clarifies the amount of restitution owed by a minor in cases of stolen or damaged property, and provides that for the purpose of restitution, minors are severally liable, and not jointly and severally liable, as co-offenders.