According to the Fullerton Police Department, police officers responded to the area of W. Wanda Dr. and W. Chapman Ave. early Friday morning to investigate a probable residential burglary.
It turns out that three people (two adult men and one adult female) believed that breaking into someone else’s home was a good life decision. Spoiler: it was not.
Related posts
The three suspects were all arrested and charged with residential burglary.
Residential burglary, commonly known as first-degree burglary, is classified as a serious felony in California. Here’s a rundown of the penalties that the three Fullerton suspects may face:
Residential burglary in California is defined as entering an inhabited dwelling (e.g., house, apartment, or trailer) with the intent to conduct theft or a felony.
Legal Definition
Under California Penal Code § 459 and § 460, residential burglary is defined as entering an inhabited dwelling (such as a house, apartment, or trailer) with the intent to commit theft or any felony inside.
Penalties
If found guilty, the suspects might face:
- State Prison Time: 2, 4, or 6 years in California state prison.
- Fines: Up to $10,000.
- Strike Offense: It counts as a strike under California’s Three Strikes Law, which can lead to harsher penalties for future convictions.
- Probation: In some cases, the court may grant formal probation instead of prison time, especially for first-time offenders or if mitigating circumstances exist.
Additional Consequences
- If someone was present in the home during the burglary, it may be classified as a violent felony, requiring the convicted person to serve at least 85% of their sentence before being eligible for parole.
- For non-U.S. citizens, a conviction may result in deportation or denial of naturalization.
- It may also affect professional licensing and future employment opportunities.
