California's Tougher Stance on Looting Amid Ongoing Unrest

In light of the ongoing unrest and instances of flash mob-style looting in Los Angeles, California is implementing a notable shift toward more stringent criminal enforcement. According to criminal defense attorney David Wohl, legal repercussions for looters are becoming increasingly serious following the repeal of Proposition 47, which had exempted theft amounts under $950 from being categorized as felonies. With the appointment of a more conservative District Attorney in Los Angeles, the legal strategy has changed; now, prosecutors are calculating the total value of stolen items by each co-defendant, and if that collectively exceeds $950, all individuals involved face felony charges.

Previously, Los Angeles was perceived as a city that largely overlooked minor thefts and employed softer prosecution measures. However, as protests against federal immigration operations have sparked looting, the legal consequences have drastically changed. Following the passage of Proposition 47 in 2014, which redefined various nonviolent felonies—including shoplifting and theft—as misdemeanors if the stolen value was below $950, critics noted a significant uptick in retail theft. As voter sentiment shifted in 2024, many expressed discontent with the progressive reforms initiated by Proposition 47, leading to the approval of Proposition 36, which reinstated felony charges for repeat offenders and intensified penalties for organized crime.

This policy reversal marks a departure from the leniency favored by the former District Attorney George Gascon, whose administration often prioritized offering multiple chances to offenders. Law experts like William Jacobson highlighted the significant impact of California's previous lax enforcement of laws, pointing out how it has fostered a culture of lawlessness that has manifested in various riots, particularly during protests against immigration enforcement. Recent looting incidents in downtown Los Angeles targeted businesses like Apple and Adidas, with local shop owners expressing dismay over the destruction and theft inflicted upon their establishments.

As city officials prepare for further protests, many businesses have taken precautionary measures, boarding up windows and hiring security. Attorney General Pam Bondi delivered a stern warning to potential looters, indicating that they would now face serious felony charges under the Hobbs Act, marking a clear shift from previous non-prosecution attitudes. The administration has emphasized a firm commitment to holding individuals accountable for violations against both property and law enforcement.