It was recently reported that in Columbus, Ohio, more than $100,000 went missing after a bag of cash fell from an armored car into an intersection. Passing motorists abruptly stopped to get grab handfuls of bills. About $100,000 was picked up by police officers and $12,000 more was returned by good Samaritans after the bag hit the pavement, was run over and split open Wednesday morning. About 15 to 20 people scrambled to grab cash. Local police reported that there were $20 bills everywhere and money was money floating all over the place.

The owner of the armored car company transporting the money complained that “it’s not free money” and “it’s different than walking down the street and finding a $5 bill laying there. This is clearly marked, identifiable money that belongs to somebody else laying in the middle of a busy intersection with bank bags lying all over the place.” Police warned drivers that people who fail to return cash could face charges such as grand theft.

Similarly, in California, individuals who take property that is not theirs will face theft charges. Grand theft is defined in California as the taking of money, labor, or real or personal property whose value exceeds $400. If this had occurred in California, any of the drivers who stopped to take the money would be facing grand theft charges if the amount of money taken was more than $400. Punishment for grand theft includes imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year or in the state prison.

If you or a loved one is facing charges for grand theft or any other theft crime, contact our Orange County theft crime attorneys at Wallin and Klarich. Wallin & Klarich will help protect your rights and find the best defense strategy for your case. For over 30 years, our attorneys have been helping clients get probation or community service in lieu of jail time. Please call us at (888) 280-6839 or visit our website at www.wklaw.com. We will be there when you call.