California looters just got a wake-up call they weren’t expecting. After years of receiving only minor consequences, these criminals are discovering the hard way that California’s justice system is no longer playing games.
Criminal defense attorney David E. Wohl sat down with Fox News to break down exactly what’s happening.
The Party’s Over for Retail Thieves
We’ve all seen the videos. Flash mobs hit stores, people walking out with armfuls of merchandise as if it were Black Friday, but without the checkout lines. Wohl didn’t mince words during his appearance on Fox News. Looters in California are about to learn that those days are officially done.
He straight-up told viewers that Los Angeles now has a DA who’s “very conservative and hard-charging.” This isn’t your grandfather’s prosecutor who might cut you some slack. This guy is adding up everything stolen by each person in the group, and if it hits $950 or more, boom – everyone gets slapped with felony charges.
Watch the full interview here: 
What Actually Changed?
Remember Proposition 47? That 2014 ballot measure essentially stated that if you steal less than $950 worth of property, you’re looking at a misdemeanor. Shoplifters had a field day with this one. Fast forward to 2024, and California voters had enough. They passed Proposition 36, which basically flipped the script.
Looters arrested in California during those recent anti-ICE protests are finding out what this new world looks like. Attorney General Pam Bondi wasn’t kidding around when she announced they’re hitting looters with federal robbery charges under the Hobbs Act. She made it crystal clear: “No longer are the days of non-prosecution for looting.”
The Legal Reality Check
David Wohl has been doing this for over 25 years. He’s seen more than 65 jury trials, so when he talks about how things have changed, people listen. His insight into criminal defense strategy in this new environment is invaluable for anyone trying to understand what defendants are up against.
California law for looters now includes something prosecutors love – enhanced penalties for group theft. You know those organized smash-and-grab operations we’ve been seeing? They used to fall into these weird legal gray areas. Not anymore. If you’re facing theft crimes charges in California now, you’re dealing with a completely different beast.
No More Second Chances
Remember George Gascon? Wohl described him as being “more liberal than a lot of public defenders.” Under his watch, prosecution got delayed, charges got reduced, and offenders got second, third, fourth, and fifth chances. Those days are gone.
California looters arrested in recent incidents aren’t getting the kid-glove treatment anymore. The shift affects everything from domestic violence cases to serious felonies. Prosecutors across the state are taking notes, and defendants are feeling the heat.
Why This Matters for Anyone Facing Charges
This tough-on-crime wave is reshaping how prosecutors approach all kinds of criminal charges. What used to result in plea bargains and reduced sentences now carries real consequences. The ripple effects extend beyond theft cases, impacting how district attorneys handle everything from misdemeanors to major felonies.
Wohl has built his reputation on results. He’s managed to get serious charges thrown out completely, including cases on looters arrested in California that could have destroyed his clients’ lives. This level of success comes from years of courtroom battles, knowing which arguments work with judges, and never backing down when his clients’ freedom is on the line.
The Bottom Line
California’s criminal justice system just went through a major renovation, and these looters are the first to experience what that means. The combination of new laws, tougher prosecutors, and fed-up voters has created a perfect storm where criminal behavior actually has consequences again.
Protecting Your Future: Why Expert Legal Defense Matters
If you’re facing criminal charges in today’s California, you need someone who understands. David Wohl’s courtroom experience and understanding of how California looters cases are being prosecuted now make all the difference. Don’t gamble with your future – call Wohl Criminal Defense at 909-689-4292 and get the aggressive representation that could save your life.