California Supreme Court
People v. Bullard
March 23, 20209 Cal. 5th 94
Summary
The court held that Proposition 47 relief applies to low-value vehicle takings prosecuted under Vehicle Code section 10851 even when the defendant intended only to deprive the owner temporarily, not permanently. Excluding temporary takings would produce the irrational result of punishing less culpable conduct more harshly than permanent theft, contrary to the initiative's purpose. The court reversed the Court of Appeal's judgment and remanded for further proceedings, including resolution of the vehicle's value.