People v. J.J.

J.J. took down a political sign in his neighborhood that didn’t belong to him during the last presidential race. The neighbor who put the sign up called the police. He was charged with both Theft and Trespass. We were able to show that he was on H.O.A. communal property when he removed the sign. We also pointed out that Theft requires a finding that the item taken was a “thing of value.” So regardless of any political leanings, a political sign is free and is not a “thing of value.” This case was dismissed.